Tacos al Pastor

Tacos al Pastor are a beloved Mexican street food, known for their flavorful marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit and served in warm corn tortillas. Without the traditional sauces, these tacos allow the savory, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors of the meat to shine through, highlighting the authentic spices and preparation method.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This version of Tacos al Pastor is perfect for those who appreciate bold, authentic flavors without additional sauces masking the taste of the meat. The carefully balanced marinade of chilies, spices, and pineapple creates a deep, layered flavor profile, while the cooking method locks in tenderness. It is an ideal recipe for family gatherings, casual dinners, or as a centerpiece for a festive occasion.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pork shoulder, thinly sliced

• Dried guajillo chilies

• Dried ancho chilies

• Garlic cloves

• White vinegar

• Pineapple juice

• Ground cumin

• Dried oregano

• Ground cloves

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Fresh pineapple slices

• Corn tortillas

• White onion, finely chopped

• Fresh cilantro, chopped

• Lime wedges for serving

directions

1. Remove seeds from guajillo and ancho chilies, then soak them in hot water until softened.

2. In a blender, combine softened chilies, garlic, vinegar, pineapple juice, cumin, oregano, cloves, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth to create the marinade.

3. Coat the pork slices thoroughly with the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

4. Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat.

5. Cook the marinated pork slices until fully cooked and slightly charred on the edges.

6. Grill pineapple slices until lightly caramelized.

7. Chop cooked pork and grilled pineapple into small pieces.

8. Warm corn tortillas and fill with the pork and pineapple mixture.

9. Garnish with chopped onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

10. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep time: 20 minutes (plus 4 hours marinating)

• Cook time: 20 minutes

• Total time: 4 hours 40 minutes

Variations

• Use chicken instead of pork for a lighter protein option.

• Add grilled vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for extra texture and flavor.

• Replace pineapple juice with orange juice for a citrusy twist.

• Make it spicier by adding chipotle peppers to the marinade.

storage/reheating

Store leftover pork and pineapple mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Tortillas should be reheated separately to maintain their texture. Avoid freezing as it may alter the tenderness of the pork.

FAQs

What cut of pork is best for Tacos al Pastor?

Pork shoulder is ideal because it is well-marbled and stays tender during cooking.

Can I make this recipe without a vertical spit?

Yes, you can use a grill pan, skillet, or oven broiler to achieve similar results.

Why is pineapple used in the recipe?

Pineapple adds sweetness and acidity, which balance the richness of the pork and tenderize the meat.

Can I prepare the marinade in advance?

Yes, the marinade can be prepared up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

How can I make the tacos less spicy?

Reduce the number of dried chilies or remove all seeds before blending.

What type of tortillas should I use?

Corn tortillas are traditional, but flour tortillas can be used for a softer texture.

Can I cook the pork in the oven?

Yes, bake marinated pork at 400°F (200°C) until cooked through, then broil briefly to char the edges.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free corn tortillas and check that all spices are gluten-free.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?

Yes, you can cook the pork ahead and reheat just before serving.

What toppings work best without sauce?

Fresh onion, cilantro, grilled pineapple, and lime are excellent for enhancing flavor naturally.

Conclusion

Tacos al Pastor without sauce offer a pure taste experience that celebrates the marinated pork and traditional seasonings at the heart of this dish. Whether cooked on a vertical spit or in a home kitchen, the combination of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors will make this recipe a memorable addition to your culinary repertoire. Perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners, it is a timeless classic in Mexican cuisine

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