Tacos Al Pastor

Time :4 hours 25 minutes
Yield :12 servings

Recipe Background

Tacos Al Pastor are actually a unique fusion of Mexican and Lebanese cuisines, and are essentially shawarma tacos. The pork is juicy and marinated in a bright and spicy sauce that must be tasted to be believed. Served alongside caramelized and charred pineapples, Tacos Al Pastor is a refreshing and hearty dish that will make you fall in love with tacos all over again!
Tacos Al Pastor are actually a unique fusion of Mexican and Lebanese cuisines, and are essentially shawarma tacos. The pork is juicy and marinated in a bright and spicy sauce that must be tasted to be believed. Served alongside caramelized and charred pineapples, Tacos Al Pastor is a refreshing and hearty dish that will make you fall in love with tacos all over again!

Ingredients

For the filling:

  • 1 (2-3 pound) pork butt or loin boneless
  • 1 large pineapple peeled and cored, divided
  • 1 white onion roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
  • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo
  • 2 tablespoons ancho chili powder
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano

For serving:

  • 12 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1/2 cup cilantro chopped
  • 1 small red onion diced
  • 2 large limes cut into wedges

Directions

  • Slice the pork into thin slices.
  • Place the pork slices into a large mixing bowl.
  • Cut the cored pineapple into large wide spears about 2-inches wide.
  • Dice about 1 cup of the pineapple, setting the remaining spears aside.
  • Using a blender, blend together the onion, the diced pineapple, the orange juice, the white vinegar, the chipotle, the chile powder, the garlic, the salt, and the oregano, pureeing until you’ve achieved a smooth texture.
  • Pour the mixture over the pork slices, ensuring everything is covered.
  • Place the pork in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
  • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Sear each pork slice until fully cooked, about 2-4 minutes per slice.
  • Lightly sear the pineapple spears until barely charred, about 2 minutes.
  • Chop the cooked pork and dice the charred pineapple.
  • Serve in tortillas topped with the fresh cilantro, the red onions, and the lime wedges.
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