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Tacos de Cochinita — Achiote Pork Tacos

Tacos de Cochinita

Achiote Pork Tacos

Achiote-and-citrus cochinita pibil gets reheated in its own juices and piled into warm tortillas, then topped with sharp, pickled xnipec to cut the richness of the pork.

20 min
Serves 12
QuickStreet Food
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✦ Antes de Empezar

Before you cook

What if I don't have leftover cochinita pibil on hand?

This recipe assumes you're starting from already-cooked cochinita pibil and its juices — make a batch ahead using the achiote-and-citrus method, then reheat 3 cups gently before assembling. Those juices are what keep the shredded pork moist once it's back in a warm tortilla.

Ingredientes· 13
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Pork & Marinade

  • 4 lbsPork Shoulder (Butt)cut into 2-inch chunks
  • 3.5 ozAchiote Pasteapprox. 1 package
  • 1 cupBitter Orange Juice (Naranja Agria)or sub 1/2 cup lime juice + 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 6 clovesGarlicpeeled
  • 1 tspMexican Oregano
  • 1/2 tspGround Cumin
  • 1/2 tspGround Coriander
  • 1/4 tspGround Allspiceor whole pimiento de tabasco
  • 2 tbspWhite Vinegar
  • to tasteSalt & Black Pepper

Baking & Serving

  • 2 large sheetsBanana Leavessoftened over flame to wrap meat
  • as neededCorn Tortillas
  • 1 cupPickled Red Onions (Xnipec)for serving (red onion, habanero, lime)

Instrucciones

5 pasos
  1. Calienta la cochinita

    Warm the cochinita

    Warm the cochinita gently in its own juices so the meat stays moist.

  2. Calienta las tortillas

    Warm the tortillas

    Heat the tortillas on a comal and keep them wrapped in a cloth.

  3. Rellena las tortillas

    Fill the tortillas

    Fill each tortilla generously with the warm cochinita.

  4. Agrega el xnipec

    Add the xnipec

    Top with drained xnipec so the acidic pickled onion contrasts with the rich pork.

  5. Sirve

    Serve

    Serve immediately with lime wedges and optional habanero salsa.