Tacos al Pastor

Mexico Citys Gift to the World

Tacos al pastor originated in Mexico City but have become beloved throughout Texas and Northern Mexico. This recipe brings the taqueria experience home with marinated pork, charred pineapple, and the signature red adobo that makes al pastor unforgettable.

Ingredients

For the Adobo Marinade:

• 4 guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
• 2 ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cloves
• 1 teaspoon achiote paste (or 1/2 tsp annatto powder)
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Tacos:

• 3 lbs boneless pork shoulder, sliced thin (1/4 inch)
• 1 fresh pineapple, cored and sliced
• Small corn tortillas
• 1 white onion, finely diced
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges
• Salsa verde or roja

Instructions

1. Toast chiles: Toast guajillo and ancho chiles in a dry pan until fragrant. Soak in hot water 20 minutes until soft.
2. Make adobo: Blend soaked chiles with pineapple juice, vinegar, garlic, chipotle, cumin, oregano, cloves, achiote, salt, and oil until smooth.
3. Marinate: Coat pork slices thoroughly with adobo. Marinate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
4. Cook pork: Grill or cook on a hot flat-top/cast iron. Cook in batches over high heat, getting nice char on edges. Chop into small pieces as it cooks.
5. Grill pineapple: Grill pineapple slices until caramelized on both sides. Dice into small pieces.
6. Warm tortillas: Heat tortillas on the grill or comal until soft and slightly charred.
7. Assemble: Double up tortillas, add pastor meat, top with grilled pineapple, onion, cilantro, and salsa. Squeeze lime over top.

Tips for Authentic Flavor

• The key is thin-sliced pork with crispy, charred edges
• Dont skip the pineapple – it balances the spicy, savory meat
• Achiote gives the signature red color
• If you have a vertical rotisserie, use it! Stack marinated pork with pineapple on top

Ask Ruiz Custom Meats to slice your pork shoulder thin for perfect al pastor – we are happy to help!