Tacos Al Pastor
Ingredients
- 1/4 c. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 c. annatto seeds
- 1 tbsp. coriander seeds
- 1 tbsp. cumin seeds
- 2 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tsp. black peppercorns
- 1 tsp. mustard seeds
- 5 allspice berries
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/3 c. orange juice
- 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
plus more for grill
- 3 dried guaillo chilis
seeds removed
- 3 dried chiles de arbol
seeds removed
- 1/3 c. pineapple juice
- 1/4 c. achiote paste
- 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp. packed brown sugar
- 2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 2 lb. boneless pork shoulder
sliced 1/2" thick
- 1 pineapple
cored and cut into rings
- 1 red onion
cut into rings
- 12 corn tortillas
- Freshly chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
Directions
- 1
In a small skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add annatto seeds, coriander, cumin, oregano, peppercorns, mustard seeds, and allspice berries and toast until fragrant, 1 minute. In a food processor or blender, add toasted seeds, garlic, orange juice, vinegar, and salt. Blend until it turns into a mostly smooth paste, scraping down sides as needed.
- 2
In a small skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add chilis and toast until slightly charred and fragrant, 1 minute. In a food processor or blender, add toasted chilis, pineapple juice, achiote paste, vinegar, garlic, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and pepper. Blend until fully combined.
Tacos Al Pastor
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About this Recipe
Craving the authentic, savory, and sweet-tart flavors of street-style Tacos Al Pastor right in your own kitchen? This recipe shows you how to transform boneless pork shoulder into a truly memorable meal, bringing the vibrant tastes of Mexico to your table.
What truly sets this Tacos Al Pastor apart is the dedication to building deep flavor. You'll create a rich, homemade achiote paste from scratch, blending annatto seeds with a symphony of spices like coriander, cumin, and allspice. This aromatic foundation, combined with the brightness of orange juice and apple cider vinegar, creates a marinade that infuses every bite of pork with incredible complexity.
Get ready for tender, incredibly flavorful pork, perfectly complemented by the tart sweetness of grilled pineapple and the subtle kick of dried guajillo and chiles de arbol. The vibrant red onion, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime wedges cut through the richness, creating a balanced taco experience. This recipe yields a generous 10 servings, making it ideal for gatherings or preparing delicious meals throughout the week.
Customization & Serving Tips
While the recipe is a flavor powerhouse as written, you can tailor it to your preferences. If you're sensitive to heat, you can reduce the number of chiles de arbol or remove more seeds to dial down the spice. For an extra citrusy note, a dash more lime juice can brighten the marinade or be added directly to your assembled tacos.
Serve these Tacos Al Pastor family-style with warm corn tortillas, plenty of freshly chopped cilantro, and lime wedges for squeezing. They make a fantastic centerpiece for any casual dinner party or a flavorful weekend feast.