Tacos Al Pastor

🌮 Ingredients

Marinade:

• 3 dried guajillo chilies, stemmed and seeded
• 3 dried ancho chilies, stemmed and seeded
• 1 small onion, roughly chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled
• ½ cup pineapple juice
• ¼ cup white vinegar
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon annatto seeds
• 1 clove
• Salt and pepper to taste

Pork:

• 2 pounds thinly sliced pork shoulder or pork butt
• 1 cup pineapple, finely chopped
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced

For Serving:

• Corn tortillas
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• White onion, finely chopped
• Pineapple, finely chopped
• Lime wedges

👨‍🍳 Directions

1. 1
   Toast dried chilies in a dry skillet for 1–2 minutes per side. Soak in hot water for 15–20 minutes until softened. Drain and place in a blender.
2. 2
   Add onion, garlic, pineapple juice, vinegar, oregano, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, annatto, clove, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
3. 3
   Coat pork slices in marinade. Marinate in the refrigerator overnight for best flavor.
4. 4
   Preheat oven to 400°F. Thread marinated pork onto a skewer pan, alternating with pineapple and onion slices.
5. 5
   Bake for 1 hour, turning occasionally, until pork is cooked through and edges are slightly crispy.
6. 6
   Chop pork into small pieces. Warm tortillas and assemble tacos with cilantro, onion, pineapple, and lime. ¡Buen provecho!

🌿 Health Benefits

Tacos al pastor provide protein from pork to support muscle health. Pineapple adds vitamin C and bromelain, an enzyme that aids digestion. Corn tortillas provide complex carbohydrates and fiber. Fresh toppings like cilantro, onion, and lime add vitamins and antioxidants with minimal calories.

📚 History

Tacos al pastor trace their origins to Lebanese immigrants who arrived in Mexico in the mid-20th century, bringing the shawarma tradition of vertically spit-roasted meat. Mexican cooks adapted the technique, replacing lamb with pork and incorporating local spices like achiote and guajillo chilies. The vertical rotisserie, called a trompo, became iconic in Mexican taquerías. The name “al pastor” means “shepherd-style.” Today tacos al pastor are one of Mexico’s most beloved street foods.

❓ Quiz