Best 6 Tacos Al Pastor Marinated Spit Roasted Tacos Recipes

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Tacos al pastor is a traditional Mexican dish that has become a global favorite. It consists of spit-roasted pork shoulder marinated in a flavorful blend of spices, herbs, and chiles, served on a corn tortilla with a variety of toppings. The unique flavor of al pastor comes from the combination of guajillo and ancho chiles, achiote paste, and pineapple, which give it a sweet and slightly smoky taste. The pork is roasted on a vertical spit, creating tender and juicy meat that is then sliced and served. This article provides two recipes for tacos al pastor: a traditional spit-roasted version and an oven-roasted version for those without access to a spit. Both recipes include detailed instructions, ingredient lists, and cooking times to guide you through the process of making this delicious dish. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, these recipes will help you create authentic tacos al pastor that will tantalize your taste buds.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

THE BEST TACOS AL PASTOR RECIPE



The Best Tacos Al Pastor Recipe image

Tacos al Pastor - made with slow marinated pork, grilled to perfection, and served with grilled pineapple.

Provided by Charbel Barker

Categories     Main Course

Time 4h30m

Number Of Ingredients 27

2-3 pound Pork Loin cut into thin slices
4 Guajillo Chile (boiled, de-seeded, and cleaned.)
1 Ancho Chile (boiled, de-seeded, and cleaned.)
4 cloves of garlic
1/2 onion
1/2 cup of orange juice
3/4 cup of pineapple juice (fresh is better)
1 Tablespoon of Oregano
1 Tablespoon of Thyme
1 Tablespoon of Pepper
1 Tablespoon of Cumin
1-2 Tablespoons of Paprika
1-2 Tablespoons of Salt
3 Cloves
3 Tomatillos
1/4 Onion
2 small cloves of garlic
1-2 chipotles (depending on level of spiciness you want)
3 Tablespoons of Pineapple juice
Salt and Pepper to taste
15 Corn Tortillas
Chopped cilantro
Chopped Onions
Lime juice
Salt
Grilled pineapple
Tacos al pastor meat

Steps:

  • Blend all of the ingredients together until completely combined.
  • Strain the liquid over a bowl to end up with a smooth marinade.
  • Add one layer of meat in a large bowl or baking dish and cover with the marinade, and then repeat in layers until all of the meat and marinade have been used.
  • Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best)
  • Remove from the refrigerator and grill the meat until cooked through.
  • Remove from grill and cut into thin slices to serve on the tacos.
  • Roast the tomatillo, onion, and garlic in the oven on baking sheet at 450 degrees for 8-10 minutes, remove from oven.
  • Blend with the rest of the ingredients except the salt and pepper until well combined.
  • Put in a bowl and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Heat the tortillas with a little bit of oil.
  • Add the meat, the pineapple, the salsa, the lime juice, the cilantro and onions, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 Taco, Calories 171 kcal, Carbohydrate 19 g, Protein 15 g, Fat 3 g, Cholesterol 38 mg, Sodium 511 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 4 g

OVEN-ROASTED CHICKEN AL PASTOR TACOS



Oven-Roasted Chicken al Pastor Tacos image

Provided by Eddie Jackson

Time 4h45m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 31

Juice of 1 orange
1/4 cup cider vinegar
2 tablespoons ancho chile powder
2 tablespoons honey or agave nectar
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground oregano
4 cloves garlic, crushed
2 chipotle chiles in adobo
1 small red onion, chopped
Kosher salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for drizzling
2 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat
1 ripe pineapple
Juice of 1 orange
Juice of 1 lime
1 teaspoon honey
Kosher salt
6 slices pickled jalapenos, chopped, plus 1 tablespoon brine from the jar
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
6 cups finely shredded green cabbage
1 cup cilantro leaves
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
10 hard taco shells
Diced avocado, for serving
Crumbled queso fresco, for serving
Cilantro leaves, for serving
Pickled jalapeno slices, for serving
Thinly sliced radishes, for serving
Fire-roasted corn, for serving
Pico de gallo, for serving
Lime juice, for finishing

Steps:

  • For the chicken al pastor: Put the orange juice, vinegar, chile powder, honey, cumin, oregano, garlic, chipotles, onion and 1 teaspoon salt in a blender. Pulse several times until chunky. Add the oil and pulse to make a smooth marinade. Pour the marinade into a large resealable plastic bag and add the chicken. Marinate in the refrigerator at least 2 hours and up to 8 hours.
  • Remove all but the bottom oven rack and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Cut the top off the pineapple and reserve. Cut off the peel from the pineapple. Cut a 1-inch slice off the top of the peeled pineapple, chop and reserve for garnish. Slice the remaining pineapple in half. Put the bottom of the pineapple on a rimmed baking sheet and insert a long skewer, pointy side up.
  • Drain the chicken from the marinade and pat dry. Season with salt and drizzle with a little vegetable oil.
  • Thread the chicken on top of the pineapple, then top with the top half of the pineapple. Transfer to the bottom oven rack and roast until the chicken is tender and caramelized on the edges and the internal temperature measures 165 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer, about 1 1/2 hours. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let rest 15 minutes.
  • For the spicy cabbage slaw: While the chicken roasts, make the slaw. Whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, honey and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Stir in the jalapenos and brine. Whisk in the oil in a slow stream to make a smooth dressing. Add the cabbage, cilantro and red onion and toss well. Refrigerate until the chicken is done.
  • For the tacos: Heat the taco shells according to the package directions.
  • Put the reserved pineapple top on the chicken and pineapple stack, pushing it through the skewer. This will allow you to hold the stack steady while you cut the chicken and pineapple.
  • Use a sharp knife to make thin vertical slices.
  • Serve the sliced chicken and slaw in the taco shells with toppings of your choice. Finish with a squeeze of lime.

CHARRED TACOS AL PASTOR



Charred Tacos Al Pastor image

Provided by Jeff Mauro, host of Sandwich King

Categories     main-dish

Time 14h40m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 tablespoons adobo sauce, from a can of chipotle chiles in adobo
1 tablespoon ancho chile powder
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 tablespoon achiote paste
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 clove garlic, grated on a rasp
2 pounds boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices with a diameter of about 4 to 5 inches
Nonstick cooking spray, for container
1 whole pineapple, skin removed
2 yellow onions, quartered
Corn tortillas, salsa verde and fresh cilantro, for serving

Steps:

  • Combine adobo, ancho powder, oil, achiote paste, brown sugar, salt, cumin, garlic and 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan. Whisk until uniform while bringing to a simmer to bloom all the spices and flavors, then simmer, about 5 minutes. Take off heat to cool completely, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Coat all slices of pork with marinade. Spray a plastic quart container with cooking spray. Stuff the container with the slices of marinated pork, arranging them in a stack. Cover and place in the fridge 8 hours or overnight to marinate.
  • Slide marinated meat gently out of quart container. Cut the pineapple into 4 equal rounds. Reserve 2 whole slices of pineapple and core the remaining 2 slices, then cut them into chunks. Place the stack of marinated meat in between the reserved slices of pineapple. Evenly skewer the stack with 8 to 10 metal skewers to make the "pastor".
  • Heat a grill for cooking at about 275 degrees F. Using a chimney starter, ignite 3 to 4 charcoal briquettes. Place the briquettes in a smoker box with apple or cherry wood chips that have soaked in water 30 minutes, and place the box directly on the grate.
  • Place onion and pineapple chunks in a small drip tray or roasting pan. Position the pan right on the grill, and the pastor on the elevated grill shelf directly above it. Place smoker box directly in front of the drip pan, so that some of the heat and smoke from the wood can reach the pastor.
  • Cook for 4 hours, rotating a quarter every 45 minutes to 1 hour. Take it off the heat and let rest for at least 1 hour.
  • Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Dice onions and pineapple from drip tray and sear in the skillet until caramelized, about 5 minutes.
  • Holding the pastor vertical, shave off shards of pork. Sear off in the skillet until caramelized, about 5 minutes.
  • Serve with corn tortillas, salsa verde and fresh cilantro.

MEXICAN-STYLE PORK TACOS (TACOS AL PASTOR) RECIPE BY TASTY



Mexican-style Pork Tacos (Tacos Al Pastor) Recipe by Tasty image

It's Taco Tuesday! Or maybe it's taco ANYday because let's face it: there's never NOT a good day to eat a taco. But you don't want something basic. You want the real deal, and we're here to make that dream come true. With our super flavorful tacos al pastor, you're going to feel like you're at a food truck on a beach, chowing down on some of the best eats around.

Provided by Alvin Zhou

Categories     Dinner

Yield 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

5 lb boneless pork shoulder
3 tablespoons achiote paste
2 tablespoons guajillo chili powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon pepper
¾ cup white vinegar
1 cup pineapple juice
1 pineapple, skinned and sliced into 1-inch (2 cm) rounds
10 small corn tortillas
1 white onion, finely chopped
1 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1 cup salsa
1 avocado, diced
2 limes, cut into wedges
1 thick wooden skewer, trimmed to the height of your oven

Steps:

  • Slice the pork shoulder into about 1-centimeter (¼ in) slices, then transfer to a large dish or bowl. In a medium bowl, combine the achiote paste, chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, vinegar, and pineapple juice, mashing and stirring until smooth with no lumps. Pour the marinade over the pork slices, then toss to make sure they are coated on all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 3 days.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  • Place a slice or two of the pineapple on the baking sheet. Take a wooden skewer and push it directly in the middle of the pineapple. Remove the pork from the fridge and push the slices through the skewer, layering one after the other until there is a 1-inch (2 ½ cm) gap at the top. Push another pineapple slice on top.
  • Bake for about 1½ hours, until the pork is slightly charred on the outside and deep red. Rest the meat for about 10 minutes, then carve off thin slices of pork and roasted pineapple.
  • To assemble, place some pork on the tortillas, followed by a few pieces of pineapple, a sprinkling of onion, a pinch of cilantro, and a spoonful of salsa, and some diced avocado. Serve with lime wedges.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 597 calories, Carbohydrate 29 grams, Fat 32 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 48 grams, Sugar 10 grams

TACOS AL PASTOR (MARINATED, SPIT-ROASTED TACOS)



Tacos Al Pastor (Marinated, Spit-Roasted Tacos) image

Provided by Lesley Téllez

Categories     Pork     Kid-Friendly     Dinner     Lime     Pineapple     Healthy     Tortillas     Sugar Conscious     Dairy Free     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added     Small Plates

Yield Serves at least 6

Number Of Ingredients 20

2 pounds pork butt roast, sliced into very thin steaks
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 medium onion, plus 1 cup chopped
2 large cloves garlic, unpeeled
1/2 bar achiote paste
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 heaping teaspoon whole cumin seed, toasted
2 tablespoons raw unsalted peanuts, toasted
1 small fresh Mexican bay leaf
1 (2-inch) cinnamon stick
2 cloves
2 allspice berries
2 cups chopped fresh pineapple
5 limes, cut into wedges
Salsa of choice
1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 cup chopped onion
Lard or vegetable oil
24 corn tortillas

Steps:

  • The day before you plan to eat, place the pork in a large bowl and toss with the lime juice and salt. Heat a comal or nonstick skillet to medium-high heat. Add the onion wedge and garlic, placing the garlic near the edge, away from direct heat. Cook until soft and blackened in spots, turning occasionally, about 7 minutes. Peel the garlic and place both items in a blender jar. Crumble the achiote paste into the blender and add the vinegar, cumin seed, peanuts and bay leaf along with the cinnamon stick, cloves and allspice. Blend until smooth. Pour the marinade over the meat and toss to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 24 hours.
  • The next day, prepare the garnishes: Chop the pineapple, slice the limes into wedges, prepare the salsa, and chop the cilantro and onion.
  • Heat a large heavy skillet to high heat and add 1 teaspoon lard. When smoking, add one piece of marinated steak. The meat should sizzle and smoke, so make sure you have a working fan and vent on your stove. Cook until the meat starts to release its juices and lighten slightly in color, 2 to 3 minutes, then flip and cook 2 to 3 minutes more. Both sides should have dark-brown charred spots; if they don't, raise the heat higher.
  • Transfer to a cutting board and repeat with the remaining steaks, scraping the pan well to remove any burned bits between frying.
  • Scrape out the pan once more and cook the pineapple until soft and charred in spots. Remove to a bowl.
  • Warm the corn tortillas on a comal or nonstick skillet and place in a dishcloth to keep warm. Chop the meat into small pieces. Serve on a platter and let guests feed themselves, passing the tortillas and garnishes.

AUTHENTIC TACOS AL PASTOR



Authentic Tacos al Pastor image

Tacos al pastor is a quintessential Mexican dish, with tender pork and pineapple marinated in a savory and aromatic chile sauce. Serve with warm corn tortillas, tomatillos salsa, and lemon or lime wedges.

Provided by docmancito

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Latin American     Mexican

Time 5h19m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 tomato
3 dried guajillo chile peppers, seeded
2 dried ancho chile peppers, seeded
1 pineapple, sliced 3/4-inch thick
½ cup orange juice
1 onion, quartered
¼ cup white vinegar
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
1 tablespoon salt, or to taste
2 cloves garlic, crushed
3 cloves
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 pounds boneless pork loin, thinly sliced
½ cup chopped onion
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Steps:

  • Cook tomato on a ridged grill pan over medium-high heat until slightly blackened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool until easily handled. Peel off skin and remove seeds.
  • Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add guajillo and ancho chile peppers; cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Drain.
  • Combine tomato flesh, softened chile peppers, 2 slices pineapple, orange juice, quartered onion, vinegar, chipotle peppers, salt, garlic, cloves, cumin seeds, and oregano in a blender; blend until smooth.
  • Arrange pork slices in a glass or ceramic baking dish. Pour blended mixture over pork, ensuring all sides are evenly coated. Cover baking dish with plastic wrap.
  • Marinate pork in the refrigerator, 4 hours to overnight.
  • Cook remaining pineapple slices on a ridged grill pan over medium-high heat until slightly blackened and soft, about 5 minutes per side. Chop into small pieces.
  • Wipe out grill pan and preheat over medium-high heat. Cook marinated pork in the hot pan, turning once, until browned, 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Chop pork coarsely into small pieces against the grain. Serve with pineapple, chopped onion, and cilantro.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 204.3 calories, Carbohydrate 23 g, Cholesterol 43.5 mg, Fat 5.6 g, Fiber 3.1 g, Protein 16.9 g, SaturatedFat 1.9 g, Sodium 748.1 mg, Sugar 15.9 g

Tips:

  • Use a good quality pork shoulder: This will ensure that your tacos are juicy and flavorful.
  • Marinate the pork for at least 24 hours: This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and make it more tender.
  • Roast the pork on a spit: This is the traditional method for cooking tacos al pastor, and it gives the meat a delicious smoky flavor.
  • Use a variety of toppings: This will allow your guests to customize their tacos to their liking. Some popular toppings include pineapple, cilantro, onions, and salsa.
  • Serve the tacos with warm tortillas: This will help to keep the tacos warm and delicious.

Conclusion:

Tacos al pastor are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are perfect for parties or potlucks, and they can also be made ahead of time and reheated when you are ready to eat. With a little planning and effort, you can make tacos al pastor that are just as good as the ones you would find in a restaurant. So next time you are looking for a delicious and easy meal, give tacos al pastor a try!

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