Tacos al Pastor – A Flavorful Mexican Dish

Marinated pork with pineapple and spices, served in a warm tortilla – a classic Latin American delight!

Recipe Details:

Cuisine: Mexican (Latin American)

Meal Type: Dinner

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 400 kcal (per serving)

Difficulty: Easy

Serving Suggestions: Serve with salsa, cilantro, and a side of Mexican rice.

Storage Instructions: Store leftover filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Equipment Needed: Grill, skillet, tongs, cutting board, knife

Ingredients:

• 500g pork shoulder, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup pineapple, diced
• 1 tablespoon achiote paste
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 small corn tortillas
• Cilantro and onion for garnish
• Fresh lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the achiote paste, chili powder, garlic, vinegar, cumin, paprika, olive oil, orange juice, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
2. Add the sliced pork to the marinade and toss to coat. Let the pork marinate for at least 30 minutes (overnight for best results).
3. Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated pork and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pork is cooked through and slightly charred.
4. Add the diced pineapple to the skillet or grill during the last 2 minutes of cooking, allowing it to caramelize slightly with the pork.
5. Warm the tortillas on a separate skillet or grill for about 1-2 minutes until soft and pliable.
6. Once cooked, remove the pork from the heat and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
7. To assemble the tacos, place a generous portion of pork on each tortilla, top with grilled pineapple, and garnish with cilantro and diced onions.
8. Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side and enjoy!

Tips:

• For a more authentic flavor, use a vertical spit (trompo) to cook the pork in layers, similar to traditional al pastor cooking methods.
• If you prefer a spicier taco, add some chopped jalapeños or your favorite salsa to the top of the tacos.
• For an extra touch, serve with a side of guacamole or Mexican street corn (elote).

Enjoy your Tacos al Pastor! Don’t forget to share your photos with us on social media using #TacosAlPastor.