Tacos Al Pastor

Tacos Al Pastor are a classic Mexican street food, deeply rooted in cultural fusion and bursting with bold, savory flavors. Originating from the influence of Lebanese immigrants in Mexico, this dish combines the traditional shawarma-style spit-roasted technique with Mexican marinades and ingredients. The result? Juicy, spiced pork paired with sweet grilled pineapple, all nestled in warm corn tortillas—an irresistible balance of sweet, spicy, and smoky.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Mexican flavor made accessible at home
• Marinated pork is tender, juicy, and packed with bold spices
• Pairs sweet pineapple with savory meat for a dynamic bite
• Easy to cook on a grill, stovetop, or in the oven
• Great for parties, taco nights, or meal prep

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 3 pounds pork shoulder, thinly sliced
• 3 dried guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
• 2 dried ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 3 cloves garlic
• ¼ cup white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup pineapple juice (preferably canned)
• 1 tablespoon achiote paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 pineapple, sliced into rings
• Corn tortillas, for serving
• Chopped white onion, for garnish
• Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving

Directions

1. Make the Marinade: Soak dried chiles in hot water for 10 minutes. Drain and blend with chipotle peppers, garlic, vinegar, pineapple juice, achiote paste, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Marinate the Pork: Place sliced pork in a bowl or zip-top bag and pour marinade over. Mix to coat all pieces. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Cook the Pork:
   • Grill: Cook marinated pork slices over medium-high heat for about 3–4 minutes per side until charred and cooked through.
   • Stovetop: Sear pork in a hot skillet for 3–4 minutes per side.
   • Oven: Roast layered pork slices in a 275°F oven for 2.5–3 hours until tender.
4. Grill the Pineapple: Grill pineapple rings until caramelized, then chop into small pieces.
5. Assemble the Tacos: Warm tortillas. Fill with pork, grilled pineapple, onion, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6–8 servings
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Marinating Time: 4–24 hours
• Cook Time: 20–30 minutes
• Total Time: 5 hours (including marination)

Variations

• Chicken Al Pastor: Use boneless chicken thighs instead of pork.
• Vegetarian: Try marinated tofu or portobello mushrooms.
• Extra Heat: Add more chipotle or a serrano pepper to the marinade.
• Taco Bowls: Serve meat and toppings over rice or greens instead of tortillas.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store cooked meat in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze pork in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Rewarm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.

FAQs

What is the origin of Tacos Al Pastor?

Tacos Al Pastor originated in Mexico City, inspired by Lebanese immigrants’ shawarma-style cooking using spit-roasted meat.

What is achiote paste?

Achiote paste is a bright red spice blend made from annatto seeds, garlic, vinegar, and spices, commonly used in Mexican cuisine for color and flavor.

Can I use pork loin instead of pork shoulder?

Yes, but pork loin is leaner and may be less juicy than pork shoulder, which has more fat for better flavor.

Is pineapple necessary?

Pineapple adds sweetness and balances the spices, but you can skip it or use mango or orange as alternatives.

How thin should I slice the pork?

Slice pork into thin ¼-inch pieces so they marinate well and cook quickly.

Can I make Tacos Al Pastor without a grill?

Absolutely. A stovetop skillet or oven works well. For charred flavor, use a cast iron pan.

Can I marinate the pork too long?

It’s best not to exceed 24 hours, as the acidic marinade can start to break down the meat too much.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture. Avoid microwaving too long to prevent drying.

What toppings go best with these tacos?

Traditional toppings include chopped onion, cilantro, grilled pineapple, and a squeeze of lime. Salsa verde is also great.

Are these tacos spicy?

They have a mild to medium heat. You can adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing the chipotle peppers.

Conclusion

Tacos Al Pastor deliver bold flavor and cultural depth in every bite. With sweet pineapple, spicy marinated pork, and the crisp freshness of cilantro and onion, this dish is a fiesta for the senses. Whether cooked on a grill, in a pan, or in the oven, they’re easy to recreate at home and guaranteed to be a hit. Get ready to make them a regular on taco night!

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