Tacos al Pastor (25 Minutes)

Print

Print Recipe

Tacos al Pastor is a popular Mexican street food dish known for its delicious and flavorful marinated pork. Originating from the traditional Lebanese shawarma, it features thinly sliced pork that has been marinated in a tangy and aromatic blend of spices and pineapple. The meat is then grilled to perfection and served on warm corn tortillas with fresh toppings like onion, cilantro, pineapple, and salsa. Let’s get to it!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound pork shoulder, thinly sliced
  • 4 tablespoons achiote paste
  • 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • Diced onion, chopped cilantro, pineapple, and salsa for topping

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine the achiote paste, pineapple juice, lime juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
  2. Add the thinly sliced pork to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
  3. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated pork slices for about 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred.
  4. While the pork is grilling, warm the corn tortillas on the grill for about 20-30 seconds per side until they are soft and pliable.
  5. Remove the grilled pork from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the pork into smaller pieces.
  6. Assemble the tacos by placing a few slices of the grilled pork on each warm corn tortilla. Top with diced onion, chopped cilantro, and your favorite salsa.
  7. Serve the Tacos al Pastor immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For best results, ensure that the pork is thinly sliced for faster cooking and better flavor absorption. Achiote paste can be found in Latin American or specialty stores and adds a distinctive flavor to the marinade. Grilling the marinated pork adds a delicious smoky taste, but you can also use a skillet if a grill is not available. Don’t forget to warm the tortillas before assembling the tacos to enhance their texture and flavor. For additional toppings, consider avocado slices or a squeeze of lime juice. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.heresyourdinner.com/tacos-al-pastor-25-minutes/