Tacos al Pastor

This authentic Tacos al Pastor recipe is vibrant, flavorful, and straight from Aguascalientes, Mexico.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Servings servings (4 tacos each)

Calories 472kcal

4 dried guajillo chiles (about 3/4 ounce), stems and seeds removed while dry (see note 1)
1/4 cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple below)
1/4 cup white vinegar
2 tablespoons achiote paste (see note 2)
3 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon Mexican oregano (see note 3)
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves or 3 whole cloves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

In a medium bowl, add dried chiles and enough boiling water to cover completely. Let soak until softened, about 10 minutes. Drain well.
In a blender, add softened chiles, pineapple juice, white vinegar, achiote paste, garlic, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, cloves, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Process until smooth, about 30 seconds (you will have about 1 cup marinade).
Transfer the marinade to a large zipper-top plastic bag. Add chopped pork and mash to coat. Marinate at least 4 hours or overnight.

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil until shimmering. Add pork and pineapple and cook until pork registers 145 degrees on a thermometer, about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally. Drain if desired (a colander works well).
Season to taste with salt. Serve with warmed tortillas, onion, cilantro, and guacamole.

Guajillo chiles: You can buy dry, mild-flavored Guajillo chiles at well-stocked grocery stores (even Walmart depending on where you live), Mexican grocery stores, and on Amazon. You can also substitute dried Pasilla chiles or even Ancho chiles (dried Poblano peppers).
Achiote paste: This bright red, flavorful paste is made from annatto seeds (the seeds of the Achiote tree). There is no good substitute. Mexican grocery stores will carry it (El Yucateco is a popular brand), or you can buy it on Amazon.
Mexican oregano: Mexican oregano has a lemony-citrus flavor, while Mediterranean oregano (Italian, Greek, or Turkish) can be sweet, bitter, or peppery depending on the variety. You can find Mexican oregano at Mexican grocery stores or on Amazon.
Pineapple: You can substitute an equal amount of fresh pineapple for the canned. You'll still need juice, though, so either choose the juiciest fruit you can find or seek out the small (6 ounce) cans of pineapple juice.
Yield: This recipe makes about 4 cups of Al Pastor meat (pork and pineapple mixed together), enough for 16 tacos (4 tacos per person).
Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Make ahead: The marinade can be blended up to 3 days in advance.