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Pibil-Style Pork

Savor the irresistible flavors of Pibil-style pork, marinated in a vibrant mix of spices and slow-cooked to perfection. A cultural celebration from the Yucatán Peninsula, this dish offers a burst of citrus, smoky notes, and tender meat.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3-4 lbs Pork Shoulder (bone-in) Choose marbled for better flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Annatto Paste Opt for fresh seeds for richer taste if possible.
  • 1 cup Bitter Orange Juice Or a mix of orange and lime juice.
  • 5 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 large Onion (sliced)
  • 1 piece Habanero Pepper (finely chopped) Adjust to taste.
  • 1 tbsp Cumin
  • 1 tbsp Oregano
  • as needed Banana Leaves or Foil For wrapping.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a bowl, combine the annatto paste, bitter orange juice, and minced garlic. Massage this mixture thoroughly into the pork. Cover and let marinate for at least 1 hour; overnight is ideal.
  2. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  3. Place the marinated pork on a large piece of banana leaves or foil, layering it with sliced onions and habanero pepper. Wrap tightly to seal the flavors inside.
Cooking
  1. Transfer the wrapped pork to a baking dish and bake for 4 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender.
  2. Unwrap the banana leaves, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces, and mix in some cooking juices for added moisture.
Serving
  1. Serve in fresh tortillas or on its own, topped with pickled onions, salsa, and roasted vegetables.

Notes

For a healthier option, consider adding diced bell peppers to the dish. You can also use whole grain tortillas for a healthier carb option.