Authentic Tacos Al Pastor with Homemade Marinade
Experience the vibrant flavors of traditional Tacos Al Pastor, featuring succulent pork marinated in a rich blend of spices and fresh ingredients. This recipe balances the sweetness of pineapple and honey with the smoky depth of ancho and guajillo chilies, creating a dish that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. Served in warm corn tortillas, topped with fresh onions, spicy salsa, and fragrant cilantro, these tacos are an authentic taste of Mexico that you can easily recreate at home. Ideal for parties, gatherings, or a festive dinner, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds!
6-8
Servings
400
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ancho chilies
2 (dried)
Guajillo chilies
2 (dried)
Chopped fresh pineapple
1 cup (250 ml) (chopped)
Honey
2 tablespoons (30 ml) (raw)
Smoked paprika
1 tablespoon (15 ml) (ground)
Vinegar
1 tablespoon (15 ml) (white or apple cider)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5 ml)
Chipotle chile in adobo
1 (canned)
Adobo sauce
1 tablespoon (15 ml) (from canned chipotle)
Garlic cloves
5 (peeled)
Fresh oregano
3 sprigs (fresh)
Pork butt
4 lbs (whole)
Onion
1 large (sliced)
Corn tortillas
small (to serve)
Chopped onion
to taste (to garnish)
Salsa
to taste (to garnish)
Cilantro leaves
to taste (to garnish)
Lime wedges
to taste (to serve)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the marinade. In a pot, bring water to a boil and add the ancho and guajillo chilies. Turn off the heat and let the chilies steep for about 30 minutes, or until they are fully rehydrated. Once softened, remove the seeds and stems.
2
In a food processor, combine the rehydrated chilies, chopped pineapple, honey, smoked paprika, vinegar, salt, chipotle chile, adobo sauce, garlic cloves, and fresh oregano. Blend until you achieve a smooth marinade.
3
Take the pork butt and slice it into 3/4-inch-thick slabs without cutting all the way through. This allows the marinade to penetrate each layer. Spread the marinade generously in between the meat layers, ensuring every bit is covered.
4
Add the sliced onion between the layers of meat, then tie the roast back together with kitchen twine. Cover the roast and refrigerate it to marinate for at least 3 hours, or ideally overnight for enhanced flavor.
5
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place the marinated roast on a rack in a roasting pan and pour water into the bottom to prevent the drippings from smoking.
6
Roast the meat at the high temperature for the first 30 minutes, then reduce the heat to 300°F (160°C). Continue roasting for about 3 hours, or until the pork is very tender.
7
Once cooked, remove the roast from the oven and cover it with foil. Let it rest for about 20 minutes to retain moisture.
8
When ready to serve, thinly slice the pork. Serve the delicious slices on warm corn tortillas, and garnish with chopped onions, your favorite salsa, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges on the side for an added burst of flavor.
Nutrition Information
31g
Fat
11g
Carbs
22g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Tacos Al Pastor?
Tacos Al Pastor is a traditional Mexican dish consisting of pork marinated in a blend of dried chilies, spices, and pineapple, typically roasted and served on corn tortillas.
What is the best cut of meat for Tacos Al Pastor?
Pork butt, also known as pork shoulder, is the ideal cut because its fat content keeps the meat succulent and flavorful during the long roasting process.
How long should I marinate the pork?
The meat should marinate for at least 3 hours, but for the most authentic and deep flavor, it is best to let it sit in the refrigerator overnight.
Are Ancho chilies spicy?
Ancho chilies are quite mild. They are dried poblano peppers and offer a sweet, smoky, and raisin-like flavor rather than intense heat.
What do Guajillo chilies taste like?
Guajillo chilies have a thin skin and provide a sweet, tart, and slightly smoky flavor with a very mild heat level.
Why is pineapple used in the marinade?
Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain which helps to tenderize the pork, while also providing a sweet balance to the smoky chilies.
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
While fresh pineapple is preferred for its natural enzymes, you can use canned pineapple; just be sure to include some of the juice for acidity.
Do I need to remove the seeds from the dried chilies?
Yes, it is recommended to remove the seeds and stems after rehydrating the chilies to ensure the marinade remains smooth and not overly bitter.
How do I rehydrate dried chilies?
Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the chilies, turn off the heat, and let them steep for about 30 minutes until they are soft and pliable.
What is adobo sauce?
Adobo sauce is a tangy, slightly spicy reddish sauce made from ground chilies, herbs, and vinegar, typically found in cans of chipotle peppers.
Why is the meat roasted at two different temperatures?
Starting at 475°F (245°C) sears the outside for flavor, while lowering it to 300°F (160°C) allows the interior to become tender without burning the exterior.
What type of tortillas should I use?
Authentic Al Pastor is traditionally served on small, warm corn tortillas which complement the flavor of the marinated pork.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the primary ingredients are naturally gluten-free. However, always check the labels on your adobo sauce and corn tortillas to ensure no cross-contamination.
What are the traditional toppings for Al Pastor?
Traditional garnishes include finely chopped raw white onions, fresh cilantro, a variety of salsas, and fresh lime wedges.
How many calories are in a serving of these tacos?
This recipe contains approximately 400 calories per serving.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How do I slice the pork butt for marinating?
Slice the pork into 3/4-inch-thick slabs, but do not cut all the way through the bottom; this keeps the roast together while allowing the marinade to reach every layer.
What if I don't have kitchen twine?
If you don't have kitchen twine, you can use long metal skewers to hold the layers of meat and onion together during the roasting process.
Why do I need to add water to the roasting pan?
Adding water to the bottom of the roasting pan prevents the meat drippings from burning and smoking in the high-heat oven.
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
The recipe calls for white or apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is a great choice as it adds a subtle fruitiness that pairs well with the pineapple.
How long should the meat rest after cooking?
The meat should rest, covered in foil, for about 20 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring the pork remains moist when sliced.
What can I substitute for honey?
Agave nectar or brown sugar are excellent substitutes for honey and will still provide the necessary sweetness to the marinade.
Is it okay to use dried oregano?
Yes, if you don't have fresh oregano, you can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve between 6 and 8 people, making it perfect for gatherings.
How should I store leftover Al Pastor meat?
Store leftover pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
What is the best way to reheat the meat?
The best way to reheat the meat is in a hot skillet with a tiny bit of oil or water to crisp up the edges without drying out the center.
Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the marinated pork on low for 6-8 hours, though you will miss out on the roasted, charred exterior texture.
What side dishes go well with Al Pastor?
Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh jicama salad are excellent sides to serve alongside these tacos.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides approximately 22 grams of protein.
Can I use chicken instead of pork?
While pork is traditional, you can use chicken thighs with the same marinade, though the cooking time will be significantly shorter.