Al Pastor tacos recipe is a beloved Mexican street food classic featuring marinated pork cooked with pineapple and spices, served on warm corn tortillas with fresh toppings. This recipe captures the authentic taste of Mexico with tender, flavorful meat and vibrant garnishes that make every bite unforgettable.
What Are Al Pastor Tacos?
Al Pastor originated from Lebanese immigrants’ shawarma brought to Mexico, evolving into a uniquely Mexican dish by marinating pork with chilies, pineapple, and spices. Traditionally cooked on a vertical spit, it’s now popular worldwide as tacos filled with juicy, caramelized pork, sweet pineapple, onions, and cilantro.
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt, thinly sliced
- 3 dried guajillo chilies, seeds removed
- 2 dried ancho chilies, seeds removed
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon achiote paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 small pineapple, sliced
For Serving:
- Corn tortillas
- Chopped white onion
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Salsa of choice
How to Make Al Pastor Tacos Recipe
1. Prepare the Chilies
Toast dried guajillo and ancho chilies in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Soak them in hot water for 15 minutes to soften.
2. Make the Marinade
In a blender, combine soaked chilies, pineapple juice, garlic, vinegar, achiote paste, cumin, oregano, cloves, pepper, salt, and orange juice. Blend until smooth.
3. Marinate the Pork
Place thinly sliced pork in a bowl or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over it. Mix well to coat all the meat. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
4. Cook the Pork
Grill or pan-fry the pork slices over medium-high heat until caramelized and cooked through. Add pineapple slices and cook until lightly charred.
5. Assemble the Tacos
Warm corn tortillas on the grill or skillet. Fill each tortilla with pork and pineapple, then top with chopped onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Add salsa if desired.
Read also:-How to Make Crispy Onion Rings at Home
Tips for Best Al Pastor Tacos
- Slice pork thinly for even cooking and better marinade absorption.
- Use fresh pineapple juice and slices for authentic sweetness.
- Warm tortillas properly to avoid cracking.
- Serve with a side of pickled jalapeños for extra zing.
Conclusion
This Al Pastor tacos recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico right to your kitchen. The combination of marinated pork, sweet pineapple, and fresh toppings creates a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. Try it today and enjoy the taste of authentic Mexican street food!
