Variation
Oven Roasted: Stack the marinated pork slices in a loaf pan and bake at 175C for 90 minutes, then slice and sear.
Dinner · Main Course · Mexican
Tacos Al Pastor With Grilled Pineapple
These vibrant tacos al pastor feature thinly sliced pork shoulder marinated in a rich achiote and guajillo chili sauce, topped with smoky grilled pineapple.
Prep
45 min
Cook
20 min
Difficulty
Medium
Serves
6
Preparation
Get these tasks done before you start cooking.
Chile Preparation
- 1
Toast and Rehydrate
Toast the dried guajillo and ancho chilies in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes until fragrant. Transfer to a bowl of hot water and soak for 10 minutes until soft.
Tip: Do not burn the chilies or the marinade will taste bitter.
Marinade Blending
- 1
Create the Adobo
Blend the soaked chilies, achiote paste, pineapple juice, vinegar, garlic, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, and salt until completely smooth.
Tip: Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve for a silkier texture.
How to Make Tacos Al Pastor With Grilled Pineapple
Total time: 1 h 5 min · Yields 6 servings
- 1
Marinate the Pork
Place the thinly sliced pork shoulder in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour the adobo marinade over the meat, ensuring every slice is thoroughly coated. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the enzymes in the pineapple juice to tenderize the pork.
- 2
Grill the Pineapple
Preheat a grill or cast-iron grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the pineapple slices and grill for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deep char marks appear and the sugars have caramelized. Remove from heat and chop into small chunks.
- 3
Sear the Pork
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a heavy skillet or griddle over high heat. Working in batches to avoid crowding, sear the pork slices for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the edges are crispy and charred. The high heat is essential to mimic the texture of the traditional spit.
- 4
Rest and Chop
Transfer the cooked pork to a cutting board and let it rest for 3 minutes. Stack the slices and chop into bite-sized strips, mixing in any flavorful juices left on the board.
- 5
Warm the Tortillas
Briefly toast the corn tortillas on the hot griddle for 30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly charred. Keep them warm in a clean kitchen towel.
- 6
Assemble the Tacos
Place a generous portion of pork on two stacked tortillas. Top with the grilled pineapple chunks, diced white onion, and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with fresh lime wedges.
Chef's Tips
- Freeze the pork shoulder for 30 minutes before slicing to make it easier to get thin, uniform pieces.
- If you don't have a grill, use a broiler for the pineapple to get those blackened, sweet edges.
- Stacking two tortillas per taco is traditional and prevents the corn base from breaking under the weight of the juicy pork.
What to Serve with Tacos Al Pastor With Grilled Pineapple
The garlic butter sauce is the star — pick sides that soak it up or balance the richness.
- Serve with a side of frijoles charros.
- Pair with a cold hibiscus tea (agua de jamaica).
- Offer a variety of hot sauces on the side.
Recipe Variations
Once you've mastered the base recipe, try these popular twists.
Variation
Spicy Kick: Add two chipotle chilies in adobo to the blender for extra heat.
Variation
Chicken Pastor: Swap pork shoulder for boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cooked pork in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot skillet to maintain the crispy edges.
Further reading
Frequently asked questions
What cut of meat is best for tacos al pastor?
Pork shoulder (butt) is the best choice because its high fat content keeps the meat juicy during the high-heat searing process.
Can I make tacos al pastor without a vertical spit?
Yes, slicing the meat thinly and searing it in a very hot cast-iron skillet creates the crispy, charred texture typical of the traditional trompo method.
Is achiote necessary for this recipe?
Achiote is essential for the authentic earthy flavor and signature red color of the meat. It can be found in the international aisle of most grocery stores.
How long should I marinate the pork for tacos al pastor?
For the best flavor and texture, marinate the pork for at least 4 hours. Over 24 hours is not recommended as the acidity may start to break down the meat fibers too much.
Why is pineapple used in this recipe?
Pineapple juice contains bromelain, an enzyme that tenderizes the pork, while the grilled fruit provides a sweet contrast to the smoky chilies.
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