Tacos al Pastor is a beloved Mexican street food that combines tender marinated pork with the vibrant flavors of pineapple, onion, and cilantro. Originating from Mexico City, these tacos have become a favorite around the world for their perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy. The pork is traditionally cooked on a vertical spit, similar to shawarma, giving it a unique and delicious char. Whether you’re hosting a taco night or looking for a new recipe to try, Tacos al Pastor will not disappoint!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork shoulder, thinly sliced
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup achiote paste
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 pineapple, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
- Corn tortillas
- Lime wedges, for serving
Steps
- Marinate the Pork
- Start by preparing the marinade for the pork. Mix the pineapple juice, orange juice, white vinegar, achiote paste, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Add the thinly sliced pork shoulder to the bowl, making sure each piece is well-coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Pineapple and Onion
- While the pork is marinating, prepare the pineapple and onion. Thinly slice both the pineapple and onion. Set them aside until you’re ready to cook the pork.
- Cook the Pork
- Traditionally, Tacos al Pastor pork is cooked on a vertical spit, but you can achieve a similar effect using a grill or a skillet. Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated pork in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the cooking surface. Cook each piece for about 3-4 minutes per side, until the edges are crispy and caramelized. Once cooked, remove the pork from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before chopping it into small pieces.
- Assemble the Tacos
- Warm the corn tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet until they are pliable. To assemble the tacos, place a generous amount of the chopped pork on each tortilla. Top with a few slices of pineapple, some thinly sliced onion, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips for Variation
- Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder to control the heat level. Add more for a spicier taco or reduce it for a milder version.
- Protein Swap: Try using chicken thighs or beef instead of pork for a different take on the classic recipe.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the pork with jackfruit or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version of Tacos al Pastor.
- Taco Toppings: Add a variety of toppings such as pickled jalapeños, avocado slices, or crumbled queso fresco for extra flavor and texture.
- Salsa: Serve with different types of salsa, such as salsa verde or mango salsa, to complement the flavors of the taco.
- Tortilla Alternatives: Use flour tortillas or lettuce wraps as a low-carb alternative to traditional corn tortillas.
- Pineapple Grilling: Grill the pineapple slices before adding them to the tacos for an extra layer of smoky sweetness.
- Marinade Time: For a deeper flavor, marinate the pork for up to 24 hours.
Macros
- Calories: 250 per taco
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 12g
FAQs
- Can I make Tacos al Pastor without a grill?
- Yes, you can cook the pork in a skillet or oven. A skillet over medium-high heat works well to achieve the caramelized edges.
- How long should I marinate the pork?
- For best results, marinate the pork for at least 4 hours. However, marinating overnight will give you the most flavorful tacos.
- What can I use instead of achiote paste?
- If you can’t find achiote paste, you can use a combination of paprika and ground cumin as a substitute.
- Can I freeze the marinated pork?
- Yes, you can freeze the marinated pork for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking.
- What sides go well with Tacos al Pastor?
- To complete the meal, serve Tacos al Pastor with sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad.
Delicious Tacos al Pastor: A Taste of Mexico
Tacos al Pastor is a beloved Mexican street food that combines tender marinated pork with the vibrant flavors of pineapple, onion, and cilantro.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork shoulder thinly sliced
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- ¼ cup achiote paste
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large onion thinly sliced
- 1 pineapple peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 bunch cilantro chopped
- Corn tortillas
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
Marinate the Pork:
- Start by mixing pineapple juice, orange juice, white vinegar, achiote paste, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Add thinly sliced pork shoulder, ensuring each piece is coated. Refrigerate covered for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Prepare the Pineapple and Onion:
- Thinly slice pineapple and onion. Set aside until ready to cook.
Cook the Pork:
- Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated pork in batches, 3-4 minutes per side, until crispy and caramelized. Rest cooked pork briefly, then chop into small pieces.
Assemble the Tacos:
- Warm corn tortillas until pliable. Place chopped pork on each tortilla, top with pineapple slices, onion, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges for added flavor. Enjoy your Tacos al Pastor!