Braised Al Pastor Tacos
User Reviews
5.0
33 reviews
Excellent
-
Prep Time
4 hrs 5 mins
-
Cook Time
4 hrs
-
Total Time
8 hrs 5 mins
-
Servings
6 people
-
Calories
604 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
Mexican
Braised Al Pastor Tacos
Report
This easy al pastor recipe is savory and rich, full of authentic spices, and incredibly simple to make. Braising uncovered keeps it moist and flavorful, while still getting that classic char you expect from al pastor pork. Serve on warm tortillas with salsa!
Share:
Ingredients
Al Pastor Marinade
- 6 ounces pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp annatto seeds
- 3 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper freshly ground
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 yellow onion peeled
- 8 garlic cloves peeled
To Make al Pastor Tacos
- 4 pounds boneless pork butt cut into 3 inch cubes
- 15 ounces crushed pineapple canned
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup cilantro finely chopped
- 1/4 white onion small dice
- Lime wedges for squeezing
Add to Shopping List
Instructions
Make the Marinade
- Pour the pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, annatto seeds, all the spices for the marinade, along with the garlic cloves and yellow onion into a high powered blender. Gradually move the speed to high and blend the marinade until smooth.
Marinate the Pork
- Put the pork chunks into your baking dish and pour the marinade and crushed pineapple over the pork. Massage the pork well with these ingredients, smothering every side with plenty of marinade. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and place in your fridge for 4 hours up to overnight.
Braise the Pork
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C/Gas Mark 3). Remove the plastic wrap, pour chicken broth over the marinated pork, and place the baking dish into your preheated oven on the center rack. Braise for 4 hours, until it's shreddable with a fork. When it's ready, pull it out, let cool for 5-10 minutes and chop or shred the meat until it's bite sized.
Serve your Tacos al Pastor
- Warm your corn tortillas on a hot dry skillet over medium high heat for 15-20 seconds on each side.
- Fill the warm tortillas with chopped or shredded pork al pastor and top that with queso fresco, salsa verde, and chopped white onions and cilantro, or use any of your favorite toppings. And always serve with lime wedges for squeezing over your tacos. Serve warm!
Notes
- After marinating, place the pork, marinade, and chicken broth into your slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 5-6 hours or low for 8-9 hours, or until the meat is fork tender and shreddable!
- If you want that char, spread the pork onto a baking sheet and broil in the oven for a few minutes. Keep an eye on it so nothing burns.
- Store the cooked al pastor pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat the pork in a microwave safe dish until completely warmed through.
- If you're up to the task, rehydrate some dried chilies to blend into the marinade. We do this in birria de res: de-stem and de-seed some guajillo chilies and an ancho chili or two, soften it up in hot water, then blend it up. It's an extra step, sure, but more flavor, more flavor, honey.
- If you're up to the task, rehydrate some dried chilies to blend into the marinade. We do this in birria de res: de-stem and de-seed some guajillo chilies and an ancho chili or two, soften it up in hot water, then blend it up. It's an extra step, sure, but more flavor, more flavor, honey.
- Don't have a baking dish? A cast iron skillet or dutch oven works as well.
- Don't have a baking dish? A cast iron skillet or dutch oven works as well.
- If you don't have all the spices, use store bought achiote powder.
- If you don't have all the spices, use store bought achiote powder.
- Use orange juice instead of chicken broth when braising the pork for a brighter, citrusy flavor.
- Use orange juice instead of chicken broth when braising the pork for a brighter, citrusy flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Serving
6servings
Calories
604kcal
(30%)
Carbohydrates
44g
(15%)
Protein
61g
(122%)
Fat
19g
(29%)
Saturated Fat
6g
(30%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
3g
Monounsaturated Fat
8g
Trans Fat
0.1g
Cholesterol
181mg
(60%)
Sodium
2558mg
(107%)
Potassium
1383mg
(40%)
Fiber
6g
(24%)
Sugar
15g
(30%)
Vitamin A
258IU
(5%)
Vitamin C
13mg
(14%)
Calcium
149mg
(15%)
Iron
6mg
(33%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 604 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 6servings | |
| Calories | 604kcal | 30% |
| Carbohydrates | 44g | 15% |
| Protein | 61g | 122% |
| Fat | 19g | 29% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 181mg | 60% |
| Sodium | 2558mg | 107% |
| Potassium | 1383mg | 29% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 15g | 30% |
| Vitamin A | 258IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 13mg | 14% |
| Calcium | 149mg | 15% |
| Iron | 6mg | 33% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
33 reviews
Excellent
Other Recipes
You'll Also Love
