*Cochinita pibil* tacos are no mere pork tacos. Their fiery hue and smoky-sweet spiced flavor is a showstopper in the taco world, especially when topped off with the bright tang of pickled onions. 

How to Make Cochinita Pibil: Yucatán-Style Pork Tacos Recipe

Cochinita pibil is suckling pig marinated in citrus juice, garlic, and orange-hued achiote paste, then wrapped in banana leaves and roasted in a traditional Mayan underground pit called a pib. It’s a regional delicacy that originated in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. 

While cochinita pibil is traditionally made with suckling pig, it may be easier to use [pork shoulder or pork butt](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/easy-slow-roasted-pork-shoulder-recipe-plus-pork-shoulder-vs-pork-butt). They have more fat than a cut like tenderloin, which ensures a juicy end result after a low and slow cooking time. When prepared in this way, pork butt and shoulder have a similar texture to other pulled pork dishes like carnitas. 

Conchinita Pibil includes the use of *achiote*, a spice paste made of ground annatto seeds and vinegar, along with coriander seeds, Mexican oregano, ground cumin seeds, garlic, and other spices, which is available at many Latin grocery stores as well as online.


*Cochinita pibil* tacos are no mere pork tacos. Their fiery hue and smoky-sweet spiced flavor is a showstopper in the taco world, especially when topped off with the bright tang of pickled onions. 

Cochinita pibil is suckling pig marinated in citrus juice, garlic, and orange-hued achiote paste, then wrapped in banana leaves and roasted in a traditional Mayan underground pit called a pib. It’s a regional delicacy that originated in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. While cochinita pibil is traditionally made with suckling pig, it may be easier to use <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/easy-slow-roasted-pork-shoulder-recipe-plus-pork-shoulder-vs-pork-butt' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/easy-slow-roasted-pork-shoulder-recipe-plus-pork-shoulder-vs-pork-butt","linkCopy":"pork shoulder or pork butt","category":null}'>pork shoulder or pork butt</a>. They have more fat than a cut like tenderloin, which ensures a juicy end result after a low and slow cooking time. When prepared in this way, pork butt and shoulder have a similar texture to other pulled pork dishes like carnitas. Conchinita Pibil includes the use of achiote, a spice paste made of ground annatto seeds and vinegar, along with coriander seeds, Mexican oregano, ground cumin seeds, garlic, and other spices, which is available at many Latin grocery stores as well as online.

What Is Cochinita Pibil?

Yucatán-Style Cochinita Pibil Tacos Recipe

Cochinita pibil tacos are no mere pork tacos. Their fiery hue and smoky-sweet spiced flavor is a showstopper in the taco world, especially when topped off with the bright tang of pickled onions.

Cochinita pibil tacos are no mere pork tacos. Their fiery hue and smoky-sweet spiced flavor is a showstopper in the taco world, especially when topped off with the bright tang of pickled onions. 
