Al pastor is a beloved Mexican dish with roots that trace back to Lebanese immigrants who brought shawarma to Mexico in the 1920s. The unique combination of marinated pork, pineapple, and spices creates a flavor explosion that has made this dish a staple in Mexican cuisine. Al pastor tacos are particularly famous for their sweet, spicy, and savory profile, offering a perfect balance of textures—crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Whether you’re familiar with this dish or trying it for the first time, al pastor is a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the marinade:
- 2 pounds of pork shoulder or pork loin (cut into thin slices)
- 3 dried guajillo chiles (stems and seeds removed)
- 1 dried ancho chile
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup adobo sauce (from canned chipotle peppers)
- 1 tablespoon achiote paste
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For assembly:
- 1/2 fresh pineapple (sliced into rings)
- Corn tortillas (small size)
- Fresh cilantro (chopped)
- White onion (finely diced)
- Lime wedges
- Salsa verde (optional)
Possible substitutions:
- For a vegetarian option: Swap pork for marinated mushrooms or jackfruit for a similar texture.
- For a gluten-free option: Ensure your tortillas are gluten-free and double-check that no gluten is present in the marinade.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
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Prepare the marinade:
- Soak the guajillo and ancho chiles in hot water for about 10-15 minutes until softened. Drain the water and blend the chiles with orange juice, vinegar, pineapple juice, adobo sauce, achiote paste, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth.
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Marinate the pork:
- Place the sliced pork in a large bowl or zip-lock bag. Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring all pieces are coated. Marinate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, to deepen the flavors.
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Grill the pork:
- Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the pork slices for about 3-4 minutes per side until slightly charred and cooked through. If using a grill, ensure the pork pieces are spread out for even cooking.
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Grill the pineapple:
- While the pork cooks, grill the pineapple slices until slightly caramelized, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Cut the grilled pineapple into small chunks.
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Assemble the tacos:
- Warm your corn tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet.
- Add a few pieces of grilled pork to each tortilla, followed by a generous portion of grilled pineapple. Top with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime juice. Optionally, drizzle with salsa verde for added flavor.
Pro Tip: When grilling the pork, avoid overcrowding the pan or grill to ensure the meat cooks evenly and gets that nice crispy edge.
Pro Tips and Cooking Techniques
- Marination: The longer the pork marinates, the better the flavor. If possible, marinate the meat overnight for maximum depth of flavor.
- Achieving crispy edges: For that signature crispy texture, make sure to cook the pork on a hot surface and don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Grilling: If using a grill, consider using a vertical skewer or spit (as done traditionally) to stack the marinated pork and cook it rotisserie-style for an authentic experience.
Variations and Customizations
- Vegetarian version: For a non-meat alternative, try using marinated mushrooms or even tofu as the base. The marinade and grilled pineapple will still provide that signature al pastor flavor.
- Spicy option: Add more chipotle peppers or a touch of chili flakes to the marinade to increase the spice level.
- Fusion twist: Try making al pastor tacos with a flour tortilla instead of corn or adding fusion ingredients like pickled red onions or avocado.
Serving Suggestions
- Garnishing: To make your tacos visually appealing, serve them with lime wedges, extra grilled pineapple pieces, and a drizzle of salsa verde or red sauce.
- Side dishes: Al pastor tacos pair wonderfully with traditional Mexican sides like rice, refried beans, or Mexican street corn (elote).
- Beverages: Complement your tacos with a refreshing drink like horchata, agua fresca, or a cold Mexican beer.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 250-300 calories
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fats: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 8g (from pineapple and marinade)
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on portion size and specific ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Can I use other types of meat?
Yes! Al pastor is traditionally made with pork, but you can use chicken or beef as an alternative. -
Can I make al pastor in the oven?
Yes! If you don’t have access to a grill, you can roast the marinated pork in the oven at 400°F for 20-30 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking. -
How do I store leftover al pastor?
Store any leftover pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet to crisp it up. -
Is al pastor spicy?
The level of spiciness depends on how much adobo sauce or chipotle you add to the marinade. Feel free to adjust the heat to your preference.
Closing Thoughts
Al pastor is a flavorful, fun, and versatile dish that’s perfect for taco night or any special occasion. The combination of marinated pork, pineapple, and vibrant toppings will surely impress anyone who tries it. If you’ve never made al pastor at home, give this recipe a try—it’s easier than you think, and the rewards are well worth it!
