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.SaveSave

3 tacos of cochinita pibil topped with red pickled onions and limes on the side
Make Cochinita Pibil slow cooker

What Is 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!

Achiote, also known as annatto, is a fantastic natural ingredient that comes from the seeds of the achiote tree.

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.

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!

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.
3 cochinita pibil tacos on a green title table with salsas on small bowls
Delicious tacos de Cochinita Pibil with Mexican Pickled onions

Ingredients

  • The Pork: Use boneless lean pork loin (my preferred meat), pork shoulder or pork butt. This rends a tender and low in fat meat. However, if you don’t like to eat pork, you can make it with lean chicken or turkey breast as well.
  • Spices: The main flavor for this dish is Achiote paste (Annatto in English) and can be found in latin grocery stores or if you don’t have one nearby you can buy it on amazon.
  • For the marinade: a coke and a beer (you’ll be amazed how great these two go together!), plus a little vinegar & beef bullion.

Note: Using achiote paste with a coke & a beer is part of our traditional family recipe. Some recipes call for sour orange juice or other citrus juices and mixture cumin seeds, mexican oregano, annatto seeds, garlic cloves, whole spices, a cinnamon stick, bay leaf and other spices.

The ingredients for this recipe on a blue background.

How to cook Cochinita Pibil (Slow-Cooker)

This is a visual overview of the steps to make this recipe. See the detailed list of ingredients & instructions in the recipe card below.

Don’t we all love slow cookers since we can set dinner and forget about it? The preparation for this recipe is super easy:

An achiote bar in a bowl with vinegar.
  1. In a small bowl, dissolve 3.5 ounces of achiote in vinegar. I use a fork to break it down.
A bowl with achiote liquid and beef bullion.
  1. Then add a tablespoon of beef bullion to the achiote/vinegar mix to dissolve that as well.
Pork cut into squares with achiote marinade inside a crockpot.
  1. Place the pork, achiote mix, beer and soda in the crockpot. Mix and incorporate all ingredients well.
Pork cut into squares with achiote marinade inside a crockpot.
  1. Cover and cook for 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low.
Two hands shredding pork in a bowl with two forks.
  1. 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.
Shredded pork in a bowl with corn tortillas on the side.

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.

A taco made with cochinita pibil topped with red pickled onions
This Cochinita Pibil is very juice and delicious!

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

  1. Mexican Pickled Red Onions add a perfect crush and citrus flavor to your tacos. Do not skip them!
  2. A good red salsa like this Chile de arbol salsa or an habanero salsa.
  3. And fresh lime juice…I can’t forget to list the lime juice!
  4. Horchata is also a good pairing since it balances well with the spices.
  5. For side dish you can serve with Arroz Rojo or Arroz Primavera.
  6. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
three tacos made with cochinita pibil topped with red pickled onions
A delicious Cochinita Pibil recipe

I hope you like this recipe! Share it, or leave a rating and comment below. For questions that need an answer right away, please contact  me and I’ll get back to you asap. Gracias!!!! xx, Ana

Print Recipe:

3 tacos of cochinita pibil topped with red pickled onions and limes on the side

Cochinita Pibil Recipe

Servings 10 4 oz servings
Ana Frias
4.97 from 32 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 45 minutes
This Healthy Crockpot Cochinita Pibil recipe is a perfect easy, filling weeknight dinner. Made in the slow cooker with only a few ingredients, it’s low in fat, packed with protein and loaded with flavor!

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
10 4 oz servings

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

Muy Delish Notes:

Serve with the following toppings:
  1. Mexican Pickled Onions add a perfect crush and citrus flavor to your tacos
  2. A good red salsa like this Chile de arbol salsa.

Add Your Own Private Notes

Whenever you come back to this recipe, you’ll be able to see your notes.

Nutrition

Serving: 4ounces | Calories: 149kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 681mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g

The nutritional information and US conversions are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this data. If this is important to you, please verify with your favourite nutrition calculator and/or unit conversion tool.

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! 

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Recipe Rating




38 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I loved this dish. Had it in the slow cooker during the day and was cooked perfectly in time for dinner. Thank you!

  2. 5 stars
    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.

  3. 5 stars
    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!

  4. 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

  5. 5 stars
    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!!!

  6. 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

    1. 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!

  7. Wowie zowie! Another winner, Ana!
    Banana leaves are abundant here in Thailand! Would love to try this!
    Amazing!

  8. 5 stars
    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.

  9. 5 stars
    That looks mouthwatering. My friend love Mexican foods and I am sure he will love this. Definitely going to recommend him this dish.

  10. 5 stars
    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!

  11. 5 stars
    This pulled pork taco recipe looks absolutely amazing! I love how easy this is to make and it’s perfect for weeknights!

  12. 5 stars
    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!

  13. 5 stars
    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.