Grilled Tacos al Pastor with Pineapple and Cilantro

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

Charred and juicy pork tacos marinated in smoky spices and grilled alongside sweet pineapple, served with fresh cilantro and lime. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 30 minutes pairs pork shoulder, thinly sliced, pineapple chunks, chipotle chili powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 tsp chipotle chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp white vinegar, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Add 1 lb thinly sliced pork shoulder and toss thoroughly to coat. Marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread marinated pork slices onto skewers or grill directly. Grill pork for 3-4 minutes per side until edges are charred and pork is cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Grill 1 cup pineapple chunks for 2-3 minutes until caramelized and charred on all sides.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly toasted.
  5. Step 5: To assemble tacos, chop grilled pork into bite-sized pieces and place on each tortilla. Top with grilled pineapple chunks, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 small finely chopped onion. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over tacos.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Tacos al Pastor with Pineapple and Cilantro take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Grilled Tacos al Pastor with Pineapple and Cilantro?

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, thinly sliced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Tacos al Pastor with Pineapple and Cilantro?

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 Grilled Tacos al Pastor with Pineapple and Cilantro 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 Grilled Tacos al Pastor with Pineapple and Cilantro?

Mexican tacos & burritos 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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