Tacos al Pastor is a beloved Mexican street food that combines savoury, spicy, and sweet flavours. Originating from the influence of Lebanese immigrants in Mexico, this dish features thinly sliced pork marinated in a blend of dried chilies, spices, and pineapple, then cooked on a vertical spit, much like shawarma. The result is tender, flavorful pork perfectly complemented by the sweetness of caramelized pineapple and the freshness of cilantro and onions. Traditionally, the meat is shaved off the spit and served on small corn tortillas, topped with a slice of pineapple, diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

See our Delicious Chilaquiles Recipe

Creating Tacos al Pastor at home involves marinating pork in a rich, complex adobo sauce and cooking it on a grill or in the oven to achieve a similar effect as the traditional vertical spit. This recipe offers an approachable method for home cooks to recreate authentic flavours. The combination of smoky, spicy pork with the bright flavours of fresh toppings makes every bite a fiesta of flavours. Serve these tacos with salsa, guacamole, or pickled jalapeños for an extra kick.

Tacos al Pastor Recipe

Recipe by Owais

Servings

12

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

Total time

1

hour 

30

minutes

Ingredients:

• For the Marinade:

• 4 dried guajillo chilies, seeds, and stems removed

• 2 dried ancho chilies, seeds, and stems removed

• 1 cup pineapple juice

• 1/4 cup white vinegar

• 3 cloves garlic

• 1 medium white onion, roughly chopped

• 2 tablespoons achiote paste

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• For the Pork:

• 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder, thinly sliced

• For Serving:

• 12 small corn tortillas

• 1 cup fresh pineapple, finely chopped

• 1/2 cup white onion, finely diced

• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• Lime wedges

Instructions:

• Prepare the Marinade:
• In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add the guajillo and ancho chillies and boil for about 5 minutes until softened.
• Drain the chillies in a blender with pineapple juice, white vinegar, garlic, onion, achiote paste, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, cloves, vegetable oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
• Marinate the Pork:
• Place the thinly sliced pork shoulder in a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag.
• Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
• Cook the Pork:
• Preheat a grill or oven to medium-high heat.
• If using a grill, cook the pork slices for 3-4 minutes per side until slightly charred and cooked. If using an oven, spread the pork slices on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through, until cooked and slightly caramelized.
• Assemble the Tacos:
• Warm the corn tortillas on a dry skillet or grill for 30 seconds per side.
• Fill each tortilla with a portion of the cooked pork.
• Top with chopped pineapple, diced onion, and fresh cilantro.
• Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

• Enjoy these delicious Tacos al Pastor with your favourite salsa or hot sauce for an authentic Mexican street food experience at home.

Ideas for Serving

• With Sides: Serve Tacos al Pastor with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans to complete the meal.
• With Salsa: Pair with a variety of salsas, such as salsa verde, pico de gallo, or spicy red salsa, for added flavour.
• As a Platter: Create a taco bar by offering different toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and crumbled queso fresco.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 8g

History

Tacos al Pastor, meaning “shepherd-style tacos,” originated in Mexico City in the early 20th century. The dish was influenced by Lebanese immigrants who brought their culinary traditions, including shawarma, to Mexico. The vertical rotisserie cooking method was adapted, and Mexican flavours such as achiote, pineapple, and chillies were incorporated. Over time, Tacos al Pastor became a staple of Mexican street food, beloved for its unique fusion of Middle Eastern and Mexican flavours.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, while pork shoulder is traditional, you can use chicken or beef as alternatives. The marination and cooking process remain the same.

What if I don’t have a grill or rotisserie?

You can cook the marinated pork in a conventional oven. Spread the slices on a baking sheet and roast at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through.

How can I make the marinade spicier?

Add a couple of dried arbol chillies or chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the marinade for an extra kick of heat.