Tacos Al Pastor Recipe
Ingredients Summary:
- Pork shoulder: 500g, thinly sliced
- Achiote paste: 2 tablespoons
- Guajillo chilies: 3, dried (rehydrated and blended)
- Pineapple: 1 cup, chopped (plus extra slices for grilling)
- Onion: 1, finely chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Vinegar: 1/4 cup (white or apple cider)
- Orange juice: 1/4 cup
- Lime juice: 2 tablespoons
- Cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Corn tortillas: For serving
- Cilantro: For garnish
Instructions Overview:
- Marinate the Pork: Blend achiote paste, guajillo chilies, garlic, vinegar, orange juice, lime juice, cumin, oregano, and salt to form a marinade. Coat the pork slices with the marinade and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Cook the Pork: Grill or sear the marinated pork until cooked through. You can also grill pineapple slices alongside the pork for an authentic flavor.
- Assemble Tacos: Warm the corn tortillas, then top them with the grilled pork, pineapple, chopped onion, and cilantro.
- Serve: Serve with lime wedges for extra zest.
For detailed instructions and tips, visit Mexico In My Kitchen – Tacos al Pastor.
Tacos Al Pastor is a beloved Mexican street food known for its flavorful combination of marinated pork and pineapple. This tacos al pastor recipe involves marinating pork in a mixture of achiote, chiles, and spices, giving it its signature red color and deep flavor. The pork is traditionally slow-cooked on a vertical spit (similar to shawarma) but can also be cooked on a grill or stovetop for convenience. The addition of pineapple adds a hint of sweetness that perfectly complements the savory, spicy pork. Served in warm tortillas and topped with cilantro, onions, and salsa, these tacos are a crowd-pleaser for any taco lover.