TACOS AL PASTOR
Tacos al Pastor are flavorful Mexican tacos made with marinated pork, topped with pineapple and onions.
Known for their smoky, slightly sweet taste, these tacos are perfect for taco nights or gatherings.
Each bite captures a delicious blend of spices, making them a crowd favorite worldwide.
Why This Recipe
This Tacos al Pastor recipe is ideal for anyone craving authentic, bold Mexican flavors.
The marinade combines spices and pineapple to infuse the pork with a tangy, savory taste that’s unforgettable.
Easy to prepare and cook, this recipe brings a taste of Mexico right to your kitchen.
About This Recipe
Tacos al Pastor is a popular Mexican street food inspired by Lebanese shawarma, where pork is marinated, stacked, and grilled.
This recipe combines Mexican flavors with chili peppers, spices, and pineapple, giving each taco a unique balance of sweetness and spice.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder (sliced thin)
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
- 2 tbsp achiote paste (or 1 tbsp paprika)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 cup chopped pineapple (for grilling)
- Corn tortillas
- Toppings: diced onion, fresh cilantro, lime wedges
Prep Time and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 4 hours for marinating)
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
Estimated Calories
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 150 calories
Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Marinade
Combine pineapple juice, orange juice, vinegar, chipotle pepper, achiote paste, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper in a blender. Blend until smooth.
2. Marinate the Pork
Place the sliced pork in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the pork, coating each piece. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Cook the Pork
Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated pork until cooked, about 5-7 minutes per side. Grill the chopped pineapple alongside the pork.
4. Assemble the Tacos
Warm the corn tortillas on the grill or a skillet. Add a portion of the grilled pork and pineapple to each tortilla.
5. Top and Serve
Top each taco with diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve immediately and enjoy!
FAQs
Yes! Chicken or beef can work as substitutes, but pork is traditional for al pastor flavor.
Skip the chipotle pepper or reduce the amount for a milder flavor. You can also add more orange juice for sweetness.
The pork can be marinated a day in advance. Grill it just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Diced onion, cilantro, grilled pineapple, and a squeeze of lime juice are traditional and add fresh flavor.
Conclusion
Tacos al Pastor offers a delicious mix of smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors, making them an irresistible choice for any meal.
With their bold spices and pineapple accents, they bring an authentic taste of Mexico right to your plate.
Enjoy these vibrant tacos, and let the flavors transport you to the streets of Mexico!
TACOS AL PASTOR
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs pork shoulder thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup pineapple chopped
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tbsp adobo sauce (from chipotle peppers)
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine vinegar, orange juice, adobo sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the sliced pork and pineapple, and toss to coat. Marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated pork and pineapple mixture for 5-7 minutes until the pork is cooked through and slightly caramelized.
- Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or on the grill for 1-2 minutes until soft.
- Spoon the cooked pork and pineapple mixture onto each tortilla. Top with chopped cilantro and diced onion.
- Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. Enjoy!
