
Recipe
Cochinita Pibil - Italian Style
Tender Italian Pulled Pork with Aromatic Spices
4.6 out of 5
In the context of Italian cuisine, this recipe adapts the traditional Mexican dish, Cochinita Pibil, into a flavorful and tender Italian-style pulled pork. The dish combines the rich flavors of Italian herbs and spices with slow-cooked pork, resulting in a succulent and aromatic meal.
Metadata
Preparation time
20 minutes
Cooking time
3-4 hours
Total time
3 hours 20 minutes - 4 hours 20 minutes
Yields
4 servings
Preparation difficulty
Medium
Suitable for
Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Low-carb, Paleo, Keto
Allergens
N/A
Not suitable for
Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Nut-free, Soy-free
Ingredients
While the original Cochinita Pibil is traditionally cooked with Mexican spices and wrapped in banana leaves, this Italian adaptation incorporates Italian herbs and spices such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano. The cooking method remains the same, slow-cooking the pork until it becomes tender and easily pulled apart. We alse have the original recipe for Cochinita pibil, so you can check it out.
-
2 pounds (900g) pork shoulder 2 pounds (900g) pork shoulder
-
4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tablespoon dried rosemary 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
-
1 tablespoon dried thyme 1 tablespoon dried thyme
-
1 tablespoon dried oregano 1 tablespoon dried oregano
-
1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
-
1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
-
1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
-
1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
-
1/4 cup (60ml) white wine vinegar 1/4 cup (60ml) white wine vinegar
-
Juice of 2 lemons Juice of 2 lemons
-
Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
Nutrition
- Calories (kcal / KJ): 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
- Fat: 25g (Saturated Fat: 7g)
- Carbohydrates: 2g (Sugars: 0g)
- Protein: 40g
- Fiber: 0g
- Salt: 1.5g
Preparation
-
1.Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F).
-
2.In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, dried rosemary, dried thyme, dried oregano, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
-
3.Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, ensuring it is evenly coated.
-
4.In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
-
5.Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until browned, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
-
6.Remove the pot from the heat and add the white wine vinegar, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cover the pot with a lid.
-
7.Place the pot in the preheated oven and cook for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily pulled apart with a fork.
-
8.Once cooked, remove the pork from the pot and shred it using two forks.
-
9.Serve the Italian-style pulled pork on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
Treat your ingredients with care...
- Pork shoulder — Choose a well-marbled cut of pork shoulder for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Dried herbs — If possible, use high-quality dried herbs for the best flavor. Alternatively, you can use fresh herbs, but double the amount.
Tips & Tricks
- For an extra layer of flavor, marinate the pork shoulder in the spice mixture overnight before cooking.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the spice mixture.
- Serve the Italian-style pulled pork on a bed of creamy polenta or with crusty Italian bread for a complete meal.
- Leftover pulled pork can be used in sandwiches, tacos, or pasta dishes for delicious leftovers.
- To achieve a crispy texture, broil the pulled pork for a few minutes after shredding.
Serving advice
Serve the Italian-style pulled pork as a main dish, accompanied by a fresh green salad and roasted vegetables. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for added brightness.
Presentation advice
Arrange the shredded pork on a platter, drizzling any remaining cooking juices over the top. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and place lemon wedges around the edges for an attractive presentation.
More recipes...
For Cochinita pibil » Browse all
For Mexican cuisine » Browse all
More Mexican cuisine dishes » Browse all

Champulado
Chocolate rice porridge
Champulado is a traditional Mexican drink that is made with chocolate and milk. It is a sweet and creamy drink that is perfect for any occasion.

Aranzada
Aranzada is a traditional Spanish dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is a savory pastry that is filled with a mixture of ground beef,...

Anafre de frijoles
Bean Dip
Anafre de frijoles is a traditional Mexican dish that combines refried beans with melted cheese and spices. It's a hearty and flavorful dish...
More Italian cuisine dishes » Browse all

Pizza de Pasqua de Civitavecchia
Civitavecchia Easter Pizza
Pizza de Pasqua de Civitavecchia is a traditional Italian Easter bread that is typically served during the holiday season. This bread is made with...

Presnitz
Presnitz is a traditional pastry from the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of Italy. It is made with a combination of puff pastry, nuts, dried fruit,...

Giardiniera
Pickled vegetables relish
Giardiniera is an Italian relish made from pickled vegetables. It is typically served as a condiment for sandwiches or antipasti.