Al Pastor Tacos

Al Pastor Tacos are a Mexican street food legend—marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit (trompo) and shaved off into tender, caramelized slices. The marinade combines guajillo and ancho chilies, pineapple, achiote, and spices for a sweet, savory, smoky flavor. This home version uses the oven or grill to achieve incredible results.

Ingredients

For the Al Pastor Marinade:

• 3 dried guajillo chilies, stems and seeds removed
• 2 dried ancho chilies, stems and seeds removed
• 1 cup (240ml) pineapple juice
• ¼ cup (60ml) white vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon achiote (annatto) paste
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

For the Pork:

• 2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder, thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, sliced

For Serving:

• Corn tortillas, warmed
• 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
• ½ cup onion, finely diced
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salsa verde or roja
• Lime wedges

Instructions

1. Make the Marinade: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the guajillo and ancho chilies for 30 seconds per side until fragrant. Transfer to a bowl and cover with hot water. Soak for 15 minutes until softened. Drain.

In a blender, combine the softened chilies, pineapple juice, vinegar, garlic, achiote, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.

2. Marinate the Pork: Place the sliced pork in a large bowl or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the pork and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to 24 hours.

3. Cook the Pork (Oven Method): Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Place a rack over a baking sheet. Layer the marinated pork and onion slices on a vertical skewer or stack tightly in a loaf pan.

Cover with foil and roast for 2 hours. Remove foil, increase heat to 400°F (200°C), and roast for 20 minutes until edges are caramelized.

4. Slice and Crisp: Remove pork from oven. Slice thinly. For extra crispiness, sear slices in a hot skillet for 1 minute per side.

5. Assemble Tacos: Warm corn tortillas. Fill with al pastor pork, fresh pineapple, diced onion, cilantro, and salsa. Serve with lime wedges.

These Al Pastor Tacos are a fiesta of flavors—sweet, savory, smoky, and fresh.