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Mexican

Tacos al Pastor

Classic Mexican street tacos featuring marinated pork cooked with pineapple and spices, served on warm corn tortillas.

Tacos al Pastor — Mexican — ChefSnap
20 minsPrep
15 minsCook
8Serves
MediumDifficulty
350 kcal per serving25g protein 30g carbs 15g fat
Watch it made — Tacos al PastorWatch it madeTasty · 1:17

Ingredients

Method

  1. Blend the achiote paste, chili powder, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, vinegar, and pineapple juice until smooth.
  2. Slice the pork shoulder into thin steaks and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Let sit for at least 2 hours.
  3. Grill or pan-fry the pork slices over high heat until slightly charred and cooked through. Dice the cooked pork.
  4. Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet.
  5. Assemble tacos by placing pork on tortillas, topped with diced pineapple, chopped onion, and cilantro.

Common questions

Can I substitute pork shoulder in tacos al pastor?

Yes. Pork butt is the closest substitute and behaves almost the same. Pork loin works if you want leaner meat, but it cooks faster and can dry out. Slice it thin and marinate well for best flavor.

How long should I marinate the pork for tacos al pastor?

At least 2 hours, but 8 to 24 hours is better for deeper color and flavor. Don’t go much past 24 hours with a very acidic marinade, or the texture can turn a little mushy.

What are the most common mistakes when making tacos al pastor?

Using thick pork slices, under-seasoning the marinade, and overcrowding the pan or grill are the biggest issues. Also, don’t skip high heat: you want charred edges, not steamed pork. Warm tortillas right before serving.

How do I store leftover tacos al pastor?

Store the cooked pork, tortillas, and toppings separately. Refrigerate pork in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat the pork in a skillet over medium-high heat so it stays browned instead of soggy.

What should I serve with tacos al pastor?

Serve with lime wedges, extra pineapple, salsa roja or salsa verde, and pickled onions if you like. A simple side of rice, beans, or a crisp cucumber salad also balances the rich, sweet-savory pork.