Oh, let me tell you about my favorite taco obsession – Al Pastor Tacos! Seriously, if there’s a party going on or even just a quiet night at home, these tacos are my go-to. I first fell in love with them during a summer road trip down the Pacific coast. I stopped at this little taqueria that had smoky, sweet tacos topped with juicy pineapple. Let’s just say my life has never been the same since! The combination of marinated pork, sweet pineapple, and fresh garnishes wraps around every bite like a warm hug.
These tacos are a true crowd-pleaser and bring everyone to the table. And the best part? You can customize them to your heart’s content. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into making the most delicious Al Pastor Tacos together!
What’s in Al Pastor Tacos?
Let’s break down the superstar ingredients that make these puppies shine:
Pork Shoulder: This is the star of the dish! I recommend using a well-marbled pork shoulder for that juicy and tender texture. Trust me, you don’t want to skimp here!
Achiote Paste: This vibrant, reddish-orange paste made from annatto seeds adds a beautiful color and that unique smoky flavor we all adore.
Orange Juice: The sweetness from the orange juice complements the spices beautifully, balancing out the flavors.
Pineapple Juice: A splash of tropical goodness that helps tenderize the meat while adding a lovely sweetness.
Garlic: Because, let’s be honest, everything is better with garlic! It gives a fragrant and savory base to the marinade.
Cumin & Oregano: These earthy spices pack a punch. Cumin adds warmth, while oregano contributes a hint of herbiness that rounds out the dish.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning! Just right to enhance all those flavors.
Onion: Thinly sliced onions add a crunch and a bit of bite; plus, they get a nice char when grilling.
Pineapple Rings: Grilled until caramelized, these sweet bites are a game-changer in your tacos.
Cilantro: A fresh touch that adds brightness; it’s like confetti for your tacos!
Queso Fresco or Cotija Cheese: These crumbled cheeses add a creamy texture and a little tangy flavor.
Salsa: Because how can you enjoy tacos without salsa? Use your favorite type for that zesty kick!
Corn Tortillas: Small, soft, and oh so versatile, they are perfect for holding all that deliciousness!
Is Al Pastor Tacos Good for You?
Well, as with many things in life, moderation is key! These tacos can be a delightful and satisfying meal.
Pork Shoulder: It’s packed with protein and essential nutrients like zinc and B vitamins. Do keep in mind though, it can be high in fat, so pair it with fresh ingredients like veggies for balance.
Fresh Pineapple: Not only does it add sweetness, but it’s also rich in vitamins C and B6, as well as bromelain, which aids digestion. Win-win!
One thing to remember is to watch your portion sizes and be mindful of toppings like cheese and salsa. Stick to a small sprinkle of cheese and a light hand on the salsa, and you’re golden.
Ingredients
– 1.5 lbs pork shoulder, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp achiote paste
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp oregano
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
– 1 fresh pineapple, sliced into rings
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
– Crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese (for garnish)
– Salsa (to taste)
– 8-10 small corn tortillas
This recipe serves about 4 hungry taco lovers!
How to Make Al Pastor Tacos?
1. In a bowl, mix together the achiote paste, orange juice, pineapple juice, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
2. Add the thinly sliced pork shoulder to the marinade, making sure all pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
3. Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Remove the pork from the marinade and discard the excess marinade. Grill the pork for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and slightly charred.
5. While the pork is grilling, place the pineapple rings on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until caramelized. Remove from the grill and chop into small pieces.
6. Once the pork is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into small bite-sized pieces.
7. Warm the corn tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side until pliable.
8. To assemble the tacos, place some sliced pork on each tortilla, top with chopped grilled pineapple, sliced onion, fresh cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, and a dollop of salsa.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Al Pastor Tacos!
Let’s Taco ‘Bout Variations and Serving Ideas!
Got a taco night coming up? You can totally customize this recipe! Feel free to swap out pork for chicken or even grilled veggies for a delightful vegetarian version. And if you’re feeling spicy, toss in some jalapeños or hot sauce to really turn up the heat!
If you have leftover pork, it makes for a fantastic taco salad the next day. Just throw it over some greens and drizzle with lime juice. YUM.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and whip up these delicious Al Pastor Tacos. I can’t wait to hear how yours turned out, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you! Happy cooking!
