If you’re craving a vibrant explosion of flavors that will instantly transport you to the lively streets of Mexico City, this Tacos Al Pastor Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy, marinated pork slices grilled to perfection, paired with sweet, charred pineapple and fresh, zesty toppings, create a harmony of sweet, smoky, and savory notes that dance on your palate. It’s a dish so beloved it’s become a staple for taco lovers everywhere, and by the end of this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s a true classic that’s worth every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Tacos Al Pastor Recipe truly spectacular is how simple, yet essential the ingredients are. Each one brings something unique to the party—from the tender pork sirloin that’s your protein star, to the pineapple’s natural sweetness which balances the bold spices perfectly.
- 2 pounds boneless pork sirloin roast: Choose a cut with a little fat for extra juiciness and flavor.
- 1 pineapple: Sweet and juicy, this adds a wonderful caramelized touch when grilled.
- 1 white onion (roughly chopped): Adds a sharp, fresh bite to the marinade and the tacos themselves.
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the marinade moist while enhancing the savory depth.
- ¼ cup distilled white vinegar: Provides that signature tang that tenderizes and brightens the pork.
- 2 tablespoons ancho chili powder: Offers a mild heat with a rich, smoky flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the marinade with an irresistible aroma and flavor.
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (+ 2 tablespoons adobo sauce): Bring in a spicy, smoky kick that’s iconic in Al Pastor.
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a subtle earthy, herbal note to the mix.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Provides warm, nutty undertones that enhance the pork.
- 12 corn tortillas: Traditional tacos require soft, warm corn tortillas for wrapping all the deliciousness.
- Lime wedges: The perfect tangy garnish to brighten each bite.
- Chopped fresh cilantro: A fresh, slightly citrusy herb that finishes the tacos beautifully.
- Diced onion: Crunchy and sharp, adding texture and balance.
How to Make Tacos Al Pastor Recipe
Step 1: Slice and Prep the Pork
Start by slicing your boneless pork sirloin into thin strips. This allows the marinade to fully soak in, making every bite tender and flavorful. Place the slices in a large bowl, ready to welcome the marinade.
Step 2: Prepare Pineapple
Peel the pineapple and slice it into quarters to remove the core. Dice one quarter roughly and pop it into the blender—this pineapple will blend into your marinade, giving it natural sweetness and a vibrant tropical zing. Keep the other pineapple quarters sliced into wedges for grilling later, perfect to contrast the spicy pork with caramelized sweetness.
Tacos Al Pastor Recipe Step 3: Blend the Marinade
Combine the chopped onion, chicken broth, vinegar, ancho chili powder, garlic, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, kosher salt, oregano, and cumin in the blender with the pineapple pieces. Blend until smooth and vibrant. This marinade is the heart of your tacos, packing in layers of smoky, spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors all at once.
Step 4: Marinate the Meat
Pour this beautifully blended marinade over the sliced pork. Toss everything together until the meat is thoroughly coated. Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though overnight or up to 3 days will intensify the flavor and tenderize the meat even further, making your tacos downright irresistible.
Step 5: Grill the Pork
Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the pork strips in batches. Each piece only needs 2 to 4 minutes per side, just until cooked through and slightly charred on the edges—those charred bits add crucial texture and smokiness to your tacos.
Step 6: Grill the Pineapple
Don’t forget the pineapple wedges! Grill these until they develop beautiful caramelized grill marks and become juicy and tender. This step takes the sweetness up a notch and balances the smoky, spicy pork like a match made in taco heaven.
Step 7: Assemble Your Tacos
Chop both the grilled pork and pineapple into small, bite-sized pieces perfect for taco filling. Warm your corn tortillas and layer them with the savory pork and sweet pineapple chunks. Top with fresh cilantro, diced onion, and a squeeze of lime. Each taco bursts with flavor, texture, and freshness.
How to Serve Tacos Al Pastor Recipe
Garnishes
The traditional garnishes—chopped cilantro, diced onion, and lime wedges—are not just pretty; they brighten and balance the rich, smoky pork. The combination of fresh herbs and zesty lime juice cuts through the marinade’s depth, making every bite lively and refreshing.
Side Dishes
Consider serving your tacos with classic Mexican sides like refried beans, Mexican street corn (elote), or a simple cabbage slaw. These not only complement the flavors but add exciting textures like crunch or creaminess, enhancing your taco experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your Tacos Al Pastor Recipe buffet-style with all the toppings and sides laid out, so everyone can build their own masterpiece. Or, for a party, mini corn tortillas make adorable bite-size tacos that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pork and pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping the meat properly covered preserves its moisture and flavor, making for delicious next-day tacos or additions to salads and bowls.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked, chopped pork and pineapple for up to 2 months. Freeze in meal-sized portions with a tight seal to avoid freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or chicken broth can help keep the meat tender and juicy, avoiding dryness.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
Absolutely! While pork sirloin is perfect for tender slices, pork shoulder or butt works wonderfully if sliced thin, providing a bit more fat for extra flavor and juiciness.
Is it okay to skip the chipotle pepper in adobo?
The chipotle pepper adds a signature smoky heat, but if you prefer less spice, you can reduce it or omit it entirely. The ancho chili powder will still give you a lovely smoky flavor.
How long should I marinate the pork for best flavor?
For an optimal balance, marinate for at least 2 hours, but leaving it overnight or up to 3 days develops the flavors and tenderness beautifully.
Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Yes! A hot grill pan or cast-iron skillet works great. Just aim for high heat to get those nice charred edges that define authentic tacos al pastor.
What can I use instead of corn tortillas?
While corn tortillas are traditional and add wonderful flavor, you can use small flour tortillas if preferred. Just keep in mind flavor and texture will differ slightly.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Tacos Al Pastor Recipe, it will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen. The marriage of smoky, spicy pork with grilled pineapple and fresh toppings is pure magic. Whether for a casual weeknight dinner or sharing with friends, these tacos bring joy, flavor, and a touch of fiesta to any table. Grab those ingredients and get grilling—you’re in for a real treat!
Print
Tacos Al Pastor Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes (including marination)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Tacos Al Pastor is a classic Mexican street food featuring thinly sliced, marinated pork sirloin grilled to perfection and served with charred pineapple, fresh cilantro, and diced onion on warm corn tortillas. This recipe combines a flavorful chipotle and ancho chili marinade with the sweetness of grilled pineapple for an authentic and delicious taco experience.
Ingredients
Meat and Marinade
- 2 pounds boneless pork sirloin roast
- 1 white onion (roughly chopped)
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup distilled white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons ancho chili powder
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (+ 2 tablespoons adobo sauce from the can)
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
Pineapple and Toppings
- 1 pineapple
- 12 corn tortillas
- Lime wedges
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Diced onion
Instructions
- Slice the pork sirloin: Thinly slice the boneless pork sirloin and place the slices in a large bowl to prepare for marinating.
- Prepare the pineapple: Peel the pineapple, slice into quarters, and remove the core. Chop one quarter into large dice for blending, and slice the other quarters into large wedges for grilling.
- Make the marinade: In a blender, combine the diced pineapple quarter, roughly chopped white onion, chicken broth, distilled white vinegar, ancho chili powder, garlic cloves, chipotle pepper in adobo, 2 tablespoons of adobo sauce, kosher salt, dried oregano, and ground cumin. Blend until a smooth marinade forms.
- Marinate the pork: Pour the blended marinade over the sliced pork. Toss well to coat all pieces thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 3 days to allow flavors to develop.
- Grill the pork: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated pork slices in batches, cooking each piece for 2-4 minutes until cooked through and slightly charred.
- Grill the pineapple wedges: While the pork is grilling, place the pineapple wedges on the grill and cook until charred and caramelized, enhancing their sweetness.
- Assemble the tacos: Chop the grilled pork and pineapple into small bite-sized pieces. Warm the corn tortillas and serve by filling them with the chopped meat and pineapple. Garnish with lime wedges, chopped fresh cilantro, and diced onion for a fresh and vibrant finish.
Notes
- Marinate the pork for at least 2 hours but ideally overnight for maximum flavor.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or broil the meat in the oven on a high rack.
- Serve immediately once assembled for the best texture and flavor.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure your chicken broth and other ingredients have no added gluten.
- Adjust the amount of chipotle pepper and adobo sauce based on your preferred spice level.
