5 from 12 votes
Instant pot lamb tacos al pastor
Instant Pot Lamb Tacos Al Pastor features lamb shoulder marinated overnight in a vibrant mix of orange and pineapple juices, spices like cumin and smoked paprika, and served shredded in warm tortillas. The lamb cooks tenderly in the Instant Pot, absorbing the citrus and chili flavors. Topped with fresh pineapple, avocado, onion, and coriander, this recipe delivers juicy, smoky meat tacos with bright, fresh garnishes.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
35 mins
Additional Time
8 hrs
Total Time
45 mins
Servings:
6
Calories:
485 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Mexican
Ingredients
- 120 ml orange juice 1/2 cup, fresh
- 1 lime , juice only
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 garlic minced, cloves
- 2 tsp chili paste
- 2 tbsp oregano dried
- 2 tsp cumin ground
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/8 tsp cloves a small pinch, ground
- 2 tsp salt
- 2.2 kg lamb shoulder 5 pounds
- 120 ml pineapple juice or beer, 1/2 cup
- salt to taste, to season
- black pepper to taste, to season
To serve
- tortillas
- 1 pineapple cut into cubes, small
- 1 avocado , sliced
- 1 lime , cut into wedges
- 3 tbsp Coriander (cilantro) roughly chopped
- 1 onion very finely sliced, small
- chilli sauce optional, hot
Instructions
- Put all the ingredients for the sauce in a bowl and mix together.
- Trim the lamb shoulder of large pieces of fat and cut into large pieces. Place in a lidded container.
- Rub the sauce over the lamb and place in the fridge overnight.
- Transfer the lamb and marinade in the Instant Pot. Rinse the container out with pineapple juice and add.
- Cook for 35 minutes at high pressure and leave pressure to release naturally.
- Transfer the lamb to a platter and use two forks or shredding claws to shred the meat. Add some of the sauce and toss together.
- Taste and check the seasoning is to your liking, adding more salt and pepper if needed.
Cup of Yum
To serve
- Heat the tortillas up in a pan (or your toaster, but watch they don’t burn!). Spread a generous amount of shredded lamb on each. Add pineapple and avocado slices. Top with coriander and sliced onion and some hot sauce, if you like. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
How to make lamb al pastor in a slow cooker
- Follow steps 1-3. Put the marinated lamb and pineapple juice (please note you will need 1 cup /250ml) in your slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the lamb is completely tender and falls apart at the touch of a fork.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Calories
485kcal
(24%)
Carbohydrates
35g
(12%)
Protein
49g
(98%)
Fat
17g
(26%)
Saturated Fat
5g
(25%)
Cholesterol
147mg
(49%)
Sodium
986mg
(41%)
Potassium
1253mg
(27%)
Fiber
6g
(24%)
Sugar
20g
(40%)
Vitamin A
675IU
(14%)
Vitamin C
102.1mg
(113%)
Calcium
116mg
(12%)
Iron
6.7mg
(37%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 485
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 485kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 35g | 12% |
| Protein | 49g | 98% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 147mg | 49% |
| Sodium | 986mg | 41% |
| Potassium | 1253mg | 27% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 20g | 40% |
| Vitamin A | 675IU | 14% |
| Vitamin C | 102.1mg | 113% |
| Calcium | 116mg | 12% |
| Iron | 6.7mg | 37% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.