Tacos Al Pastor
Juicy, spice-rubbed pork shoulder marinated in a smoky chipotle and pineapple blend, then seared to perfection with charred edges. These tacos bring the iconic Mexican street-food experience to your kitchen—tender meat, sweet grilled pineapple, fresh onion, and cilantro all tucked into warm corn tortillas.
For 4 servings
- prep
Slice the pork shoulder.
Slice the boneless pork shoulder across the grain into ½-inch thick slabs. Place in a large bowl.
- mix
Make the al pastor marinade.
1.Add achiote paste, pineapple juice, vinegar, chipotle chilies with adobo, garlic, cumin, oregano, and salt to a blender.2.Blend on high until completely smooth, about 60 seconds.3.Pour the marinade over the pork slices and massage well to coat every piece.TIPThe achiote paste gives the iconic red color—don't skip it. - rest
Marinate the pork.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Marinate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, for the deepest flavor penetration.
TIPOvernight marinating is the traditional method and makes a noticeable difference in tenderness and taste. - grill · ~8 min
Grill the pork and pineapple.
1.Preheat a grill or grill pan to high heat. Lightly oil the grates.2.Remove pork from marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill slices in a single layer for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through.3.At the same time, grill pineapple slices for 2-3 minutes per side until caramelized and grill-marked.TIPDon't crowd the pan—cook in batches for a proper char instead of steaming the meat. - prep · ~5 min
Rest and chop the pork.
Transfer the grilled pork to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes. Dice into small, ½-inch cubes.
- prep
Dice the grilled pineapple.
Chop the grilled pineapple slices into small, bite-sized pieces.
- grill
Warm the tortillas.
Warm each corn tortilla on the same hot grill or pan for 20-30 seconds per side until pliable and lightly toasted.
- assemble
Assemble the tacos.
1.Place a generous amount of chopped pork onto each warm tortilla.2.Top with diced grilled pineapple, chopped white onion, and fresh cilantro.3.Serve immediately with lime wedges and salsa verde on the side.TIPDouble up the tortillas if they're thin—authentic street tacos often use two per taco.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Slice pork across the grain for tender bites after grilling.
- 2Pat the pork dry before grilling to get a good char, not steam.
- 3Let the marinated pork rest overnight for deeper flavor penetration.
- 4Grill pineapple alongside the meat—the sugars caramelize and add sweetness.
- 5Warm tortillas directly on the grill for 30 seconds per side to improve pliability.
- 6Chop the rested pork into ½-inch cubes so each bite has even texture.
- 7Serve immediately after assembling to keep the tortillas soft and warm.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-oil
Skip the oil and grill the pork on a non-stick pan or in the oven under the broiler to reduce fat without losing char.
high proteinHigh-protein
Use chicken thighs instead of pork shoulder for a leaner protein that still stays juicy from the same marinade.
jainJain
Replace the pork with grilled paneer or extra-firm tofu, and use a plant-based achiote paste to keep the dish Jain-friendly (no onion or garlic is omitted from the marinade if needed).
veganVegan
Swap the pork for thick slices of king oyster mushrooms or jackfruit, marinate as directed, and grill until tender and charred.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
The pineapple and lime in this dish provide a good dose of vitamin C, which supports immune health and collagen production.
Lean Protein Source
Pork shoulder, when trimmed of excess fat, is a high-quality protein that supports muscle growth and repair.
Natural Digestive Enzymes
Fresh pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that aids in breaking down protein and may improve digestion.
Low in Added Sugar
The sweetness here comes entirely from fresh pineapple and pineapple juice, with no added sugars, keeping this taco filling naturally sweet.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but rings are easier to flip and get even char marks. If using chunks, thread them onto skewers so they don't fall through the grates.
