Tacos al Pastor

Name: Tacos al Pastor
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless pork shoulder; 2 tbsp achiote paste; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup orange juice; 1/4 cup white vinegar; 1 tbsp dried oregano; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 cup chopped fresh pineapple; 1/2 cup chopped cilantro; 1 onion, finely chopped; 8 small corn tortillas; 1 lime, cut into wedges

🕒 Prep: 30 min

🔥 Cook: 1 hour 30 min

🍽 Serves: 4

★★★★★

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Tacos al Pastor are the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and sweet flavors, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. Inspired by the Lebanese shawarma technique, this dish brings a vibrant punch to any meal. Get ready to grill up something special with this easy-to-follow guide!

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Ingredients for Tacos al Pastor

The heart of this dish is the pork shoulder, which becomes tender and flavorful when marinated properly. Achiote paste is the key to giving the pork its signature earthy and slightly peppery flavor. Freshly minced garlic adds depth, while orange juice and white vinegar bring a zesty and tangy balance. Dried oregano and ground cumin layer in earthy notes, complemented by salt and black pepper for seasoning. Fresh pineapple not only adds sweetness but also aids in tenderizing the meat naturally. Cilantro and onion provide fresh, herbal notes and a bit of crunch. Finally, lime wedges offer the perfect finishing touch of acidity to brighten each bite.

Tips & Tricks

If you don't have a vertical spit, you can use a large skewer or even bake the pork on a baking sheet.
For an extra smoky flavor, add some soaked wood chips to your grill.
Make sure the pork is very cold before slicing; this will help you get nice, thin slices.

Serving Suggestions

Tacos al Pastor pair beautifully with a simple side of Mexican rice or a refreshing cucumber salad. A light, crisp beer or a margarita also complements the flavors wonderfully. Serve with extra lime wedges and a side of hot sauce for those who like it spicy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of pork?: Yes, pork loin can work, but it might not be as tender as pork shoulder.
How long can I store leftovers?: Store leftover pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can this be made in advance?: You can marinate the pork up to 24 hours in advance, but it's best grilled fresh.

Tacos al Pastor Recipe Walkthrough

Start by combining the achiote paste, garlic, orange juice, vinegar, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a blender. Blend until you have a smooth marinade. This will be the flavorful base for your pork.

Pour the marinade over the pork shoulder, ensuring it's well-coated. Cover it and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight for the flavors to really penetrate the meat.

When you're ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high. Thread the marinated pork onto a vertical spit or skewer. This setup mimics the traditional method and allows the pork to cook evenly.

Grill the pork, rotating it occasionally to ensure even cooking. It should take about 1.5 hours, and you'll know it's done when it's cooked through and has a nice char on the edges.

Once cooked, thinly slice the pork. Serve it up on warm corn tortillas and top with chopped pineapple, cilantro, onion, and a squeeze of lime juice. Enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Bold, authentic flavors with a hint of sweetness from the pineapple.
Perfect for outdoor grilling and summer gatherings.
Simple ingredients that pack a punch.
Customizable toppings to suit everyone's taste.

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless pork shoulder

2 tbsp achiote paste

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup orange juice

1/4 cup white vinegar

1 tbsp dried oregano

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 cup chopped fresh pineapple

1/2 cup chopped cilantro

1 onion, finely chopped

8 small corn tortillas

1 lime, cut into wedges

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a blender, combine achiote paste, garlic, orange juice, vinegar, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.

2. Pour the marinade over the pork shoulder and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

3. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Thread marinated pork onto a vertical spit or skewer.

4. Grill the pork, rotating occasionally, for about 1.5 hours or until cooked through and slightly charred on the edges.