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Test Kitchen Approved

Able’s Peppercorn Puerco Pebil

Able’s Peppercorn Puerco Pebil

Able’s Peppercorn Puerco Pebil

Recipe By Able Blakley, Savory Spice—Oklahoma City, OK owner

Yields

6 to 8 servings

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cooking Time

3 Hours

Recipe By Able Blakley, Savory Spice—Oklahoma City, OK owner

The pepper factor is amplified in this twist on a traditional Mayan-style puerco (or cochinita) pebil, a flavorful, slow-roasted pork dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve on banana leaves over rice with garnishes like cilantro, pickled onions or a crumbled Latin cheese, such as queso seco. If you are saving any pork for later, remove it from the banana leaf wrapping first.

Recipe Notes

*Seed habanero chiles for less heat. Banana leaves are optional but very cool and add to the presentation of the dish.

Ingredients






8 cloves garlic

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

2 lemons, juiced

1 orange, zest grated, juiced


1/4 cup tequila, optional

1 to 2 fresh habanero chiles*, optional

4 lbs. pork shoulder/butt

Banana leaves*, optional

Savory Spice ingredients in this recipe

  • Four Corners Peppercorns

    A mixed blend of black, white, green, and pink whole peppercorns. This four peppercorn medley will help improve your recipes with a unique, complex...

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  • Szechwan (Szechuan) Peppercorns

    The Szechwan Peppercorn (or Szechuan peppercorn) provided a tingling flavor sensation like no other spice in the world. Szechuan peppercorns are ...

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  • Jamaican Allspice Berries

    A common ingredient in Caribbean cuisine, especially in jerk seasoning. These allspice berries have a flavor that's similar to cloves, nutmeg and c...

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  • Cumin Seeds

    One of the most consumed spices in the world. Cumin is a key seasoning in curry blends and chili powders. Use cumin whole for sausages, soups, pick...

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  • Achiote Paste

    Achiote paste, also known as bija or bijol in Spanish, adds an authentic flavor and bright yellow color to the cuisine of Cuba, Mexico and Central ...

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  • Mayan Sea Salt

    Mayan Sea Salt has a clean appearance and flavor but is also an interesting tie to the ancient Mayan way of life. Straight from the sea to your tab...

    View full details

Directions

Place Four Corners, Szechwan, allspice and cumin in a coffee/spice grinder and grind to a very fine powder. Place powder, achiote paste, garlic, vinegar lemon juice, orange zest and juice, salt, tequila, and habanero chiles in a blender and blend thoroughly. Cut pork into 2-inch cubes and place in a large zip top bag. Pour contents of blender into bag, seal and refrigerate overnight. Line a baking dish with banana leaves, if using, leaving enough overhang to cover top. Pour pork and marinade into the dish along with 1/2 cup water. Wrap banana leaves over pork to cover completely. Cover dish with aluminum foil and/or lid. Slow roast in a 325 degree oven for 3 hours, or until pork pieces are so tender they're falling apart.