Ground Pork Tacos Al Pastor
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Ground Pork*
80/20
- 1 Pineapple
peeled and cut lengthwise into 4 pieces
- 1 oz Achiote Paste
- 1 Tbsp Ancho Chile Powder
or chili powder
- 4 cloves Garlic
peeled
- 1/2 Tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 Tbsp Dried Oregano
- 1/2 Tbsp Ground Cumin
- 1/2 Tbsp Kosher Salt
- Dash of Ground Cloves
optional
- 4 oz can Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce
- 2 Tbsp White Vinegar
30g
Directions
- 1
Toast the pineapple on both sides in a large skillet over medium heat. It should take 2-3 minutes per side to start browning. Set aside.
- 2
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground pork. Brown both sides before mincing/fully cooking.
- 3
While the pork cooks, add half the pineapple in a food processor with the remaining ingredients. Blend on low for 30-60 seconds and high for 1-2 minutes until smooth.
- 4
Once the pork is fully cooked, add the sauce and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook until the sauce thickens and begins to caramelize around the edges of the pan, about 4-6 minutes.
- 5
Cut the second half of the pineapple into bite size pieces and add to the finished pork.
- 6
Serve with warmed corn tortillas, diced white onion, cilantro, salsa verde, and lime wedges.
Ground Pork Tacos Al Pastor
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Based on 53 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving the vibrant, complex flavors of al pastor but short on time? Our Ground Pork Tacos Al Pastor recipe delivers that authentic taste experience right in your kitchen, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a lively gathering.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe shines by bringing together pan-roasted pineapple and savory ground pork, all coated in a rich, spicy chile pineapple al pastor sauce. The technique of cooking the pineapple with the pork allows its natural sweetness and acidity to meld beautifully, creating a deep, caramelized flavor that truly elevates the dish beyond typical taco night.
What to Expect
Prepare for a dynamic symphony of flavors in every bite. You'll find a delightful balance of sweet from the pineapple, smoky and earthy notes from the achiote paste and ancho chile, and a gentle heat from the chipotle peppers. The ground pork cooks up wonderfully crispy, providing a textural contrast to the tender, caramelized pineapple. This generous recipe yields ten servings, making it fantastic for sharing or meal prepping for the week.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to adjust the heat level by moderating the amount of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. If you don't have ancho chile powder, regular chili powder can be used as a substitute, though ancho provides a distinct smoky depth. The dash of ground cloves is optional, so omit it if you prefer. For a touch of brightness, a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the finished tacos is always welcome.
Serving & Context
These Ground Pork Tacos Al Pastor are ideal for casual weeknight dinners, festive weekend gatherings, or even as a flavorful component for a taco bar. Serve them simply in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings, such as fresh cilantro, diced onion, or a dollop of crema.