Tacos Al Pastor

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tacos Al Pastor are a beloved Mexican street food featuring marinated pork cooked with pineapple and spices, then grilled until caramelized and served in warm tortillas with fresh toppings. Sweet, smoky, spicy, and juicy, these tacos are bursting with flavor and texture. Whether made on a grill, in the oven, or on the stovetop, they bring authentic taquería vibes right to your kitchen.

ingredients

this Recipe

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

boneless pork shoulder or pork buttguajillo chiliesachiote pastepineapple juicewhite vinegargarlicclovescuminoregano (preferably Mexican)paprikachili powdersaltblack pepperpineapple slices (fresh or canned)corn tortillaswhite onioncilantrolime wedgesoil (for cooking)

directions

Soak dried guajillo chilies in hot water until soft, about 15 minutes.

Blend the softened chilies with pineapple juice, vinegar, garlic, achiote paste, cumin, oregano, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper to form a marinade.

Slice the pork thinly and coat well with the marinade.

Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook the pork slices in batches until browned and slightly charred, about 3–5 minutes per side.

Grill or pan-sear pineapple slices until caramelized, then dice.

Warm corn tortillas and fill with sliced pork, grilled pineapple, chopped onion, and cilantro.

Serve with lime wedges.

Servings and timing

Serves 6–8.Preparation time: 20 minutesMarinating time: 4–24 hoursCooking time: 20–25 minutesTotal time: 4.5–25 hours

Variations

Use chicken thighs instead of pork for a lighter version.

Make vegetarian with marinated mushrooms or jackfruit.

Add avocado or chipotle crema for extra richness.

Serve with pickled red onions for tangy contrast.

storage/reheating

Store cooked pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat in a skillet until hot and slightly crisped.Can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.

FAQs

What is al pastor flavor?

It’s a blend of savory, sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors with chilies, pineapple, and achiote.

Do I need a vertical spit?

No, traditional trompo is ideal but a skillet or grill works great at home.

Is it very spicy?

It’s mildly spicy—adjust chili quantity to taste.

Can I make the marinade ahead?

Yes, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days before using.

What kind of pineapple works best?

Fresh is ideal, but canned (in juice, not syrup) works too.

Conclusion

Tacos Al Pastor deliver a bold, mouthwatering fusion of Mexican and Middle Eastern flavors in every bite. Whether for taco night or a backyard fiesta, they’re sure to impress with their juicy meat, bright toppings, and authentic flair.

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