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Al Pastor Tacos Recipe

This authentic Tacos al Pastor recipe is vibrant, flavorful, and straight from Aguascalientes, Mexico.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings: 4 servings (4 tacos each)
Calories: 472 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

For the marinade:
  • 4 dried guajillo chiles (about 3/4 ounce), stems and seeds removed while dry (see note 1)
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple below)
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons achiote paste (see note 2)
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon Mexican oregano (see note 3)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves or 3 whole cloves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the pork:
  • 2 pounds boneless pork butt chopped into 1/4-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup canned pineapple chopped into 1/4-inch pieces (see note 4)
  • salt
  • 16 (8-inch) corn tortillas warmed, for serving
  • 1 cup minced onion for serving
  • 1/2 cup minced fresh cilantro for serving
  • Lime wedges for serving
  • guacamole for serving

Instructions

To marinate the pork:
    Cup of Yum
  1. In a medium bowl, add dried chiles and enough boiling water to cover completely. Let soak until softened, about 10 minutes. Drain well.
  2. In a blender, add softened chiles, pineapple juice, white vinegar, achiote paste, garlic, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, cloves, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Process until smooth, about 30 seconds (you will have about 1 cup marinade).
  3. Transfer the marinade to a large zipper-top plastic bag. Add chopped pork and mash to coat. Marinate at least 4 hours or overnight.
To cook the pork:
  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil until shimmering. Add pork and pineapple and cook until pork registers 145 degrees on a thermometer, about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally. Drain if desired (a colander works well).
  2. Season to taste with salt. Serve with warmed tortillas, onion, cilantro, and guacamole.

Notes

  • Guajillo chiles: You can buy dry, mild-flavored Guajillo chiles at well-stocked grocery stores (even Walmart depending on where you live), Mexican grocery stores, and on Amazon. You can also substitute dried Pasilla chiles or even Ancho chiles (dried Poblano peppers).
  • Achiote paste: This bright red, flavorful paste is made from annatto seeds (the seeds of the Achiote tree). There is no good substitute. Mexican grocery stores will carry it (El Yucateco is a popular brand), or you can buy it on Amazon.
  • Mexican oregano: Mexican oregano has a lemony-citrus flavor, while Mediterranean oregano (Italian, Greek, or Turkish) can be sweet, bitter, or peppery depending on the variety. You can find Mexican oregano at Mexican grocery stores or on Amazon.
  • Pineapple: You can substitute an equal amount of fresh pineapple for the canned. You'll still need juice, though, so either choose the juiciest fruit you can find or seek out the small (6 ounce) cans of pineapple juice.
  • Yield: This recipe makes about 4 cups of Al Pastor meat (pork and pineapple mixed together), enough for 16 tacos (4 tacos per person).
  • Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Make ahead: The marinade can be blended up to 3 days in advance.

Nutrition Information

Serving 4tacos Calories 472kcal (24%) Carbohydrates 42g (14%) Protein 45g (90%) Fat 14g (22%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Monounsaturated Fat 6g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 136mg (45%) Sodium 159mg (7%) Potassium 1208mg (35%) Fiber 6g (24%) Sugar 27g (54%) Vitamin A 1220IU (24%) Vitamin C 115mg (128%) Calcium 108mg (11%) Iron 5mg (28%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings (4 tacos each)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 472

% Daily Value*

Serving 4tacos
Calories 472kcal 24%
Carbohydrates 42g 14%
Protein 45g 90%
Fat 14g 22%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 6g 30%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 136mg 45%
Sodium 159mg 7%
Potassium 1208mg 26%
Fiber 6g 24%
Sugar 27g 54%
Vitamin A 1220IU 24%
Vitamin C 115mg 128%
Calcium 108mg 11%
Iron 5mg 28%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.