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. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

  1. Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder to control the heat level. Add more for a spicier taco or reduce it for a milder version.
  2. Protein Swap: Try using chicken thighs or beef instead of pork for a different take on the classic recipe.
  3. Vegetarian Option: Substitute the pork with jackfruit or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version of Tacos al Pastor.
  4. Taco Toppings: Add a variety of toppings such as pickled jalapeños, avocado slices, or crumbled queso fresco for extra flavor and texture.
  5. Salsa: Serve with different types of salsa, such as salsa verde or mango salsa, to complement the flavors of the taco.
  6. Tortilla Alternatives: Use flour tortillas or lettuce wraps as a low-carb alternative to traditional corn tortillas.
  7. Pineapple Grilling: Grill the pineapple slices before adding them to the tacos for an extra layer of smoky sweetness.
  8. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Carol
Tacos al Pastor is a beloved Mexican street food that combines tender marinated pork with the vibrant flavors of pineapple, onion, and cilantro. 
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Brunch
Cuisine Mexican
Calories 250 kcal

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!
Keyword Tacos al Pastor
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