Authentic Mexican Tacos al Pastor

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

Tender marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, served in warm tortillas with pineapple, onions, and cilantro for a sweet-and-savory twist. This mexican (gluten-free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs pork shoulder, pineapple, onions for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.

★ 4.2 (14 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine pork, pineapple, onions, chili powder, garlic, lime juice, and 1 tbsp olive oil. Marinate for 2 hours.
  2. Step 2: Thread marinated pork onto skewers and grill over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, rotating frequently until charred and tender. Serve immediately with warm tortillas, extra onions, and cilantro.
  3. Step 3: To assemble: Place 100g grilled pork on each tortilla, top with sliced onions and cilantro. Fold and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Mexican Tacos al Pastor take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (30 min prep + 15 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 Authentic Mexican Tacos al Pastor?

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 Authentic Mexican Tacos al Pastor?

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 Authentic Mexican Tacos al Pastor 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.

Is Authentic Mexican Tacos al Pastor gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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