Authentic Cochinita Pibil Tacos with Tangy Pickled Red Onions

Authentic Cochinita Pibil Tacos with Tangy Pickled Red Onions

Tender, slow-roasted pork shoulder marinated in achiote and citrus juices, wrapped in warm corn tortillas and topped with vibrant pickled red onions. This beloved Yucatan specialty brings bold, tangy flavors perfect for spring gatherings.

AI SCORE
88
/100

Authentic Cochinita Pibil Tacos with Tangy Pickled Red Onions

Tender, slow-roasted pork shoulder marinated in achiote and citrus juices, wrapped in warm corn tortillas and topped with vibrant pickled red onions. This beloved Yucatan specialty brings bold, tangy flavors perfect for spring gatherings.

AI SCORE
88
/100
MexicanDinnerDairy-Free
⏱️
285 min
Time
👥
6 people
Servings
🔥
485 kcal
Calories
📊
Medium
Difficulty

Ingredients

  • 1.5 kg pork shoulder, cut into large chunks
  • 100g achiote paste
  • 150ml fresh orange juice
  • 100ml fresh lime juice
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 large red onions, thinly sliced
  • 240ml white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano for pickling
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt for pickling
  • 18 small corn tortillas
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped for serving
  • 2 habanero peppers, sliced (optional)

Instructions

1

In a bowl, combine achiote paste, orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth to create the marinade.

2

Place pork shoulder chunks in a large bowl and coat thoroughly with the achiote marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

3

Prepare pickled onions by combining sliced red onions, white vinegar, sugar, dried oregano, and salt in a jar. Shake well and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

4

Preheat oven to 150°C (300°F). Place marinated pork in a deep roasting pan with bay leaves and cover tightly with aluminum foil.

5

Roast pork for 3.5 to 4 hours until fork-tender and internal temperature reaches at least 75°C (165°F) for food safety.

6

Remove pork from oven and shred using two forks while still warm. Mix shredded meat with pan juices for extra moisture and flavor.

7

Warm corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until pliable.

8

Assemble tacos by placing generous portions of shredded cochinita pibil on warm tortillas. Top with drained pickled red onions, fresh cilantro, and sliced habanero if desired.

9

Serve immediately with extra pickled onions and lime wedges on the side.

🤖
AI Generated & Quality Checked
This recipe was generated by AI and verified before going live — completeness, ratios, logic and prep time all checked.
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