🌮 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
- Toast the dried chilies in a dry skillet for 30 seconds.
- Soak in hot water for 10–15 minutes until softened.
- 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
- Warm tortillas on a hot skillet.
- Fill each tortilla with a few slices of pork.
- Top with pineapple, chopped onion, and cilantro.
- 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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