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Flavorful Authentic Street Tacos al Pastor Recipe

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A delicious and authentic recipe for street tacos al pastor featuring smoky, marinated pork with pineapple and classic Mexican spices. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or festive gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs pork shoulder, thinly sliced or cut into small pieces
  • 3 dried guajillo chilies, stemmed and seeded
  • 2 dried ancho chilies, stemmed and seeded
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 1 tbsp achiote paste
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • About 12 small corn tortillas, warm and pliable
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
  • 1/2 cup white onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges for squeezing
  • Optional: sliced jalapeños or pickled red onions

Instructions

  1. Soak the dried guajillo and ancho chilies in hot water for about 15 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a blender, combine the soaked chilies, pineapple juice, garlic, white vinegar, achiote paste, oregano, cumin, cloves, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth, about 1-2 minutes. Add a tablespoon of water if needed to reach a thick sauce consistency.
  3. Place the thinly sliced pork shoulder in a large bowl or ziplock bag. Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring every piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  4. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork in batches, spreading it out to sear without crowding. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per batch, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and slightly caramelized on the edges.
  5. While the pork cooks, warm the corn tortillas on a dry skillet or griddle for about 30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly toasted. Keep them wrapped in a clean kitchen towel to stay warm.
  6. Assemble the tacos by spooning a generous amount of cooked pork onto each tortilla. Top with diced pineapple, chopped onion, and cilantro. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and jalapeños if desired.
  7. Serve immediately for best flavor and juiciness.

Notes

Slice pork thinly for tenderness and quick cooking. Marinate overnight for best flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan to get a good sear and caramelization. Use fresh corn tortillas warmed just before serving. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: tacos al pastor, street tacos, Mexican recipe, pork tacos, authentic tacos, easy tacos, grilled pork, pineapple tacos

Find it online: https://avabowls.com/flavorful-authentic-street-tacos-al-pastor-recipe-easy-step-by-step-guide/