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tacos al pastor recipe

🌮 Authentic Tacos al Pastor Recipe

Juicy Pork, Pineapple, and Spices — The Ultimate Mexican Street Taco!

Tacos al Pastor are one of Mexico’s most beloved street foods — marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit (like shawarma), sliced thin, and served in warm corn tortillas with fresh pineapple, onion, and cilantro. This homemade tacos al pastor recipe recreates that bold, sweet-and-spicy flavor using your grill, oven, or skillet — no trompo required!


⭐ Why You’ll Love This Tacos al Pastor Recipe

  • 🌶️ Bold, smoky marinade with real Mexican flavor
  • 🍍 Grilled pineapple adds sweet, caramelized balance
  • 🔥 No spit? No problem — easy oven or stovetop method
  • 🌮 Perfect for taco night, parties, or Cinco de Mayo
  • ⏱️ Marinate ahead for meal prep ease

📝 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

For the Pork Marinade:

  • 2 lbs (900g) boneless pork shoulder or loin, thinly sliced
  • 3 dried guajillo chilies
  • 2 dried ancho chilies
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 onion
  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice
  • 2 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1 tbsp achiote paste (for color and flavor)
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 chipotle in adobo for extra heat and smokiness

For Serving:

  • Warm corn tortillas
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced or grilled
  • 1/2 cup white onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges
  • Optional: Salsa verde or salsa roja

🍽️ Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

  1. Toast the dried chilies in a dry skillet for 30 seconds.
  2. Soak in hot water for 10–15 minutes until softened.
  3. In a blender, combine softened chilies, garlic, onion, pineapple juice, vinegar, achiote paste, spices, and salt. Blend into a smooth paste.

Step 2: Marinate the Pork

  • Toss the thinly sliced pork in the marinade.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Meat

Grill or Skillet:

  • Heat a cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
  • Cook pork slices in batches until charred and cooked through (~4–5 minutes per side).
  • Optionally grill pineapple slices at the same time.

Oven Method:

  • Layer marinated pork in a loaf pan or skewer stack, bake at 200°C (400°F) for 30–40 minutes, then broil for crisp edges.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

  1. Warm tortillas on a hot skillet.
  2. Fill each tortilla with a few slices of pork.
  3. Top with pineapple, chopped onion, and cilantro.
  4. Serve with lime wedges and your favorite salsa.

👩‍🍳 Tips & Variations

  • Use chicken thighs for a lighter version
  • Add a dash of orange juice to the marinade for sweetness
  • Make a trompo-style stack with skewers and a pineapple top if you're feeling ambitious
  • Make it spicy with extra chipotle or chili oil drizzle

🌽 What to Serve with Tacos al Pastor

  • Mexican street corn (elote)
  • Black bean salad or refried beans
  • Guacamole or pico de gallo
  • Horchata, agua fresca, or margaritas

📦 Storage & Meal Prep

  • Store cooked pork in an airtight container for up to 4 days
  • Freeze marinated raw pork for up to 1 month
  • Reheat in a hot skillet for best texture before serving

📌 Pin It for Later!

Sweet. Spicy. Smoky. Authentic.
Save this Tacos al Pastor Recipe and bring the flavors of Mexico right to your kitchen!

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