Al Pastor

Name: Al Pastor
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: 3 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt, sliced into thin, even slices; 4 dried guajillo chilies, seeded; 2 dried ancho chili, seeded; 1/2 cup fresh pineapple juice; 1/4 cup white vinegar; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground cloves; 1 tsp dried Mexican oregano; to taste salt; 3 tbsp vegetable oil; 1/2 fresh pineapple, cut into spears; 1/2 large white onion, diced; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 12 corn tortillas

Mexican marinated pork with vibrant chili-spice flavors inspired by Middle Eastern shawarma. Tender, aromatic, and perfect for tacos with pineapple, onions, and cilantro.

60 minMediumServes 6380 cal/serving

Latin AmericanDinnerStovetopStandard

Ingredients

3 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt, sliced into thin, even slices
4 dried guajillo chilies, seeded
2 dried ancho chili, seeded
1/2 cup fresh pineapple juice
1/4 cup white vinegar
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp dried Mexican oregano
to taste salt
3 tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 fresh pineapple, cut into spears
1/2 large white onion, diced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
12 corn tortillas

Instructions

1

Toast the dried chilies in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes. Soak in 1/2 cup hot water for 10 minutes.
2

Blend the soaked chilies with 1/2 cup fresh pineapple juice, 1/4 cup white vinegar, 6 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground cloves, and 1 tsp dried Mexican oregano until smooth.
3

Strain the marinade through a fine-mesh sieve.
4

Place 3 lbs sliced into thin, even slices pork shoulder or pork butt in a large bowl and pour the marinade over it. Mix well to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator).
5

Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6

Working in batches, sear the marinated pork until caramelized, about 3-4 minutes per side (internal temp 160 degrees F).
7

In the same skillet, char 1/2 cut into spears fresh pineapple on both sides, about 2 minutes per side.
8

Serve the al pastor in warm 12 corn tortillas topped with 1/2 large diced white onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and a slice of charred pineapple.

Questions

Can I make Al Pastor ahead?

Yes, it takes well to being made ahead. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Can I halve or double Al Pastor?

Yes. As written it serves 6. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

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