Al pastor also known as tacos al pastor, is a taco made with spit-grilled pork. It is a popular street food that has spread to the United States and combines the savory and sweet flavors of pork and pineapple.
Ingredients for Achiote Paste
- 1/4 Cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 Cup annatto seeds
- 1 Tbsp. coriander seeds
- 1 Tbsp. cumin seeds
- 2 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tsp. black peppercorns
- 1 tsp. mustard seeds
- 5 allspice berries
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/3 CUP orange juice
- 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp. salt
Directions for Achiote Paste
- In a small skillet over medium heat, heat oil.
- Add annatto seeds, coriander, cumin, oregano, peppercorns, mustard seeds, and allspice berries and toast until fragrant, 1 minute.
- In a food processor or blender, add toasted seeds, garlic, orange juice, vinegar, and salt.
- Blend until it turns into a mostly smooth paste, scraping down sides as needed.
Ingredients for the Pork
- 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for grilling
- 3 dried seedless guajillo chilis
- 3 dried seedless chiles de arbol
- 1/3 Cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 Cup achiote paste
- 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 Tbsp. packed brown sugar
- 2 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 2 lb. boneless pork shoulder, sliced 1/2" thick
For your tacos
- Pineapple rings
- Red onion slices
- 12 corn tortillas
- Freshly chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
Directions for tacos
- In a small frying pan over medium heat, heat oil.
- Add chilis and toast until slightly charred and fragrant, 1 minute.
- In a food processor or blender, add toasted chilis, pineapple juice, achiote paste, vinegar, garlic, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and pepper.
- Blend until fully combined.
- Place pork in a large bowl and pour marinade over. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours and up to overnight.
- Preheat grill to medium-high and brush with oil.
- Grill pork until slightly charred and cooked through, 6 minutes per side.
- Let rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes then cut into 1" pieces.
- Add pineapple and onions to grill and cook until slightly charred and onion is softened, 3 minutes per side.
- Break pineapple rings into large pieces.
- Add tortillas to grill and cook until warmed, 1 minute per side.
- On warmed tortillas, add pork, pineapple, onions, and cilantro.
- Serve with lime wedges.