Mexican

Achiote-Pineapple Al Pastor Tacos

Thin pork is marinated with achiote, guajillo, pineapple, and citrus so it tastes sweet, tangy, and deeply savory before it hits the skillet. A quick high-heat sear and charred pineapple finish give you the taqueria-style balance that keeps al pastor lively instead of heavy.

  • Adapted from Mexico in My Kitchen's Tacos al Pastor and Serious Eats' trompo-style al pastor technique
  • Primary source mexicoinmykitchen.com
55 mins Medium cost Makes 10 tacos
Gluten-FreeDairy-FreeHigh ProteinHigh CarbMake AheadMeal Prep Friendly

At a Glance

Time
55 mins
Serves
Makes 10 tacos
Cost
Medium
Cuisine
Mexican
Dietary fit
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Instructions

  1. Toast the guajillo chiles in a dry skillet for 20 to 30 seconds per side until they smell sweet and smoky, then soak them in hot water for 10 minutes. Blend the softened chiles with the achiote paste, pineapple juice, orange juice, vinegar, garlic, oregano, cumin, cloves, and salt until very smooth.
  2. Toss the thin pork slices in the marinade until every piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight so the pork absorbs the bright, brick-red seasoning.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the oil, then cook the pork in batches so it sears instead of steams, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. The edges should caramelize quickly and the pork should look glossy and speckled with char.
  4. Add the pineapple to the hot pan and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the fruit is lightly charred and the juices bubble into the pan. Toss the pork back through the pineapple and any caramelized drippings.
  5. Warm the tortillas until soft and lightly blistered. Fill with the pork and pineapple mixture, then top with onion, cilantro, and lime. Serve right away.

Adaptations

Works As Written
  • Gluten-Free: Works As Written Works as written; verify packaged ingredients as noted below.
  • Dairy-Free: Works As Written Works as written; verify packaged ingredients as noted below.
  • Vegetarian: Not Vegetarian Not adaptable; this recipe is built around meat, poultry, or seafood.

How to adapt: This stays naturally gluten-free and dairy-free as long as your achiote paste is certified gluten-free.

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