Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tacos Al Pastor are a beloved Mexican street food known for their bold, savory-sweet flavor and irresistible aroma. Featuring marinated pork that’s cooked to perfection and topped with fresh pineapple, onions, and cilantro, these tacos deliver a perfect balance of smokiness, spice, and tang. They’re ideal for gatherings or a flavorful weeknight dinner.

ingredients

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

boneless pork shoulderachiote pasteguajillo chilespineapple juicewhite vinegarorange juiceminced garlicdried oreganoground cuminclovesbay leavesonionfresh pineapplesaltcorn tortillafresh cilantrolime wedges

directions

Soak the guajillo chiles in hot water for about 15 minutes until softened.

Blend the soaked chiles with achiote paste, pineapple juice, orange juice, vinegar, garlic, oregano, cumin, cloves, and salt until smooth.

Slice the pork thinly and marinate in the sauce for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook the marinated pork slices until caramelized and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes per side.

Grill or sear pineapple slices until golden and slightly charred.

Warm the corn tortillas on the grill or in a skillet.

Assemble the tacos by layering pork onto the tortillas, followed by chopped grilled pineapple, diced onion, and fresh cilantro.

Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 tacos.Preparation time: 30 minutesMarinating time: 4 hours (or overnight)Cooking time: 20-25 minutesTotal time: 4 hours 55 minutes

Variations

Use chicken thighs instead of pork for a lighter alternative.

Add a spicy salsa for extra heat.

Try with flour tortillas if preferred.

Top with pickled red onions for a tangy crunch.

Include avocado slices for added creaminess.

storage/reheating

Store leftover pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.Tortillas can be stored in a sealed bag and reheated on a skillet or microwave.

FAQs

What does “al pastor” mean?

“Al pastor” refers to a cooking style brought to Mexico by Lebanese immigrants, similar to shawarma, where meat is marinated and cooked on a vertical spit.

Do I need a vertical spit?

No, a grill or skillet works great at home to achieve similar flavor.

Can I freeze the marinated meat?

Yes, the marinated pork can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw before cooking.

Can I use canned pineapple?

Fresh is best, but canned works in a pinch—just drain well before grilling.

What’s the best cut of pork to use?

Pork shoulder is ideal due to its fat content and flavor.

Are these tacos spicy?

They have mild to moderate heat, but you can adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer chiles.

Can I make this dish ahead?

Yes, you can marinate the pork and grill the pineapple a day ahead for easier assembly.

Can I cook the pork in the oven?

Yes, roast the marinated pork at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, then broil briefly for char.

What toppings go well with these tacos?

Onion, cilantro, grilled pineapple, lime juice, and salsa are traditional and tasty.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use 100% corn tortillas and gluten-free achiote paste.

Conclusion

Tacos Al Pastor offer a tantalizing fusion of savory pork, sweet pineapple, and vibrant toppings—all wrapped in a warm tortilla. With roots in both Middle Eastern and Mexican culinary traditions, they are a must-try for any taco lover looking for something unique and delicious. Give this recipe a try and bring the street-food magic right to your kitchen.