I consider al pastor tacos one of my favorite tacos; always there to satisfy at 2 am off a truck and is blow-your-mind-good freshly sliced off the trompo, a vertical rotisserie al pastor is traditionally cooked on. And then there’s the one I had in Guanajuato thatshattered my taco world. The geniuses there melted a thin slice of stringy cheese on the small corn tortilla before piling the shaved meat on top. Holy. Pork.
Al pastor means “shepherd style” in Spanish and refers to the way the meat is cooked. This rotisserie-like pork, marinated in a mixture of chiles and spices, is used in a variety of ways in anything from tacos to tortas (sandwiches). 
This method of roasting meat is unique to al pastor in Mexico but common in the Middle East where it was brought to central Mexico by early Lebanese immigrants. Pig-friendly Mexican cooks likely adapted this equipment by swapping the lamb or beef that is traditionally used for shawarma for pork. A large pineapple is usually placed on top of the stacked slices of pork which has a natural enzyme called bromelain that tenderizes meat (the grilled pineapple also doubles as a great little topping to the tacos)
While al pastor is typically something that is enjoyed on the streets of Mexico, this is totally doable at home. This also cooks up great on a BBQ for those last days of summer.
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Tacos Al Pastor
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 7-10 servings 1x
Description
These Al Pastor Tacos feature marinated pork grilled to perfection with pineapple and onions, offering a deliciously authentic taste of Mexico right at home.
Ingredients
- 4-5 lb (1.8-2.25 kg) boneless pork butt, sliced into 1/4 inch thick slices (ask your butcher to do this)
- 3 oz (85 g) achiote paste (El Yucateco brand recommended)
- 2 guajillo chilies
- 4 California chilies
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) fresh pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) white vinegar
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced
- Corn tortillas
- Optional: stringy cheese for melting on tortillas
Instructions
- In a small pot bring some water to a boil and add the chilies. Turn off the heat and let the chilies steep until they are pliable.
- Take the chilies out of the hot water and remove stems and seeds. Add them to a blender and add the 1/2 cup of pineapple juice. Blend for a few minutes until very smooth and pass through a fine mesh sieve. It will be a bit thick so use a spatula or spoon and keep stirring the mixture against the sieve.
- Pour this pineapple-chilies mixture back into the blender or food processor and add cumin, oregano, garlic, achiote paste, 1 tbsp of white vinegar and 1 tbsp of salt and blend until smooth.
- In a large bowl or dish, slather thick marinade between layers of pork and add the sliced onions in between, placing each new layer of pork directly on top of each other. Cover with plastic wrap and let it marinade in the refrigerator for one hour (and no more because those pineapple enzymes are powerful!)
- In a very large skillet, heat it on high heat until it is scorching hot. Sprinkle a little more salt on both sides of the meat. Sear the pork for 1-2 minutes on each side. Throw in the onions that was in your marinade as well. Your pork should have enough fat on it so you won’t need any additional oil but if it doesn’t add, just a little to your pan. Sear off all of the pork and then dice them roughly into 1/2 inch cubes.
- Return the diced meat into the pan in batches (don’t crowd your pan) and cook the meat until it gets nice and brown about 10 minutes.
- Add all the marinating onions and some pineapple slices in your pan, grill or griddle so they become caramelized.
- Heat some small tortillas on the pan or griddle.
- To assemble your tacos, place two tortillas and pile a little meat on top. Add some onions and cilantro, maybe some tomatillo salsa and some grilled pineapple if you so desire. Buen provecho!
Notes
- For best results, marinate the pork overnight.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can roast the skewers in the oven at 400°F.
- Serve with extra grilled pineapple for added sweetness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8 grams
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 25 grams
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
If You Liked This Recipe, You’ll Love These
- Pork Adobado Tacos with Charred Pineapple
- Cucumber and Corn Grilled Steak Tacos
- Al Pastor Pork Tacos
- Birria Tacos
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this recipe say to marinate the pork for only one hour — and no more?
The marinade contains fresh pineapple juice, which carries bromelain — a natural enzyme that tenderizes meat. Beyond one hour, that same enzyme can break down the pork’s texture too aggressively, leaving it mushy rather than tender. The notes do mention marinating overnight as an option for deeper flavor, but keep a close eye on the texture if you push past the one-hour mark.
What is achiote paste, and is there a particular brand the recipe recommends?
Achiote paste is a brick-red seasoning made from annatto seeds, herbs, and spices — it gives al pastor its characteristic deep orange color and earthy, slightly peppery flavor. The recipe specifically calls for El Yucateco brand achiote paste; look for it in Latin grocery stores or the international aisle.
Where did the al pastor style of cooking actually come from?
Al pastor (meaning “shepherd style”) traces its roots to Lebanese immigrants who brought the vertical rotisserie technique — used for shawarma with lamb or beef — to central Mexico. Mexican cooks adapted it by swapping in pork, which is how this iconic taco filling was born.
How do you get a good sear on the pork without a trompo at home?
The recipe calls for heating a very large skillet on high heat until it is scorching hot, then searing the sliced pork for 1–2 minutes per side. After searing, dice the meat into roughly ½-inch cubes, return them to the pan in batches (don’t crowd the pan), and cook for about 10 minutes until nicely browned — this mimics the crisp exterior you’d get from a trompo.
Can I store leftover al pastor, and how long will it keep?
Yes — the notes say to store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cooked meat reheats well in a hot skillet, which also revives some of the caramelized texture.
I’m from South Texas, this pastor recipe is awesome. So much better than at any restaraunt I’ve ever had. My family loved it!
These look fantastic!
delicious!
I love these, but have never tried making them. Pineapple, who knew?