Cochinita Pibil (Beef Version)

Cochinita Pibil (Beef Version)

Prep Time 4 hours
📈 Difficulty Medium
👥 Servings
8

A Yucatán-inspired slow-cooked beef dish marinated in achiote paste and citrus juices, wrapped in banana leaves and braised until fall-apart tender.

Nutrition & Info

353 kcal per serving
Protein 17.7g
Carbs 34.0g
Fat 16.1g
Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

gluten-free dairy-free

Instructions

  1. 1

    Dissolve the achiote paste in the bitter orange juice, then mix in the garlic, cumin, oregano, black pepper, and salt to create a smooth, vibrant red marinade.

  2. 2

    Cut the beef chuck into large chunks and coat thoroughly in the achiote marinade, massaging it into the meat, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

  3. 3

    Line a Dutch oven or roasting pan with banana leaves, leaving enough overhang to wrap over the top, then place the marinated beef and all its juices in the center.

  4. 4

    Fold the banana leaves over the meat to create a sealed package, cover the pot tightly with a lid or aluminum foil, and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 3 hours.

  5. 5

    Remove from the oven, open the banana leaf package carefully, and shred the incredibly tender beef with two forks, mixing it back into the flavorful cooking juices.

  6. 6

    Serve the shredded beef on warm corn tortillas topped with pickled red onions, habanero salsa, and fresh cilantro.

💡

Did You Know?

Pibil cooking originated with the ancient Maya, who would slow-cook meats in underground pits called "pibs" lined with hot stones, a technique still used in rural Yucatán villages today.

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