Tacos Al Pastor
Juicy, marinated pork is seared with a smoky char and served with sweet pineapple on warm corn tortillas. This beloved street-food classic brings the taqueria experience right to your kitchen.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Chile Base
- b.In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the stemmed and seeded guajillo and ancho chiles for 30-60 seconds per side until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them, as this will make them bitter.
- c.Place the toasted chiles in a heatproof bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak for 20-30 minutes until they are soft and pliable.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Create the Marinade
- b.Drain the soaked chiles, reserving a little of the soaking liquid. Transfer the chiles to a blender.
- c.Add the achiote paste, pineapple juice, white vinegar, roughly chopped onion, garlic cloves, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the blender.
- d.Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth. If it's too thick, add a tablespoon of the reserved chile soaking liquid at a time to reach a paste-like consistency.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Marinate the Pork
- b.Place the thinly sliced pork shoulder in a large non-reactive bowl or a resealable plastic bag.
- c.Pour the marinade over the pork, using your hands to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated.
- d.Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight for the best flavor and tenderness.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Pork and Pineapple
- b.Heat vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet or on a grill pan over medium-high heat.
- c.Remove pork from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Cook the pork slices in a single layer for 2-4 minutes per side, until cooked through and nicely charred at the edges. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- d.In the same pan, add the pineapple chunks and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until lightly caramelized and heated through.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Prepare for Serving
- b.Transfer the cooked pork to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- c.Finely chop the pork into small, bite-sized pieces. You can mix in the cooked pineapple or keep it separate for topping.
- d.Warm the corn tortillas on a dry skillet or directly over a gas flame for about 20-30 seconds per side until they are soft and pliable.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Assemble and Serve
- b.Lay out the warm tortillas. For an authentic street-style taco, you can stack two tortillas for each taco.
- c.Fill each tortilla with a generous spoonful of the chopped al pastor pork.
- d.Top with grilled pineapple (if not already mixed in), a sprinkle of finely chopped white onion, and fresh cilantro.
- e.Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For easier slicing, place the pork shoulder in the freezer for 20-30 minutes to firm it up before cutting.
- 2Marinating the pork overnight is highly recommended to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply and tenderize the meat.
- 3For a smokier flavor, add one or two canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the marinade.
- 4Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the pork. Cooking in batches ensures the meat sears properly instead of steaming.
- 5Fresh pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain, which helps tenderize the pork. If you must use canned, opt for juice-packed, not syrup-packed.
- 6Keep your warm tortillas covered with a clean kitchen towel to prevent them from drying out while you assemble the tacos.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
This marinade works wonderfully with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or firm tofu. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Oven MethodOven Method
For a more traditional 'trompo' effect at home, thread the marinated pork onto metal skewers, packing them tightly. Roast in a 375°F (190°C) oven on a baking sheet until cooked through, then broil for a few minutes to get a char.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add 1-2 dried chiles de árbol to the chile soaking step for a significant kick of heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Pork shoulder is rich in high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.
Rich in Antioxidants
The dried chiles, garlic, and oregano used in the marinade are packed with antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Natural Digestive Aid
Fresh pineapple contains bromelain, a natural enzyme that aids in the digestion of proteins, making the meal easier on your stomach.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of three Tacos Al Pastor, as prepared in this recipe, contains approximately 550-650 calories, depending on the exact fat content of the pork and the size of the tortillas.