al pastor recipe

Al Pastor Recipe

Al pastor recipe is a traditional Mexican dish prepared with thin slices of pork marinated in a flavorful blend of dried chilies, spices, garlic, and vinegar. The meat is slowly cooked to build rich flavor and then crisped before serving. This well-known dish is commonly used for tacos al pastor and is loved for its savory, smoky, and slightly sweet taste that comes from roasted pineapple. It is a popular street food in Mexico and can also be made easily at home. Explore more delicious recipes Al Pastor Recipe this on our website.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless pork sirloin or pork shoulder, thinly sliced
  • 8 ounces sliced bacon
  • 2 whole ancho chiles, seeds and stems removed
  • 2 whole guajillo or pasilla chiles, seeds and stems removed
  • 1/2 cup chicken stock
  • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon achiote powder or paste
  • 1 chipotle chile in adobo sauce
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 small pineapple, peeled and cut into chunks
  • Corn tortillas for serving
  • 1 medium white onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • Lime wedges for serving

Directions

  • Place the dried chiles in a saucepan over medium heat and toast them for about 5 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly softened. Add the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from heat and allow the chiles to soak until soft.
  • In the same saucepan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the cumin, oregano, and achiote and cook for about 30 seconds until aromatic. Add the chipotle chile with its sauce, vinegar, salt, and sugar, then remove from heat.
  • Transfer the softened chiles, garlic, and soaking liquid to a blender and blend until the marinade becomes completely smooth.
  • Slice the pork as thinly as possible. If needed, place the meat in the freezer for about 15 minutes to make slicing easier. Lightly pound the slices to make them thinner and more tender.
  • Place the sliced pork in a large bowl and pour the prepared marinade over it. Mix thoroughly so that all the meat is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours so the flavors can fully develop.
  • Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C). Layer the marinated pork and bacon in a loaf pan and cook in the oven for about 4 hours until the meat becomes tender.
  • Remove the cooked meat from the pan and allow it to cool slightly. Slice the meat thinly and cook it in a skillet over medium-high heat until the edges become crispy.
  • Roast the pineapple chunks in the oven until they become tender and lightly caramelized.
  • Serve the crispy al pastor meat in warm corn tortillas and top with roasted pineapple, diced onion, chopped cilantro, and fresh lime juice.

Preparation Details

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 to 8
Calories: 745 per serving
Protein: 50g
Carbohydrates: 81g
Fat: 26g