Tacos al Pastor with Pineapple and Onion

Tacos al Pastor are one of Mexico’s most beloved street foods — smoky, juicy, spicy-sweet pork served in soft tortillas and topped with pineapple, onions, and fresh cilantro. Inspired by Lebanese shawarma and Mexican culinary tradition, this recipe creates unforgettable tacos bursting with flavor and authenticity.

The marinated pork is seasoned with chilies, spices, citrus, and achiote, then grilled or roasted until slightly caramelized. The sweetness of pineapple perfectly balances the chili heat, giving every bite a delicious contrast of flavors and textures. Whether you’re enjoying them on a busy weeknight or preparing a feast for friends, Tacos al Pastor are guaranteed to impress.

Why I Love This Recipe

• It captures the true flavor of Mexican street tacos—bold, smoky, and vibrant.
• The balance of sweet pineapple and spicy marinated pork is irresistible.
• It’s fun to make and even more fun to serve — perfect for gatherings.
• The recipe is flexible: stovetop, oven, or grill — all work beautifully.

Why You Must Try This Dish

You should try this recipe because:

✔ It’s restaurant-level delicious but surprisingly easy at home.
✔ It showcases authentic Mexican techniques and flavors.
✔ It’s highly customizable — spicy or mild, classic or modern.
✔ It's a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for taco nights or celebrations.

Recipe Details

Ingredients

For the Marinade

• 2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder, thinly sliced
• 2 dried guajillo chiles, seeded and softened
• 2 dried ancho chiles, softened (optional for depth)
• 3 cloves garlic
• ½ cup pineapple juice
• ¼ cup orange juice
• 2 tbsp white vinegar
• 2 tbsp achiote paste
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For Cooking and Serving

• 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
• 1 small white or red onion, finely chopped
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• 12–16 small corn tortillas
• Lime wedges
• Optional: salsa verde, pickled jalapeños, cotija cheese

Step-By-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. Soften dried chilies by simmering them in hot water for 8–10 minutes.
2. Add chilies, citrus juices, garlic, vinegar, spices, and achiote paste to a blender.
3. Blend until smooth and thick.

Step 2: Marinate the Pork

1. Place sliced pork in a large bowl or zip bag.
2. Pour the marinade over the meat and coat evenly.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours — overnight recommended for best flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Pork

You may choose one of the following methods:

Grill

• Cook marinated slices over medium-high heat until charred and cooked through.

Skillet / Stovetop

• Heat oil in a skillet, cook pork in batches 5–6 minutes until caramelized.

Oven

• Spread pork on a lined tray and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15–18 minutes, then broil 2 minutes to char.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

Heat corn tortillas in a skillet, grill, or microwave until soft and pliable.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

Fill warm tortillas with:

• Cooked al pastor pork
• Diced pineapple
• Chopped onions
• Fresh cilantro
• Squeeze of lime
• Optional sauces and toppings

How to Serve

Serve immediately while hot. Pair with:

• Mexican rice
• Refried or black beans
• Chips and guacamole
• Fresh margaritas or agua fresca

Recipe Tips

• Thin slices = better texture. Ask your butcher to slice the pork thin.
• Rest before serving. Allow cooked pork to rest 3–4 minutes before chopping.
• Char the pineapple. Grilling or pan-searing pineapple adds deeper flavor.
• Double tortillas. This prevents tearing and makes authentic street-style tacos.

Variations

Spicy Al Pastor

Add chipotle in adobo or extra cayenne.

Tropical Twist

Replace pineapple with mango or papaya salsa.

Cheesy Al Pastor Tacos

Add melted Oaxaca or mozzarella and make quesa-tacos.

Vegetarian Version

Use roasted jackfruit or mushrooms with the same marinade.

Freezing & Storage

Reheat gently in a skillet to restore caramelization.

Special Equipment Needed

• Sharp knife
• Blender
• Grill or skillet
• Cutting board

Optional: metal skewers if assembling a shawarma-style stack.

FAQ

Q: Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Yes — chicken thighs work beautifully.

Q: My marinade is too thick—what do I do?
Add a splash of pineapple or orange juice.

Q: Do I have to use achiote paste?
It gives authentic flavor and color, but you can substitute paprika + turmeric.

Conclusion

Tacos al Pastor with Pineapple and Onion bring the heart of Mexican street food straight to your kitchen. With smoky marinated pork, fresh toppings, and just the right sweetness from pineapple, every bite is a fiesta of flavors. Easy to customize and perfect for gatherings, these tacos are sure to become a permanent favorite.