Authentic Mexican Pork Tacos al Pastor Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds of boneless pork shoulder
  • 1 cup of pineapple juice
  • 1/2 cup of white vinegar
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 2 tablespoons of chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon of ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/2 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of canola oil
  • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 bunch of fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • 12 small corn tortillas

Steps and instructions

  1. Cut the pork shoulder into thin slices, then cut each slice into bite-sized pieces.
  2. In a blender, combine the pineapple juice, vinegar, garlic, chili powder, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.
  3. Place the pork pieces in a large bowl. Pour the blended marinade over the pork, making sure all pieces are coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight.
  4. Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove the pork from the skillet and set aside.
  5. In the same skillet, add the chopped pineapple and cook until caramelized, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  6. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat until pliable, about 30 seconds per side.
  7. Assemble the tacos by placing a few pieces of pork on each tortilla. Top with the caramelized pineapple, chopped onion, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - To safely cut and prepare the pork shoulder and pineapple.
  • Sharp knife - To slice the pork shoulder into thin pieces and chop the pineapple.
  • Blender - To blend the marinade ingredients into a smooth mixture.
  • Large bowl - To marinate the pork shoulder in the blended marinade.
  • Refrigerator - To refrigerate the marinated pork for at least 1 hour or overnight.
  • Large skillet - To cook the marinated pork and caramelize the pineapple.
  • Spatula - To flip and remove the pork from the skillet.
  • Dry skillet - To warm the corn tortillas.
  • Tongs - To handle the tortillas while warming.
  • Plates - To serve the assembled tacos.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute the pork with chicken or beef for a different protein option.
  • Add diced bell peppers or jalapenos for an extra kick of heat and flavor.
  • Try grilling the marinated pork or chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet for a smoky flavor.
  • For a vegetarian option, replace the meat with grilled or sautéed portobello mushrooms.
  • Experiment with different toppings such as diced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, or pickled red onions.
  • Wrap the taco filling in flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas for a different texture.
  • Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice or drizzle of hot sauce on top for an added burst of acidity.
  • Marinate the meat overnight for even more flavor infusion.
  • For a healthier option, use lettuce leaves as a substitute for tortillas and make lettuce wrap tacos.
  • Include a side of homemade guacamole or salsa for dipping or topping the tacos.

Recipe overview

This delicious Pork Tacos al Pastor recipe brings the vibrant flavors of a Mexican taqueria right to your kitchen. A succulent, marinated pork shoulder is cooked until browned, then paired with sweet, caramelized pineapple for a mouthwatering combination. The addition of finely chopped onion and fresh cilantro adds a touch of freshness, while a squeeze of lime just before serving provides a tangy kick. These tacos can be served as a delightful weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a casual get-together. You'll love the harmonious balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in every bite. Enjoy the process of preparing and savoring this authentic Mexican delicacy.

Common questions

  1. How long should I marinate the pork? - Marinate the pork for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
  2. Can I use a different cut of pork instead of pork shoulder? - Pork shoulder is recommended for its flavor and tenderness, but you can use a different cut such as pork loin if desired.
  3. Can I use canned pineapple juice instead of fresh? - Yes, you can use canned pineapple juice as a substitute for fresh pineapple juice.
  4. What can I use if I don't have a blender? - If you don't have a blender, you can finely mince the garlic and whisk all the marinade ingredients together in a bowl.
  5. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas? - While corn tortillas are traditional for tacos al pastor, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer.
  6. Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan? - This recipe is specifically for pork tacos al pastor, but you can substitute the pork with tofu, tempeh, or your favorite meat alternative to make it vegetarian or vegan.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cutting board - for slicing and chopping ingredients
  • Knife - for cutting the pork and other ingredients
  • Blender - to blend the marinade ingredients
  • Large bowl - for marinating the pork
  • Skillet - for cooking the pork and caramelizing the pineapple
  • Spatula - for flipping and transferring the pork
  • Tongs - for handling the tortillas and assembling the tacos
  • Dry skillet - for warming the tortillas
  • Plates - for serving the tacos
  • Serving utensils - for topping the tacos with onions, cilantro, and pineapple
  • Lime wedges - for garnishing the tacos and squeezing over them

Origin stories

Pork Tacos al Pastor, a beloved Mexican dish, has an interesting backstory with roots that stretch all the way to the Middle East. Lebanese immigrants arrived in Mexico in the 19th and early 20th centuries, bringing with them the tradition of spit-roasting meats. The locals fell in love with this cooking style and adapted the technique to their own cuisine, replacing the traditional lamb with marinated pork. The result was Tacos al Pastor, or 'shepherd style' tacos, a delightful fusion of Middle Eastern and Mexican culinary traditions. The dish is typically made by marinating thin slices of pork in a flavorful sauce, then stacking them on a spit and roasting them slowly. The cooked meat is then thinly sliced and served on small tortillas, often with freshly chopped onions, cilantro, and a generous helping of tangy pineapple – a tropical touch that's purely Mexican. This blend of cultures creates a taco that's truly a culinary voyage, all wrapped up in one delicious bite.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

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