Go Back

Delicious Tacos Al Pastor

These Delicious Tacos Al Pastor feature marinated pork cooked to perfection with smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors, topped with fresh cilantro, onions, and pineapple. Perfect for taco night, this Mexican classic is a crowd-pleaser with its irresistible combination of flavors.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade:

  • 3-4 dried guajillo chiles
  • 1 dried ancho chile
  • 1 tablespoon of chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
  • 1 medium onion half for the marinade
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1/2 cup of pineapple juice
  • 1/4 cup of white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon of achiote paste
  • 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Pork:

  • 2-3 pounds of pork shoulder or pork butt
  • Fresh pineapple a few slices or chunks
  • For the Toppings:
  • Fresh cilantro chopped
  • Diced onions
  • Lime wedges
  • Salsa optional
  • Corn tortillas

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

  • Rehydrate the dried guajillo and ancho chiles in hot water for 10-15 minutes.
  • Once softened, remove the stems and seeds, and place the chiles in a blender.
  • Add chipotle pepper, half of the onion (cut into chunks), garlic, pineapple juice, white vinegar, achiote paste, brown sugar, cumin, cloves, salt, and black pepper to the blender. Blend until smooth.

Step 2: Marinate the Pork

  • Cut the pork into 1/4-inch thick slices.
  • Place the pork in a bowl or plastic bag, and pour the marinade over it. Ensure the pork is fully coated.
  • Seal the bag or cover the bowl, refrigerating it for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight).

Step 3: Cook the Pork

  • For grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated pork slices for 4-5 minutes per side.
  • For stovetop: Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Cook the pork in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, until caramelized.

Step 4: Add the Pineapple

  • Grill or sear the fresh pineapple slices for 2-3 minutes per side until charred. Slice the pineapple into small pieces.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

  • Warm the corn tortillas on the stove or in the microwave.
  • Place the cooked pork and pineapple on each tortilla.
  • Top with chopped onions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Add salsa if desired.

Notes

  • Storage: Leftover marinated pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in a skillet or on the grill.
  • Variations:
  • Use beef or chicken instead of pork for a different flavor profile.
  • For a vegetarian option, try marinated portobello mushrooms or seitan.
  • Add avocado slices for extra creaminess.