Authentic Tacos Al Pastor Recipe

We all know that authentic Mexican food is some of the best in the world. When you’re ready for something truly great, look no further than tacos al pastor. An authentic-tasting tacos al pastor recipe involves pork, pineapples, garlic, peppers, and a few other yummy essentials. All you need is a trip to the grocery store or Latino market, and then some time and dedication! Grilling the pork over low heat gives the marinade time to caramelize and mingle with the rendering fat. It’s the stuff crispy bits are made of, which you definitely want!

Here’s what you’ll need to buy:

• 16 corn tortillas
• 10 guajillo chiles
• 2 chiles de árbol
• 3 pounds boneless pork shoulder (Boston butt), sliced ¾” thick
• 8 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 cup distilled white vinegar
• ¼ cup of sugar
• 3 tablespoons prepared or fresh achiote paste
• 3 ounces kosher salt
• 1 pineapple, peeled, cored, cut into ½” rings, divided
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped, divided
• 2 red habanero chiles, seeds removed, finely chopped
• ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice

It’s time to get cooking!

To get started, you will bring the guajillo chiles, chiles de árbol, and two cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Cover, remove from heat and let it sit for 30 minutes to let the chiles soften.

While this is happening, you’ll have plenty else to do! Place the pork in a large bowl. Purée chiles and soaking liquid, garlic, vinegar, sugar, achiote paste, 3 oz. salt, half of the pineapple, and half of the onion in a blender until smooth, which will probably take about two minutes. Pour this delicious mixture over the pork, stirring to coat thoroughly. Cover and chill for anywhere from three to a full twelve hours.

If using a gas grill, prepare for medium-high heat. If you are using a charcoal grill, prepare for two zones of heat, medium-high and low. Grill the remaining pineapple over medium-high heat, turning once, until charred, which should take about six or eight minutes. Finely chop the pineapple and combine with habanero chiles, mint, lime juice, and remaining onion in a small bowl. Season with salt, cover it and put it in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it.

Now, reduce the grill heat to low. If you are using a charcoal grill, use the low-zone heat. Remove the pork from its marinade and grill until marinade on pork has dried and begins to caramelize and char. This will take about 12 minutes per side. Transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes.

While the pork is resting, grill the tortillas until soft and beginning to char, which will only take about 30 seconds per side. Slice the pork against the grain into ¼” strips. Top each tortilla with a few pieces of pork and some pineapple salsa. You’re all done! The first bite will tell you it has all been worth it!

Order tacos al pastor from The Taco Guy

If this looks delicious, but a little out of your culinary skills, that is okay! The Taco Guy, located here in Los Angeles, CA, makes these tacos and can save you time and energy! Order tacos al pastor and you can enjoy a delicious meal without doing anything other than placing an online order. It’s the simplest way to get the yummy tacos you’ve been craving!