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Flavorful Grilled Al Pastor Pineapple Pork Tacos

grilled al pastor pineapple pork tacos - featured image

These grilled al pastor pineapple pork tacos combine smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors with fresh cilantro for a delicious and easy-to-make meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs pork shoulder, thinly sliced
  • 3 tbsp achiote paste
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice, fresh if possible
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into rings or chunks
  • Corn tortillas
  • Fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
  • Diced white onion
  • Lime wedges
  • Salsa roja or favorite hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by whisking together achiote paste, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and vegetable oil until smooth.
  2. Add the thinly sliced pork shoulder to the marinade, toss well to coat evenly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or ideally 2-3 hours.
  3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  4. Grill pineapple slices or chunks for 2-3 minutes per side until caramelized and grill marks appear. Remove and set aside.
  5. Grill the marinated pork slices in a single layer for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through (internal temperature about 145°F). Cook in batches if needed.
  6. Warm the corn tortillas by wrapping them in foil and placing on the grill for 1-2 minutes or warming in a dry skillet.
  7. Chop the grilled pineapple into small pieces. Assemble tacos by layering grilled pork on each tortilla, topping with pineapple, diced onion, and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges and salsa roja.

Notes

Marinate pork for at least 30 minutes for best flavor; overnight marinating improves tenderness. Use fresh pineapple for best caramelization and sweetness. Warm tortillas before assembling to prevent tearing. Thinly slice pork for even cooking. Rest grilled pork 3-5 minutes before assembling to keep juices locked in.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled pork tacos, al pastor, pineapple tacos, cilantro tacos, Mexican street food, easy tacos, barbecue tacos