Authentic Tacos al Pastor

Tacos al pastor is a classic Mexican taco treat of tender pork marinated in a flavorsome pineapple-chile sauce with tomato, orange juice, and garlic.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Calories: 204 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 onion, quartered
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 tablespoon salt, or to taste
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 tomato
• 3 dried guajillo chile peppers, seeded
• 2 dried ancho chile peppers, seeded
• 1 pineapple, sliced 3/4-inch thick
• 3 cloves
• 2 pounds boneless pork loin, thinly sliced
• 0.5 cup orange juice
• 0.25 cup white vinegar
• 0.5 cup chopped onion
• 0.5 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Cook tomato on a ridged grill pan over medium-high heat until slightly blackened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool until easily handled. Peel off skin and remove seeds.

Step 2

Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add guajillo and ancho chile peppers; cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Drain.

Step 3

Combine tomato flesh, softened chile peppers, 2 slices pineapple, orange juice, quartered onion, vinegar, chipotle peppers, salt, garlic, cloves, cumin seeds, and oregano in a blender; blend until smooth.

Step 4

Arrange pork slices in a glass or ceramic baking dish. Pour blended mixture over pork, ensuring all sides are evenly coated. Cover baking dish with plastic wrap.

Step 5

Marinate pork in the refrigerator, 4 hours to overnight.

Step 6

Cook remaining pineapple slices on a ridged grill pan over medium-high heat until slightly blackened and soft, about 5 minutes per side. Chop into small pieces.

Step 7

Wipe out grill pan and preheat over medium-high heat. Cook marinated pork in the hot pan, turning once, until browned, 4 to 5 minutes.

Step 8

Chop pork coarsely into small pieces against the grain. Serve with pineapple, chopped onion, and cilantro.