Description
Tacos Al Pastor are a beloved Mexican street food known for their bold, balanced flavors combining marinated, tender pork shoulder with sweet pineapple and aromatic spices. Slow-cooked to juicy perfection, served on warm corn tortillas, these tacos offer an authentic and crave-worthy experience that celebrates heritage, technique, and flavor harmony. Perfect for gatherings or a delicious meal at home, they bring the vibrant taste of Mexico straight to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Marinade
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, thinly sliced
- 3 guajillo chilies, seeds removed
- 3 tbsp achiote paste
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 small white onion, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Toppings and Serving
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- Chopped white onions (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges
- Corn tortillas
- Your favorite salsa or hot sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: Blend guajillo chilies, achiote paste, pineapple juice, vinegar, garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper into a smooth marinade. This mixture will infuse the pork with its iconic rich, tangy, and smoky flavors.
- Marinate the Pork: Thinly slice the pork shoulder and soak it in the marinade for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. The longer it sits, the more tender and flavorful the meat becomes.
- Cook the Meat: Traditionally cooked on a vertical spit called a trompo, at home you can grill, pan-fry, or roast the pork slices until beautifully caramelized and cooked through.
- Prepare Pineapple and Tortillas: Lightly grill fresh pineapple chunks to enhance their sweetness and soften their texture. Warm corn tortillas on a skillet or directly over the flame to make them pliable and aromatic.
- Assemble the Tacos: Layer the tender pork on the tortilla, top with grilled pineapple, finely chopped onions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Finish with your favorite salsa or hot sauce for the perfect bite.
Notes
- Slice meat thinly: Thin slices absorb marinade better and cook faster for perfect texture.
- Marinate longer: For maximum flavor penetration, allow pork to marinate overnight if possible.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh pineapple and quality spices are key for authentic taste.
- Grill for char: A quick char on pork and pineapple adds smokiness reminiscent of street tacos.
- Warm tortillas well: Soft, warm tortillas enhance the taco experience and hold fillings better.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling, Pan-Frying, Roasting
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Tacos Al Pastor, Mexican street food, marinated pork tacos, achiote paste, pineapple tacos, gluten free tacos, traditional Mexican recipe