How to Make Tacos al Pastor

Tacos al Pastor is a favorite traditional street food originating from Mexico. This dish offers a delicious blend of flavors and is made with marinated pork, pineapple, and various spices. It offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy notes.

Bowl of tacos al pastor meat with shredded pork taco on plate with wedge of lime.

Growing up in Southern California, I was spoiled at an early age with access to some of the best Mexican food in the world! (in my humble opinion of course). This recipe is an homage to one of my favorite Mexican dishes.

What You’ll Need to Make Tacos al Pastor

Equipment
  • Crock Pot
  • Blender
  • 2 Forks for shredding the pork
  • Large Baking Sheet
  • Sharp Knife
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
Tacos al pastor meat in glass casserole dish.
Ingredients
  • 5 lb Pork Shoulder (bone in)
  • 3 Chipotles in adobo sauce
  • 3 Tbs. Lime Juice
  • 1 1/2 Tbs. Chile Powder
  • 1/2 Tbs. Cumin
  • 1/2 Tbs. Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 Tbs. Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp. Chipotle Powder
  • 1 20 oz. Can Pineapple rings with juice
  • 1/2 Red Onion
  • Cilantro for garnish
Tacos al pastor meat in glass casserole dish with cilantro garnish.

How to Make Tacos al Pastor

The Day Before
  1. Place pork shoulder in crock pot and cook on low heat until internal temperature reaches 145 F (about 6-8 hours)
  2. Cool pork in refrigerator overnight
1 Hour Before Serving
  1. Preheat oven to 400 F
  2. Blend chipotles, lime juice, spices, and 1/4 cup of pineapple juice in blender.
  3. Shred pork with 2 forks and place on baking sheet.
  4. Pour blended sauce onto pork, and mix with forks until evenly coated.
  5. Thinly slice red onion and place on top of pork.
  6. Chop pineapple into small pieces and mix into pork along with onions.
  7. Bake for 20 minutes
  8. Stir, and pull apart pork a little more, then cook for an additional 15-20 minutes.
  9. Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro
Shredded pork taco on plate with wedge of lime.

How to Serve Tacos al Pastor

These tacos really don’t need anything else added to them! Simply place your pork, pineapple, and onions into your tortilla and serve with a wedge of lime.

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Bowl of tacos al pastor meat and shredded pork taco on plate with wedge of lime.

Tacos al Pastor

Tacos al Pastor are a traditional Mexican street food packed with pork and pineapple seasoned with delicious spices. This is the perfect recipe for a crowd!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 hours
Servings 24 tacos

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 5 lb Pork Shoulder bone in
  • 3 Chipotles in adobo sauce
  • 3 Tbs. Lime Juice
  • 1 1/2 Tbs. Chile Powder
  • 1/2 Tbs. Cumin
  • 1/2 Tbs. Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 Tbs. Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp. Chipotle Powder
  • 1 20 oz. Can Pineapple rings with juice
  • 1/2 Red Onion
  • Cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

The Day Before

  • Place pork shoulder in crock pot and cook on low heat until internal temperature reaches 145 F (about 6-8 hours)
  • Cool pork in refrigerator overnight

1 Hour Before Serving

  • Preheat oven to 400 F
  • Blend chipotles, lime juice, spices, and 1/4 cup of pineapple juice in blender.
  • Shred pork with 2 forks and place on baking sheet.
  • Pour blended sauce onto pork, and mix with forks until evenly coated.
  • Thinly slice red onion and place on top of pork.
  • Chop pineapple into small pieces and mix into pork along with onions.
  • Bake for 20 minutes
  • Stir, and pull apart pork a little more, then cook for an additional 15-20 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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