How to Make Tacos Al Pastor (Recipe Guide)

Our guide on How to Make Tacos Al Pastor to try at home.

Tacos Al Pastor is a traditional Mexican dish with a unique blend of flavors, featuring marinated pork that is cooked on a vertical spit and then served on small tortillas with pineapple, onions, and cilantro. While the traditional method involves a rotisserie, this recipe adapts it for home kitchens.

Tacos Al Pastor is a delicious and flavorful dish that brings the authentic taste of Mexico to your kitchen. By following this recipe guide, you can create a vibrant and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the rich flavors and vibrant colors of Tacos Al Pastor with family and friends. Bon appétit!

Here’s a comprehensive guide to making Tacos Al Pastor.

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How to Make Tacos Al Pastor

Tacos Al Pastor Recipe Ingredients

For the Marinade:

3 dried guajillo chiles
3 dried ancho chiles
1 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons achiote paste
3 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Pork:

2-3 pounds boneless pork shoulder, thinly sliced
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 cup pineapple, cut into small pieces
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For Serving:

Corn tortillas
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Fresh onions, chopped
Lime wedges
Salsa (optional)

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Step By Step How to Make Tacos Al Pastor

Prepare the Marinade

Remove stems and seeds from the guajillo and ancho chiles. Place the chiles in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak for about 20 minutes until softened.

Blend the Marinade

Drain the chiles and place them in a blender. Add pineapple juice, white vinegar, orange juice, achiote paste, garlic, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.

Marinate the Pork

Place the thinly sliced pork in a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Cook the Pork

Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the pork from the marinade, letting excess marinade drip off. Grill the pork slices for about 3-4 minutes on each side until fully cooked and slightly charred.

Cook the Onions and Pineapple

In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook until softened and caramelized. Add the pineapple pieces and cook until slightly caramelized.

Assemble the Tacos

Warm the corn tortillas on the grill or in a skillet until pliable. Slice the grilled pork into small pieces.
Place a small amount of pork on each tortilla. Top with cooked onions, pineapple, chopped cilantro, and fresh onions. Serve with lime wedges and salsa if desired.

Tips To Make Tacos Al Pastor

Ensure the pork is sliced thinly to absorb the marinade better and cook quickly. Marinate the pork for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for deeper flavor.

If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the pork in a hot skillet or broil it in the oven. Warming the tortillas enhances their flavor and makes them more pliable, preventing them from breaking.

How Many Calories Have Tacos Al Pastor

Pork (2 ounces): Approximately 150 calories
Marinade: Approximately 20 calories
Tortilla (1 small corn tortilla): Approximately 50 calories
Toppings (onions, cilantro, pineapple, lime): Approximately 20 calories
Total Calories per Taco: Approximately 240 calories