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.
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
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
How to Make Tacos al Pastor
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
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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Tacos al Pastor
Equipment
- Crock Pot
- Blender
- 2 Forks for shredding the pork
- Large Baking Sheet
- Sharp Knife
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