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Flavorful Mexican Street Tacos Al Pastor Recipe with Fresh Pineapple

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This recipe delivers authentic Mexican street tacos al pastor with tender marinated pork and fresh pineapple, perfect for quick, flavorful weeknight dinners or entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds pork shoulder, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons achiote paste
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
  • 12–15 small corn tortillas
  • 1 small white onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges for serving
  • Optional toppings: sliced radishes, crumbled queso fresco, pickled jalapeños

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together achiote paste, pineapple juice, minced garlic, white vinegar, chili powder, cumin, oregano, ground cloves, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  2. Slice the pork shoulder into thin strips about 1/4-inch thick. Use a meat tenderizer if needed.
  3. Add the sliced pork to the marinade, mix well to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally 3-4 hours or overnight.
  4. Cut fresh pineapple into small 1-inch chunks and set aside.
  5. Preheat a grill pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  6. Place pork slices in a single layer on the hot pan, cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until edges crisp, then flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until cooked through.
  7. Toss pineapple chunks on the pan and char for about 2-3 minutes per side.
  8. Warm corn tortillas on the grill pan or over a gas flame until pliable and slightly charred, about 30 seconds per side.
  9. Assemble tacos by placing pork slices on tortillas, topping with pineapple chunks, chopped onion, and cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges.

Notes

Do not rush the marinade; it tenderizes the meat and develops flavor. Keep an eye on pineapple when charring to avoid burning. Thinly slice pork for best texture. Use fresh pineapple for best flavor; canned can be substituted if needed. Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free but check packaging if store-bought.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://goldensimmer.com/flavorful-mexican-street-tacos-al-pastor-recipe-with-fresh-pineapple-easy-guide/