Al Pastor Pork Tacos with Caramelized Pineapple

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Savory marinated pork shoulder sizzles with smoky chipotle and pineapple, served on warm corn tortillas for an authentic Mexican street taco experience. This mexican-inspired street food ready in about 87 minutes pairs pork shoulder, achiote paste, orange juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 75 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix 2 tbsp achiote paste, 1/4 cup orange juice, and 1/2 cup chopped onion. Add 1 lb cubed pork shoulder and toss to coat.
  2. Step 2: Marinate in refrigerator for 60 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook marinated pork for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup diced pineapple during the last 5 minutes of cooking to caramelize.
  5. Step 5: Warm corn tortillas in a dry skillet for 20 seconds per side. Assemble tacos with pork-pineapple mixture, top with 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Al Pastor Pork Tacos with Caramelized Pineapple take to make?

Total time is about 87 minutes (75 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Al Pastor Pork Tacos with Caramelized Pineapple?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Al Pastor Pork Tacos with Caramelized Pineapple?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Al Pastor Pork Tacos with Caramelized Pineapple for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Al Pastor Pork Tacos with Caramelized Pineapple?

Mexican street food like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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