pibil pulled pork question

Dimple's Mom

I'm making pulled pork for an event this weekend (60 people). I do not have any banana leaves nor am I likely to be getting any between now and then. Ditto on the achiote paste. I could not find that stuff anywhere!

It seems there are recipes to make it, but I'll need to find those seeds.

Anyway, is there someway I can do 'sort of almost' a pibil with my pulled pork to have it taste different/better than the normal pulled pork?

It will be served in buns. I will definitely try the pibil in the future when I can get the proper ingredients but in the meantime, I'm trying to elevate my pulled pork a bit. I've been making it a lot lately and I guess I'm tired of it. But it has been requested for this weekend, so I have to do it.

rsmdale

Gwen are there any small mexican stores by you? and if not then try to marinade in some bitter orange juice(1 part lime to two parts orange,paprika,garlic and that will get you close).If your store has annato seed that is the main ingredient in Achiote paste.As for the bannana leaves that is for moisture retention and steaming,try some cheese clothe(soaked or just wrap in foil after smoking for a couple of hours.Good luck and ask any more questions and I will try to help.


GOOD EATS AND GOOD FRIENDS


DALE

Davekatz

Go Cuban!

You can use this Bobby Flay recipe as a starting point:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/mojo-marinated-pork-recipe/index.html

Basically juice up a couple of oranges, a couple of limes, a lot of garlic, some onion, kosher salt, black olive oil, and blend it all together in a food processor. This is a mojo marinade. Pout it over your butts and let them marinate overnight.

Smoke as usual for pulled pork. As you are pulling it, work Bobby's dipping sauce into the meat.

Best of luck. Let us know how it goes.

Dave


P.S. All little tiendas or bodegas with usually have some achoite paste. I get my banana leaves from the Thai market in the freezer case.