- Recipes
- Tacos al Pastor with Pork and Pineapple
Tacos al Pastor with Pork and Pineapple
Ingredients
Step by step process
Preparation
- 1
Slice the pork shoulder against the grain into very thin strips or slices, this ensures quick, even searing and helps keep the meat tender.
- 2
Remove seeds from dried guajillo chilies, briefly toast in a dry pan to release their aroma, then cover with hot water. Let them soften for 15 minutes.
TIP:Soak dried chili peppers in hot water for 10-20 minutes to soften them and better release their aroma. This will improve the taste and texture of sauces and marinades.
- 3
In a blender, combine the drained, softened chilies (add a bit of the soaking water if needed), pineapple and orange juices, apple cider vinegar, achiote paste, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Blend into a smooth, thick marinade.
- 4
Toss the pork with the marinade in a bowl, ensuring every slice is evenly coated. Cover and marinate for at least 3 hours, ideally overnight in the fridge, for maximum flavor.
Cooking
- 5
Heat a grill pan over medium-high and lightly brush with canola oil. Sear the pork in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly caramelized on the outside and fully cooked but still juicy.
- 6
While grilling the meat, or just after, grill pineapple slices in a hot pan until well-marked and caramelized. Cut into small cubes.
TIP:Sear the pineapple in a hot pan with a little oil or no fat until it develops golden-brown stripes and a sweeter flavor thanks to caramelization.
- 7
Let the cooked pork rest a few minutes to retain its juices, then chop into small, taco-friendly pieces with a sharp knife.
- 8
Briefly warm corn tortillas in a dry pan or over a flame until soft and pliable, so they don't crack when filled.
TIP:Briefly heat corn tortillas dry in a pan or over a flame to soften them and make them easier to fill, while preserving their characteristic flavor.
Serving
- 9
Fill the warm tortillas with prepared pork and add the grilled pineapple cubes. Sprinkle with finely chopped white onion and cilantro leaves to taste.
- 10
Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing and, if desired, your favorite salsa to add freshness and a hint of heat.
More tips:
No achiote paste? Substitute with 1 tablespoon sweet paprika and a pinch of turmeric for color, the flavor won’t be fully authentic but will stay close.
Don’t marinate the pork for more than 24 hours, pineapple enzymes can break down the meat too much.










