Make this delicious, juicy & healthy Cochinita Pibil! A traditional Mexican pulled pork dish from the state of Yucatan and a favorite of many Mexican food lovers.
🗒️ In This Post
Best Cochinita Pibil
One of the tastiest and most popular Mexican meat dishes is Cochinita Pibil. This slow cooked pork gets its flavor from achiote. It looks spicy due to the red color but its looks are deceiving!
It’s not spicy at all, just flavorful!
The traditional way of making Cochinita Pibil is by cooking in the ground a marinated pig wrapped in banana leaves. It cooks for hours until it’s well done. The end result is pork that just melts in your mouth.
But Who has time for that?!! Plus finding banana leaves is impossible for most people.
The solution my friends is using the slow cooker method! The end result is still the same: shredded pork that is delicious and melts in your mouth. Yum!
🩷 xoxo, Ana
Why this recipe works
- Tender and Juicy Goodness: When you slow-cook the pork, it becomes incredibly tender and juicy. The low, slow heat works its magic resulting in mouthwatering, melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness.
- Effortless Cooking: One of the best things about using a slow-cooker is the set-it-and-forget-it convenience.
- Feeds a Crowd: This dish is perfecto for hosting as this method allows you to prepare a generous amount of pork with minimal effort. Your guests will love the tender and flavorful pork, and you’ll be able to enjoy the party without being tied to the kitchen.
Did you know?
The name derives from the Mayan language. For the Mayans, the “Pib” or “Pibil” was a method of cooking meat. Pib means “buried” or “cooked underground”.
Also “Cochinita” means little pig in English.
Ingredients notes:
**A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.**
How to cook Cochinita Pibil (Slow-Cooker)
Don’t we all love slow cookers since we can set dinner and forget about it? The preparation for this recipe is super easy:
- In a small bowl, dissolve 3.5 ounces of achiote in vinegar. I use a fork to break it down.
- Then add a tablespoon of beef bullion to the achiote/vinegar mix to dissolve that as well.
- Place the pork, achiote mix, beer and soda in the crockpot. Mix and incorporate all ingredients well.
- Cover and cook for 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low.
- The pork is ready when it shreds easily. Remove a few pieces of pork at a time and shred with two forks in a bowl. Note: You can do this step in the crockpot as well but I prefer to do it in a bowl so you don’t risk scratching the crockpot.
Return shredded pork to the crockpot and cook for 30 more minutes. This will ensure all of the meet is infused with the achiote marinate perfectly.
That’s it my friends! Easy peasy right? Now you’re ready to make some amazing tacos with warm corn tortillas, tostadas or just make tortas with the meat.
Serving Suggestions
There are a few must have items when eating Cochinita Pibil. They add the perfect layers of flavor and will elevate your taste buds to the max
- Mexican Pickled Red Onions add a perfect crush and citrus flavor to your tacos. Do not skip them!
- A good red salsa like this Chile de arbol salsa or an habanero salsa.
- And fresh lime juice…I can’t forget to list the lime juice!
- Horchata is also a good pairing since it balances well with the spices.
- For side dish you can serve with Arroz Rojo or Arroz Primavera.
- Got leftovers? Make Tortas De Cochinita Pibil!
How to Store
- Fridge: Allow the meat to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: If you want to store cochinita for a longer period, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled meat in a freezer-safe container or freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Seal it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Don’t forget to label the container with the date and contents!
Reheating
- Stovetop: Heat it over medium heat on a skillet, stirring occasionally to ensure even reheating. Once the meat is heated through, it’s ready to be enjoyed.
- Microwave: If you prefer a quicker method, the microwave is a convenient option. Place the meat in a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely to prevent splatters, and heat it in short intervals, stirring in between. Be cautious not to overheat to avoid drying out the dish.
More Mexican Recipes
Print Recipe:
Cochinita Pibil Recipe
Equipment
- Slow cooker
Ingredients
- 3.5 oz achiote bar - annato condiment found in the hispanic section of grocery stores
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1 cube of beef bouillon
- 2 lbs of boneless lean pork loin roast. - Cubed into beef stew size and fat trimmed off
- 12 oz can of coke
- 1 12 oz lite beer - bottle (any brand will do) See the notes if you don't want to use beer.
- salt & pepper to taste if needed
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve the achiote & beef bullion in the vinegar. Use a fork to break it down.
- Place the pork, achiote mix, beer and soda in the crockpot. Mix and incorporate all ingredients well.
- Cook for 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low.
- The pork is ready when it shreds easily. Remove a few pieces of pork at a time and shred with two forks in a bowl. You can do this step in the crockpot as well but I prefer to do it in a bowl so you don’t risk scratching the crockpot.
- Return shredded pork to the crockpot and cook for 30 more minutes. This will ensure all of the meet is infused with the achiote perfectly.
- Serve on tacos or tortas
Notes
- Mexican Pickled Onions add a perfect crush and citrus flavor to your tacos
- A good red salsa like this Chile de arbol salsa.
Your Private Notes
Nutrition
The History
“The history of this delicious Mexican dish dates back to pre-Hispanic times when spices such as chili were used to season different types of dishes. Later, with the arrival of the Spanish to America, they brought pork to this continent. As a result, some of the recipes and preparation techniques of the Mexican people were adapted to use pork as a base, whereas previously they used deer, wild boar, pheasant, or turkey.”
As with many traditional dishes, Cochinita Pibil varies from region to region. Each area adds its unique twist, making the dish even more diverse and exciting. Some regions use different types of meat, while others introduce local spices and ingredients. There are even vegetarian and vegan versions of the dish available, catering to various dietary preferences.
Which one is your favorite?
This recipe was originally published in August 2010 and it has been updated to include new photos and more instructions. Buen Provecho!
I first tried Cochinita Pibil at Taqueria Honorio in Tulum and I was blown away. I had to make it back home and found this recipe on your blog. It was absolutely amazing and so delicious! Thank you 🙏🏽
Yay Christine! I’m so happy to hear you made it and you liked it. I think I make this Cochinita pibil at least once a month. Thanks so much for the feedback and for stopping by. xx Ana
I’d love to try this recipe, but my husband is a recovering alcoholic. In the ingredients section next to the beer, you said that, “See the notes if you don’t want to use beer”, however I did not see anything in the notes about this.
Do you have any suggetions?
Hi Sandy, you don’t have to use the beer. You can use all coke (although it will render a more sweet recipe) or replace the beer with chicken stock. Also non-alcoholic beer will work!
I hope you give this Cochinita a try and let me know how it turns out. Enjoy!
5 star rating
Thank you, Tina!!!
This dish is amazing and so easy to make. LOVED it!
Happy, you loved it!!!
I loved this dish. Had it in the slow cooker during the day and was cooked perfectly in time for dinner. Thank you!
Yes!! Thank you, Bobby.
I am going to have to make this soon! 🙂 I have been finding that many traditional Mexican recipes are a little too spicy for me, so this one is right up my alley.
Perfect Carrie, yes this one is not spicy so you will like it, let me know what you think.
Okay this is seriously so delicious and the meat just melts in your mouth. Yum!
Thank you Shelby!!! One of my favorites meat dishes.
This looks so delicious, juicy and flavorful!! I can totally see it being great as a filling for tacos or burritos too. Can’t wait to try it soon!
Yes, thank you! also you can make them in tortas, delicious. Let me know what you think.
Looks like an amazing recipe, but come on, you can’t call it Cochinita if you’re using coke+beer instead of Sour orange or ANY substitute citric
Cochinita Pibil comes from using the Achiote seasoning and the liquid can be made with anything you want!
Coke cola contains citrus oils (lemon, lime & orange). This will mimic the sour orange “authentic” notes you are boasting about. Coke also contains cinnamon. Do your research before criticizing a recipe. Misinformation is a disease.
Ana…. I love this recipe and will be using it at a Fall gathering in a few weeks! Yum! I’ll take photos and forward.
Thanks for these favorites!!!
Delicioso ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Is it 4 hours on High OR 8 hours on Low – not 4 hours on High AND 8 hours on low???
Thanks.
Hi Kathy, correct Cook for 4 hours on high OR 8 hours on low. I updated the recipe…thanks for the feedback!
Hello
I would like to make this but is there something else I could use that is not beer? I know the alcohol cooks out but wondered if it is extremely important in this recipe?
Thank you
Hi Laura! I’m glad you’re going to give this a try! You can substitute the beer with another coke (a lot of my family just uses coke) or you can do 1 cup of orange juice. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Enjoy!
Wowie zowie! Another winner, Ana!
Banana leaves are abundant here in Thailand! Would love to try this!
Amazing!
That would be amazing! I hope you can find achiote there since everything else it’s easy to find. Enjoy Thailand!
This cochinita recipe it’s so good!!!
Thank you Malena! I’m so glad you liked it!
This took some getting used to on my palate but once I put it all together with all the pairings noted in the recipe that did it! Nice change of pace from traditional chicken and beef tacos.
Thank you Pablo! I’m so glad you ended up liking it! It is truly delicious!
That looks mouthwatering. My friend love Mexican foods and I am sure he will love this. Definitely going to recommend him this dish.
Thanks so much Saif! I’m sure he will love this Cochinita Pibil! Enjoy!
OOOHH this looks absolutely delicious!! Can’t wait to try it soon!
Enjoy this recipe for pibil Vicky!
This recipe looks amazing, the pickles sound delicious and I love a recipe with coke in it!! Can’t wait to give this a go, thanks!
The pickled onions and cochinita pibil are a must! Enjoy Adrianne!
This pulled pork taco recipe looks absolutely amazing! I love how easy this is to make and it’s perfect for weeknights!
Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy this Mexican recipe!
Me salio deliciosa esta Cochinita Pibil!!!! La voy seguir haciendo. Gracias por la receta!
Que bueno que te gusto Malena! Gracias por darme las estrellitas 🙂
Simply amazing.
Thank you!
Made it yesterday! I cant believe how easy it was to make. I actually bought the achiote on Amazon since we dont have a Latin store close by. I’m making it again for Cinco De Mayo!
Yay this makes me so happy to hear you made it! It is delicious! Thanks for stopping by!
Have you ever made this in a slow cooker? I’m thinking of doing so, but liquid amounts would need to be adjusted.
If I’m doing pulled pork, I just run the meat with salt and pepper and put it into the crock, with a little liquid smoke, that’s all. Then let it slowly cook.
Hi Drew! Yes I’ve made it in the slow cooker and I use the same amount of liquid. It comes out perfect! Enjoy!