
Grilled Pork Al Pastor Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa
Imagine standing at a bustling market stall in Mexico City, the air thick with the scent of smoky, marinated pork spinning on a vertical spit. That’s the magic of al pastor, and while you might not have a trompo at home, you can absolutely capture its soul on your grill. This version starts with a deeply aromatic marinade of guajillo chiles, achiote, pineapple, and spices that tenderizes the pork while painting it a brilliant, rusty red. As the meat grills, it chars and caramelizes, developing those coveted crispy edges. You’ll serve it in warm corn tortillas, topped with a vibrant, charred pineapple salsa that adds a burst of sweetness and tang. A final squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro brings everything into bright, bold focus. This isn’t just dinner; it’s a journey—a smoky, savory, and slightly sweet fiesta that you can taste in every single bite.
Ingredients
- boneless pork shoulder900g
- dried guajillo chiles4
- achiote paste3 tbsp
- white vinegar3 tbsp
- fresh pineapple chunks200g
- garlic cloves4
- ground cumin1 tsp
- dried oregano1 tsp
- smoked paprika1 tsp
- salt1.5 tsp
- black pepper0.5 tsp
- pineapple slices300g
- red onion1
- fresh jalapeño1
- lime juice2 tbsp
- fresh cilantro30g
- corn tortillas18
- vegetable oil2 tbsp
Nutrition
Directions
- 1
Toast the guajillo chiles in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, then transfer to a bowl and cover with boiling water. Let soak for 20 minutes until softened.
- 2
Drain the chiles and combine in a blender with the achiote paste, vinegar, fresh pineapple chunks, garlic, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until you have a smooth, vibrant marinade.
- 3
Slice the pork shoulder into 5mm-thick slices against the grain. Place the slices in a large bowl, pour the marinade over them, and massage it into the meat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor.
- 4
For the salsa, grill the pineapple slices, half the red onion, and the jalapeño over high heat until charred on both sides, about 4-5 minutes. Dice the grilled ingredients and mix with the remaining finely chopped red onion, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Season with a pinch of salt.
- 5
Heat your grill or a cast-iron skillet to high heat. Cook the marinated pork slices for 2-3 minutes per side until charred and cooked through. Let rest briefly, then chop into small pieces.
- 6
Warm the corn tortillas on the grill or in a dry pan. Fill each tortilla with the chopped pork, top generously with the grilled pineapple salsa, and serve with extra lime wedges.
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