DinnerMay 05, 2026

Authentic Tacos al Pastor

Thinly sliced pork marinated in a vibrant blend of chilies and spices, roasted with pineapple, and served on warm corn tortillas.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time1 hr
Servings6
DifficultyMedium
Authentic Tacos al Pastor

Ingredients

Marinade

  • 3 guajillo chilies, toasted & soaked
  • 2 tbsp achiote paste
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice
  • 2 tbsp white vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 tsp oregano

Meat

  • 1kg pork shoulder, thinly sliced
  • 1 small pineapple, peeled and sliced
  • 1 white onion, thickly sliced

Serving

  • Small corn tortillas
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • White onion, finely diced
  • Lime wedges
  • Salsa roja

Instructions

1

Make Marinade

Blend the softened guajillo chilies, achiote paste, pineapple juice, vinegar, garlic, oregano, and a pinch of salt until smooth.

2

Marinate Pork

Coat the thinly sliced pork shoulder thoroughly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

3

Prepare Skewer

If you don't have a vertical spit (trompo), create a makeshift one using a thick slice of pineapple as a base and a sturdy wooden skewer inserted in the center.

4

Stack and Roast

Stack the marinated pork slices onto the skewer, alternating occasionally with slices of onion. Top with another piece of pineapple. Roast at 200°C for about an hour.

5

Carve and Sear

Once the outside is charred and cooked, carve thin slices off the stack. For extra crispiness, quickly sear the carved pieces in a hot skillet.

6

Assemble Tacos

Double up warm corn tortillas. Add a generous portion of the pork and some roasted pineapple. Top with raw diced onion, cilantro, salsa, and a squeeze of lime.

Nutrition Facts

Calories410 kcal
Carbohydrates26g
Protein28g
Fat22g

* Based on a 2,000 calorie diet.