Description
Sizzling Mexican tacos al pastor bring street-style flavor straight to home kitchens with marinated pork and tangy pineapple. Succulent meat nestled in warm tortillas promises a mouthwatering adventure you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) pork shoulder, thinly sliced
Marinade and Seasonings:
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) adobo sauce (from chipotle peppers)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish and Serving:
- 1 cup (150 grams) fresh pineapple, diced
- 1/2 cup (75 grams) onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh cilantro, chopped
- Corn tortillas
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking together tangy pineapple juice, sharp apple cider vinegar, rich adobo sauce, aromatic cumin, earthy oregano, zesty garlic powder, and seasonings.
- Submerge thinly sliced pork into the marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for minimum 1 hour, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Preheat grill or cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat (approximately 400°F), creating ideal caramelization conditions.
- Remove pork from marinade, shaking off excess liquid. Arrange meat in a single layer to prevent overcrowding.
- Sear pork slices for 5-7 minutes per side, developing golden-brown edges and ensuring internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Simultaneously, lightly toast corn tortillas on the grill for 10-15 seconds per side, creating slight char and enhancing flexibility.
- Assemble tacos by layering grilled pork onto warm tortillas, generously topping with fresh diced pineapple, finely chopped white onions, and vibrant cilantro.
- Garnish with fresh lime wedges, offering guests optional citrusy brightness to complement the rich, smoky flavors.
Notes
- Marinate overnight for deeper, more intense flavor that allows spices to fully penetrate the meat.
- Slice pork extremely thin to ensure quick, even cooking and maximum caramelization on the edges.
- Use fresh pineapple for topping to add bright, sweet contrast and help tenderize the meat with natural enzymes.
- Swap corn tortillas with lettuce wraps for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that keeps the authentic taste intact.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg