Dive into the bold and irresistible flavors of Whole30 Authentic Al Pastor Pork, a Mexican-inspired dish that's both healthy and mouthwatering. Made with tender slices of boneless pork shoulder, marinated in a vibrant blend of smoky guajillo and ancho chilies, sweet pineapple, zesty lime, and fragrant spices, this recipe captures the authentic essence of Al Pastor while being fully Whole30 compliant. Slow-cooked to perfection, the pork is layered with caramelized onions and baked until irresistibly juicy with crisply golden edges. Enjoy this dish as a meal centerpiece or in lettuce wraps for a fresh, paleo-friendly twist. Ideal for meal prepping or a shareable dinner, this recipe transforms classic flavors into a wholesome delight everyone will love.
Start by slicing the pork shoulder into thin slices about 1/4-inch thick. Set aside.
Remove the stems and seeds from the guajillo and ancho chilies. Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Transfer to a heatproof bowl and cover with hot water, letting them soak for 15 minutes.
Drain the chilies and add them to a blender along with the pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic cloves, ground cumin, ground coriander, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Blend until you have a smooth marinade.
Place the pork slices in a large bowl or a zip-top bag and cover with the marinade. Make sure each slice is well-coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
Lightly oil a baking dish and layer the marinated pork slices, interspersed with thinly sliced onion rings.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 3.5 to 4 hours, until the pork is tender and cooked through.
Remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the edges of the pork start to crisp up.
Remove from the oven and let the pork rest for a few minutes.
Serve the Al Pastor pork with fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Optionally, serve with lettuce wraps for a Whole30 compliant dish.
Calories |
3009 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 218.2 g | 280% | |
| Saturated Fat | 69.2 g | 346% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 726 mg | 242% | |
| Sodium | 3074 mg | 134% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 105.8 g | 38% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 28.2 g | 101% | |
| Total Sugars | 43.9 g | ||
| Protein | 177.3 g | 355% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 295 mg | 23% | |
| Iron | 19.4 mg | 108% | |
| Potassium | 4932 mg | 105% | |
*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.