Cochinita Pibil Lettuce Taco Bar

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Lake Pátzcuaro and Janitzio Island

📍 Where this dish comes from: Michoacán · Lake Pátzcuaro and Janitzio Island
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Cochinita Pibil Lettuce Taco Bar, plated and ready to serve

Ingredients for Cochinita Pibil Lettuce Taco Bar

Cochinita Pibil Lettuce Taco Bar with pickled red onions

Cochinita Pibil Lettuce Taco Bar

Picture Yucatán's legendary cochinita pibil — deep red from achiote, fragrant with bitter-orange and warm spices — ready in a fraction of the usual time thanks to the Instant Pot.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 290kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 lb pork shoulder cut in 3-inch chunks; sub: pork butt, country-style ribs, or boneless skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 tbsp achiote (annatto) paste sub: 2 Tbsp paprika + 1 tsp cumin + 1 tsp oregano + 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup fresh bitter-orange juice sub: 1/4 cup lime juice + 1/4 cup cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil sub: olive oil or melted lard
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic sub: 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp dried Mexican oregano sub: Mediterranean oregano
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/8 tsp ground cloves
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 16 large butter-lettuce or romaine leaves sub: napa cabbage cups or low-carb tortillas
  • Garnish bar: pickled red onion sliced avocado, radish coins, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, sliced jalapeño, queso fresco crumbs

Instructions

  • Make the marinade: Whisk achiote paste, orange/lime juice, oil, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, cloves, and broth until smooth.
  • Load the pot: Place pork chunks and bay leaf in the Instant Pot. Pour marinade over, turning meat to coat.
  • Pressure-cook: Seal lid. Set Manual | High | 45 min. Allow 10 min natural release, then quick-vent the rest. Remove bay leaf.
  • Shred & reduce: Transfer pork to a bowl; shred with two forks. Switch pot to Sauté | High and simmer juices 5 min until slightly thick. Return pulled pork; toss to glaze. Adjust salt.
  • Serve taco-bar style: Set out lettuce leaves, pork, and garnishes. Build tacos: lettuce cup → pork → pickled onion → avocado → cilantro → lime squeeze.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 290kcal | Protein: 27g | Fat: 19g | Fiber: 2g
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Cooking Cochinita Pibil Lettuce Taco Bar in the kitchen

About This Dish

Picture Yucatán’s legendary cochinita pibil — deep red from achiote, fragrant with bitter-orange and warm spices — ready in a fraction of the usual time thanks to the Instant Pot.

Health Benefits

  • Lettuce leaves replace the tortillas traditionally used for cochinita pibil, keeping this low-carb.
  • Pork shoulder provides the protein and fat that make this dish filling.

Pairs Well With

  • Taco Jar Salad
  • Air-Fried Avocado Fries
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