International Cuisine > Mexican Cuisine > Tacos & Burritos > Tacos al Pastor Recipe

Authentic Tacos al Pastor

Embark on a culinary journey to Mexico with this authentic Tacos al Pastor recipe. Marinated pork, cooked to perfection, and served on warm tortillas with pineapple, onion, and cilantro. A taste of Mexico in every bite!

Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
1-2 hours
Servings
6
Ingredients
  • 2 lbs Pork shoulder (Boston butt)
  • 4 oz Achiote paste
  • 1 cup Pineapple juice
  • 1/2 cup White vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon Ground cumin
  • 4 cloves Garlic
  • 2 teaspoons Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 24 Small corn tortillas
  • 1/2 Fresh pineapple
  • 1 White onion
  • 1/2 bunch Fresh cilantro

Marinating the Pork

Cut the pork shoulder into thin slices, about 1/4 inch thick. In a blender, combine the achiote paste, pineapple juice, white vinegar, orange juice, dried oregano, ground cumin, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth. Place the pork slices in a large bowl or resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the pork is evenly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.

Cooking the Pork

Traditionally, al pastor is cooked on a vertical spit (trompo). However, you can achieve similar results using a grill or oven. For the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated pork slices onto skewers. Grill the skewers, turning occasionally, until the pork is cooked through and slightly charred, about 15-20 minutes. For the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the marinated pork in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 1-2 hours, or until the pork is tender and cooked through.

Preparing the Pineapple

While the pork is cooking, prepare the pineapple. Peel and core the pineapple, then slice it into thin pieces. If grilling the pork, you can also grill the pineapple slices for a smoky flavor. If baking the pork, you can pan sear the pineapple slices on high heat with some butter for caramelization.

Assembling the Tacos

Warm the corn tortillas on a comal or in a microwave. Place a few slices of cooked pork on each tortilla. Top with diced pineapple, chopped white onion, and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Calories: 250-300 kcal Protein: 20-25g Fat: 15-20g Carbohydrates: 5-10g

Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Other Important Considerations for Nutrition

The nutritional value can be significantly altered based on the amount of fat trimmed from the pork and the quantity of toppings used. Consider using leaner cuts of pork and limiting the amount of added salt. Fresh ingredients like pineapple, onion, and cilantro contribute vitamins and minerals. Be mindful of portion sizes to manage overall calorie intake.

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FAQ

  • Can I use a different type of meat?

    While pork shoulder is traditional, you can use pork loin or chicken thighs for a similar flavor, though the texture will be different.
  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

    Yes, you can marinate the pork up to 24 hours in advance. The cooked pork can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • What if I don't have achiote paste?

    Achiote paste is key to the unique flavor. If you cannot find it, you can try a substitute like a blend of paprika, cumin, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.