Tacos al Pastor Recipe
Tacos al Pastor are the star of Mexican street food: marinated pork, charred at the edges, tucked into warm tortillas with pineapple, onion and coriander. Sweet, smoky and utterly addictive.
- Prep time
- 30 mins
- Cook time
- 25 mins
- Total time
- 55 mins
- Servings
- 4 servings
- Calories
- 610
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Ingredients
- 700 g pork shoulder, thinly sliced
- 3 dried guajillo chillies, deseeded
- 1 chipotle in adobo
- 150 g fresh pineapple chunks
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 1 onion, diced
- Fresh coriander and lime wedges, to serve
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Soak the guajillo chillies in hot water for 20 minutes, then blend with the chipotle, half the pineapple, garlic, cumin, vinegar and oregano into a smooth marinade.
- Coat the pork in the marinade and leave for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best flavour.
- Sear the pork in a very hot pan or on the grill in batches until charred at the edges, then chop roughly.
- Warm the tortillas, fill with pork, and top with the remaining pineapple, diced onion and coriander.
- Serve with lime wedges and your favourite salsa.
- Plate Tacos al Pastor nicely, garnish as you like, and serve fresh.
Pro tips
- A ripping-hot pan gives the charred edges that define al pastor.
- Marinate overnight if you can for deeper flavour.
- Warm tortillas in a dry pan so they stay soft and pliable.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Yes, chicken thighs work well with the same marinade and a shorter cooking time.
What if I cannot find guajillo chillies?
Use ancho chillies or a mild red chilli powder, adjusting to taste.
How do I keep tortillas warm?
Wrap them in a clean tea towel inside a covered bowl.
