Al Pastor Taco
Bursting with bold and vibrant flavors, the Al Pastor Taco is a mouthwatering Mexican classic that combines tender, marinated pork with the juicy sweetness of fresh pineapple. This recipe features a rich and smoky marinade made with guajillo and ancho chilies, pineapple juice, orange juice, and aromatic spices like cumin, oregano, and paprika for an unforgettable depth of flavor. The pork is slow-roasted to perfection, achieving a caramelized exterior and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Served on warm corn tortillas and topped with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, these tacos offer the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes. Whether you're hosting a taco night or indulging in a weekend feast, Al Pastor Tacos are guaranteed to elevate your menu with restaurant-worthy flair. Perfect for lovers of authentic Mexican food, this recipe is a flavorful adventure you won't want to miss!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork shoulder
- 3 whole guajillo chilies
- 2 whole ancho chilies
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 0.25 cup white vinegar
- 0.5 cup orange juice
- 1 medium onion
- 4 whole garlic cloves
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup fresh pineapple
- 16 small corn tortillas
- 0.5 cup fresh cilantro
- 4 whole lime wedges
Instructions
Soak the guajillo and ancho chilies in hot water for about 15 minutes or until softened.
Once soft, remove seeds and stems from the chilies and transfer them to a blender.
Add pineapple juice, white vinegar, orange juice, coarsely chopped onion, garlic cloves, oregano, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the blender.
Blend until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
Cut the pork shoulder into thin slices, about 1/4 inch thick.
In a large bowl or a ziplock bag, combine the pork slices with the marinade, making sure the pork is evenly coated.
Marinate the pork in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for best flavor.
Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C).
Layer the marinated pork slices alternately with slices of fresh pineapple on a skewer or arrange them tightly on a baking sheet.
Bake for about 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the pork is tender and slightly crispy around the edges.
Slice the cooked pork and pineapple into small pieces for taco filling.
Heat the corn tortillas on a skillet or directly over a flame until warm and pliable.
Assemble the tacos by placing the pork and pineapple mixture onto the warmed tortillas.
Top each taco with finely chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful Al Pastor Tacos.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3765 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 155.1 g | 199% | |
| Saturated Fat | 44.6 g | 223% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 800 mg | 267% | |
| Sodium | 5516 mg | 240% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 329.9 g | 120% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 52.7 g | 188% | |
| Total Sugars | 74.3 g | ||
| Protein | 252.8 g | 506% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 696 mg | 54% | |
| Iron | 22.9 mg | 127% | |
| Potassium | 6105 mg | 130% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
