Street-Style Mexican Tacos al Pastor with Pineapple Salsa

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

Marinated pork shoulder grilled with smoky spices and pineapple, topped with fresh pineapple salsa for a vibrant taco experience. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 30 minutes blends pork shoulder, thinly sliced, achiote paste, orange juice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons achiote paste, 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tablespoons white vinegar, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, and 1 teaspoon salt to create the marinade. Add 1 pound thinly sliced pork shoulder and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  2. Step 2: While pork marinates, prepare pineapple salsa by combining 1 cup diced pineapple, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and 2 tablespoons lime juice. Set aside to let flavors meld.
  3. Step 3: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and brush with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Grill pork slices for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side. Assemble tacos by placing grilled pork on each tortilla and topping with pineapple salsa. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Street-Style Mexican Tacos al Pastor with Pineapple Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Street-Style Mexican Tacos al Pastor with Pineapple Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Street-Style Mexican Tacos al Pastor with Pineapple Salsa?

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 Street-Style Mexican Tacos al Pastor with Pineapple Salsa 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 Street-Style Mexican Tacos al Pastor with Pineapple Salsa?

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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