Authentic Al Pastor Recipe 🌮🍍
Introduction
Few things capture the heart of Mexican street food like tacos al pastor. Juicy marinated pork, slowly roasted with layers of smoky chiles, spices, and pineapple, creates the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and sweet. Traditionally cooked on a trompo (vertical spit), this dish is inspired by Lebanese shawarma but infused with bold Mexican flavors like achiote, chipotle, and guajillo chiles.
The good news? You don’t need a taquería or a full-size trompo to enjoy this dish at home. With a simple marinade, the right layering technique, and your oven or grill, you can recreate restaurant-quality al pastor tacos in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🌮 Street Taco Flavor at Home – Authentic marinade + roasting = unbeatable flavor.
- 🍍 Sweet & Smoky Balance – The pineapple caramelizes beautifully with the pork.
- 🔥 Flexible Cooking Methods – Grill, roast, or even use a mini trompo setup.
- ⏳ Meal Prep Friendly – Marinate overnight for maximum flavor.
Ingredients
For the Meat & Marinade
- 3 lbs pork butt, thinly sliced
- 1 pineapple (base & topping slices, plus some for tacos)
- ¾ onion (divided)
- 1 tbsp neutral oil
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- ¼ onion
- 5 dried guajillo chiles, deseeded
- 2 bay leaves
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 chipotle chiles in adobo (just the peppers, not the whole can)
- 1 tbsp achiote paste (or powder)
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp Mexican oregano
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp allspice
- ¼ cup canned pineapple juice
- 1 cup chicken stock (or 1 tsp Knorr + 1 cup water)
- 5 dried chile de árbol, deseeded (optional, for extra spice)
For Tacos
- Warm corn tortillas
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Raw white onion, diced
- Salsa verde (or your favorite salsa)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Pork
- Partially freeze pork butt for easier slicing.
- Slice thinly (or ask your butcher).
- Pound lightly for tenderness.
2️⃣ Make the Marinade
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add smashed garlic and ¼ onion; sauté until golden.
- Add guajillo chiles and bay leaves; cook 1–2 minutes.
- For extra heat, add chile de árbol now.
- Pour in water and apple cider vinegar, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes. Let cool.
- Transfer to a blender with chipotles, chicken stock, pineapple juice, achiote, salt, cumin, oregano, black pepper, and allspice. Blend until smooth.
- Strain marinade through a fine-mesh sieve for a silky texture.
3️⃣ Marinate the Pork
- Coat sliced pork thoroughly with marinade.
- Cover and refrigerate 4–8 hours (overnight for best flavor).
4️⃣ Cook the Al Pastor
Mini Trompo Method (Most Authentic):
- Cut a thick pineapple slice for the base and slide it onto a wooden or metal skewer.
- Stack marinated pork slices tightly.
- Top with another pineapple slice.
- Roast at 275°F (135°C) for 2.5–3 hours, until pork reaches 145°F internally.
- In the last 30 minutes, baste with pan juices.
- Broil 2–3 minutes to caramelize the edges.
Alternative Methods:
- Grill: Cook slices directly over medium heat, flipping until charred and cooked through.
- Oven Roast: Lay slices on a baking sheet, roast at 350°F, then broil briefly to crisp.
- Skillet: Quick and easy—just pan-fry slices until browned.
5️⃣ Slice & Finish
- Let roasted pork rest 10 minutes.
- Slice thinly, like shaved shawarma.
- Optional: sauté pork with diced pineapple and onions in its pan juices for extra caramelization.
6️⃣ Assemble the Tacos
- Warm corn tortillas.
- Add pork, pineapple, cilantro, and raw onions.
- Top with salsa verde.
- Enjoy immediately! 🌮🍍
Tips & Variations
- 🌶️ Adjust Heat: Use more or fewer chipotles or chiles de árbol to match your spice tolerance.
- 🍊 Fruit Twist: Substitute orange juice for pineapple juice in the marinade for a citrusy flavor.
- 🥩 Different Cuts: Pork shoulder works best, but chicken thighs are a great alternative.
- 🥑 Toppings: Add guacamole, pickled red onions, or creamy avocado salsa for variety.
Nutrition (Per Taco, approx. 2 oz pork + tortilla + toppings)
- Calories: ~190
- Protein: 14g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbs: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: ~420mg
FAQ
1. Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Yes! Boneless chicken thighs make a delicious, leaner version of al pastor.
2. Do I need achiote paste?
It’s traditional and gives the pork its red color and earthy flavor. If you can’t find it, paprika + annatto seeds can be a substitute.
3. How long should I marinate the pork?
At least 4 hours, but overnight gives the deepest flavor.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! The pork can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance and even roasted, then reheated and crisped in a skillet before serving.
5. What sides go with tacos al pastor?
Classic sides include Mexican rice, refried beans, esquites (Mexican street corn), or a refreshing cucumber salad.