Tacos al Pastor Pineapple Pork (Printer-Friendly)

Juicy pork with smoky spices and pineapple, served in warm tortillas with fresh cilantro and salsa for vibrant flavor.

# What You’ll Need to Cook:

→ Marinade

01 - 3 dried guajillo chile peppers, stemmed and seeded
02 - 1 dried ancho chile pepper, stemmed and seeded
03 - 1 canned chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
04 - 3 cloves garlic, peeled
05 - 1 medium white onion, quartered
06 - 1 tablespoon achiote powder
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
08 - 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
09 - 1 teaspoon salt
10 - 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
11 - 60 millilitres apple cider vinegar
12 - 60 millilitres reserved chile soaking liquid

→ Pork

13 - 900 grams boneless pork chops, thinly sliced

→ For Cooking

14 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
15 - 225 grams fresh pineapple, diced (plus extra for serving), grilled or pan-seared

→ Tortillas

16 - 12 corn tortillas

→ Toppings

17 - 1 small white onion, finely diced
18 - 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
19 - 120 grams tomato salsa
20 - 1 avocado, sliced (optional)

# Steps to Prepare:

01 - Place dried guajillo and ancho chiles in a bowl, cover with hot water, and soak for 20 minutes until softened.
02 - Drain the soaked chiles, reserving the soaking liquid. In a blender, combine chiles, chipotle pepper, garlic, onion, achiote powder, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, apple cider vinegar, and 60 millilitres reserved chile soaking liquid. Puree until very smooth and strain to remove any solids.
03 - Place thinly sliced pork in a large bowl. Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring all pieces are coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
04 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add marinated pork in an even layer. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side until browned and just cooked through. Add diced pineapple to the pan and sauté until caramelized. Set aside.
05 - Heat corn tortillas on a dry skillet or griddle over medium heat for 30–60 seconds per side until warm and pliable. Alternatively, wrap in a damp towel and microwave for 30 seconds.
06 - Fill warmed tortillas with pork and pineapple. Top with diced onion, chopped cilantro, salsa, and avocado if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

# Extra Cooking Tips:

01 - For a smokier and spicier flavour, increase the amount of chipotle pepper in adobo sauce in the marinade.
02 - Slicing pork thinly ensures fast, even cooking and achieves tender, caramelized edges.
03 - Grilled or pan-seared pineapple adds essential sweetness and balances the savoury, spicy pork.

Go Back