Yucatan Style Mexican Pulled Pork: Cochinita Pibil

This year the Super Bowl is Sunday February 12h, 2023 Here’s a great Super Bowl party recipe with an international spin with Yucatan style Mexican pulled pork aka cochinita pibil.

The truth is I don’t even care what teams make it to the big show.

The real key to a good Super Bowl party is great food, friends and a strong half time show – we’re counting on you Rhianna!

While most Super Bowl food tends to focus on Tex-Mex with an obscene amount of cheese and bacon we wanted to share a Mexican recipe that is big on flavour.

Pork is a staple in Mexican celebrations and they do it so well. Roasting it over an open spit or slow cooking over  it is one of the best ways to enjoy it.

I don’t have an open spit on my apartment deck but this can be braised in the oven or in a slow cooker.

Like all great braises, this Yucatan style Mexican pulled pork is a great dish that requires minimal effort.

There’s nothing worse that a party where the host spends all their time in the kitchen.

I adore food from the Yucatan and this is so easy to make and even your pickiest guests will love it.

The Super Bowl is all about indulging. It’s one time in the year when we forget how miserable it is outside and just enjoy great food and friends.

If you’re not in your 20s anymore when you could eat anything it’s time to man up.

Remember the last time food was too good and you couldn’t say no. When over indulging seemed like such fun and then your stomach decided it revolt.

There’s no shame in admitting that eating 30 diablo wings wasn’t a good idea. But this time come prepared with Pepto-Bismol for instant relief. 
 

 
I keep Pepto-Bismol at both home and in my purse because there’s nothing worse that stomach issues – especially at someone else’s house.

I also travel with it because writing guides around the world means overindulgence is likely.

Yucatan Style Mexican Pulled Pork

Cochinita pibil is used in many Mexican antojitos.

It’s fantastic prepared ahead of time and can be served on its own, with soft buns to make a torta sandwich or with tortillas and sides so guests can make their own tacos.

I also think it would be great on this cheesy garlic party bread and a side of Mayan sikil pak, which is so easy to make and great for vegan guests.

In Toronto I buy tortillas at La Perola in Kensington Market. If you can find real Mexican tortillas it will take the dish up a notch but if you can only get flour tortillas don’t sweat it.

Cochinita Pibil Recipe Substitutions

The traditional cochinita pibil is cooked in banana leaves, which you can do if you want it to be authentic.

However, it’s also acceptable to revise the recipe a bit so you can cook it in oven or slow cooker.

The traditional recipe also calls for seville orange juice, which is quite bitter and not widely available.

If you don’t have seville oranges (I don’t) substitute with orange juice with lime juice for bitterness. 

Achiote paste is more difficult to substitute but fortunately it’s inexpensive and you can find it easily on amazon – here’s a great one.

Want more easy Super Bowl recipes, check out
Nashville Hot Fried Chicken
Greek Yogurt Tzatziki
Pico de Gallo

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Disclosure: This Yucatan style Mexican pulled pork recipe post was a paid partnership with Pepto-Bismol. People always ask us how we’re able to eat so much amazing food and Pepto-Bismol is one of the secrets. We’re happy to partner with brands we use and love. You can find more information on their Facebook page.