Taco al Pastor

This taco al pastor recipe delivers juicy, marinated pork with a perfect balance of smokiness and sweetness, making for an unforgettable taco experience.

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 25

Total Time 55

Servings Portions

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

For the Pork:

2 lbs pork shoulder thinly sliced
1 small pineapple peeled and sliced into rings

For Serving:

12 small corn tortillas
1/2 cup white onion chopped
1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped coriander
2 medium limes wedges
Salsa optional

Instructions

Remove seeds and stems from the dried chilies. Soak them in hot water for 15 minutes until softened.
3 medium dried guajillo chilies, 3 medium dried ancho chilies
In a blender, combine the softened chilies, garlic, orange juice, white vinegar, pineapple juice, achiote paste, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt and vegetable oil. Blend until smooth.
3 cloves garlic, 1/4 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1/2 cup pineapple juice, 1 tbsp achiote paste, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp salt, 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Place the sliced pork shoulder in a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
2 lbs pork shoulder
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
If using a grill, thread the marinated pork slices onto skewers, alternating with pineapple slices.
1 small pineapple
Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pork is cooked through and slightly charred.
If using an oven, spread the pork and pineapple slices on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through, turning halfway.
Warm the corn tortillas on the grill or in a skillet.
12 small corn tortillas
Chop the cooked pork and pineapple into small pieces.
Place a generous amount of chopped pork and pineapple onto each tortilla.
Top with chopped onion and cilantro.
1/2 cup white onion, 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
Serve with lime wedges and salsa on the side.
2 medium limes, Salsa

Notes

If you are unable to find and guajillo chillies then replace them with

2 teaspoons smoked paprika (to add a bit of the smoky flavor)
2 teaspoons sweet paprika (for added color and mild sweetness)

Nutrition