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Al Pastor Tacos

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Mexico with this authentic Al Pastor Taco recipe. Tender, spit-roasted pork is marinated in a mouthwatering blend of spices, chiles, and pineapple juice, delivering a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky notes. Served in warm tortillas and topped with diced onion, cilantro, and your choice of salsas, these tacos are a true celebration of Mexican culinary artistry.
al pastor dish recipe
👥 Servings 6
Prep Time 30 minutes
🍳 Cook Time 12 hours
Total Time 12 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs pork shoulder or butt cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 tbsp achiote paste
  • 3 dried ancho chiles stemmed and seeded
  • 2 dried guajillo chiles stemmed and seeded
  • 1 chipotle chile in adobo sauce finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 12 small corn tortillas warmed
  • 1 white onion diced
  • 1 bunch cilantro chopped
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  • In a blender or food processor, combine the achiote paste, ancho chiles, guajillo chiles, chipotle chile, garlic, cumin, oregano, coriander, pineapple juice, and salt. Blend until a smooth marinade forms.
  • Place the pork cubes in a large resealable bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over the pork and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours.
  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or prepare your grill or rotisserie for high-heat cooking.
  • If using a baking sheet, line it with foil or parchment paper. Arrange the marinated pork cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Roast the pork in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, flipping and basting the pork with the accumulated juices every 10 minutes, until the pork is cooked through and has a crispy, caramelized exterior.
  • If using a rotisserie or spit-roaster, follow the manufacturer's instructions to cook the pork until it's cooked through and the exterior is crispy, about 1-2 hours.
  • Remove the pork from the oven or rotisserie and let it rest for 5 minutes.
  • Using a sharp knife, thinly slice the pork against the grain into vertical strips.
  • Serve the al pastor pork in warm corn tortillas, topped with diced onion, chopped cilantro, and your desired salsas and lime wedges.

Notes

Nutrition Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 470
  • Total Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg
  • Sodium: 810mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Dietary Fiber: 5g
  • Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 30g