This 30-minute Easy Tacos al Pastor version gives you all the flavor without all the fuss! They are sweet, savory, smoky, slightly spicy, and incredibly flavorful. The recipe includes step-by-step photos and lots of tips.
Tacos al pastor are tacos made with pork, usually crisp-thin shavings of vertical spit-roasted pork, marinated with guajillo chiles, achiote, and other spices, then served on tortillas with pineapple and onions.
The process of making tacos al pastor in the traditional way is quite laborious since you have to marinate the pork for several hours and then roast it on a vertical spit for at least 1 hour.
Sound like uh – a lot of work – so, since we LOVE so much these tacos, I found a way to make them quick and easy at home!
This 30-minute easy version gives you all the flavor without all the fuss!
30-minute Easy Tacos al Pastor Recipe Highlights
- Incredibly tasty.
- They are sweet, savory, smoky, slightly spicy, all in one bite!
- Ready in 30 minutes.
- Easy to make. No Fuss.
- You can also make this in the slow cooker or on an outdoor grill with a pork shoulder – in that case, it won’t be 30-min, though. See details below.
Ingredients Notes & Substitutions
Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and instructions (scroll down).
To make tacos al pastor at home you will need pantry staples, such as ground pork, oil, vinegar, onion, garlic, etc. Plus achiote paste and ground guajillo chiles. These two ingredients are not easily found in most grocery stores, so I recommend ordering them online.
You’ll need:
For the pork:
- Pork: For my 30-min version you will need ground pork. I use 85% lean/15% fat ground pork. You can also make this recipe with pork shoulder in the slow cooker or on an outdoor grill – in that case, it won’t be 30-min, though. Instructions are included below.
- Oil: Vegetable or canola oil with work well. or
- Veggies: Onion and garlic for extra flavor.
- Chopped cilantro: If you don’t like cilantro, just skip it.
For Al Pastor Sauce/Marinade:
- Pineapple juice: This sweet and acidic tropical fruit will tenderize and flavor the pork.
- Achiote paste: For color and flavor. It can be found in any Mexican market or online.
- Guajillo chile pepper: The guajillo chili heat is considered mild to medium. To make this recipe super easy I used Guajillo Chile Powder. This ground chili is hard to find in regular grocery stores, so I highly recommend ordering online to save time.
- Distilled white vinegar
- Spices: You will need dried oregano, cumin, and ground cloves. They will add earthiness and richness to the pork. You can use Mexican oregano if available.
- Salt and Black Pepper: For flavor.
- Liquid smoke (optional): This will add an extra smoky note. I always add it.
To serve:
- Tortillas: You can use corn or flour tortillas.
- Toppings: Red onion, fresh pineapple, and limes.
Step By Step Recipe Photo Tutorial
Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and instructions (scroll down).
1 – Make the Sauce
In a blender or food processor, place all the sauce ingredients and blend until well combined and smooth. Set aside.
2 – Brown the Pork
Sauté onion and garlic. Add ground pork until no longer pink.
3 – Add the Sauce and Mix to Combine
4 – Cook
Cook until most of the liquid is reduced. Garnish with chopped cilantro.
5 – Assemble the Tacos!
Serve meat up hot on a warmed tortilla topped with, diced grilled pineapple, sliced red onion, freshly chopped cilantro, and a lime wedge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tacos al pastor are tacos made with pork, usually crisp-thin shavings of vertical spit-roasted pork, marinated with guajillo chiles, achiote, and other spices, then served on tortillas with pineapple and onions.
Yes, you can! In that case, you have two cooking options, in the slow cooker or over the grill. See details below.
Serve meat up hot on a warmed tortilla topped with, diced pineapple, sliced red onion, freshly chopped cilantro, and a lime wedge.
Traditional tacos al pastor are served on corn tortillas. But you can use either corn or flour tortillas in this recipe, it’s a matter of personal preference.
Slow Cooker Tacos al Pastor
- Prepare the sauce as instructed in the recipe.
- Cut the pork shoulder into 2-inch cubes.
- Place pork shoulder, sauce, and 1 cup of beer or chicken stock in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is completely tender and shreds easily with a fork. Use two forks to shred the pork, then toss it in the remaining juices.
PRO TIP: You can serve it just like it comes out of the slow cooker, shredded of course, with the leftover juices, or you can crisp up the meat under the broiler for 5 minutes. Either way, it’s ridiculously delicious.
Grilled Tacos al Pastor
- Cut the pork shoulder into 1/4-inch thick slices
- Prepare the sauce as instructed in the recipe.
- Marinade the pork with the sauce in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour up to 24 hours.
- Preheat a grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Grill the pork for 3-4 minutes per side, or until pork is just cooked through.
- Coarsely chop the pork and assemble tacos.
Vegetarian Tacos Al Pastor
You don’t eat meat? No problem! Substitute ground pork for 2 lb sliced mushrooms.
Chicken Tacos al Pastor
Substitute ground pork for ground chicken, boneless chicken breast strips, or chopped boneless chicken thighs. Make sure to cook the chicken fully.
How to Serve Tacos al Pastor
Serve meat up hot on a warmed tortilla topped with, diced pineapple, sliced red onion, freshly chopped cilantro, and a lime wedge.
PRO TIP: if time allows, I highly recommend grilling the pineapple until lightly charred before serving.
Storing & Freezing Instructions
Store
Let the meat cool then place leftover ground pork into an airtight container and refrigerate for up 3 days.
Freeze
Let the meat cool then place leftover ground pork into an airtight container or a freezer Ziploc bag and freeze for up 3 months. Make sure it is well sealed to avoid freezer burn.
You can defrost in the microwave or in the refrigerator overnight. To warm it up, drizzle a couple of tablespoons of chicken broth over the meat, place it in a skillet over medium-low heat, and cover and heat to your liking.
More Taco Recipes You’ll Love!
- Easy Ground Beef for Tacos Recipe
- Homemade Spicy Taco Seasoning
- Easy Instant Pot Mexican Shredded Chicken
- Slow Cooker Chipotle Carnitas
- Slow Cooker Spicy Pork Carnitas
- Instant Pot Crispy Pork Carnitas
- Instant Pot Mexican Pulled Pork
30-minute Easy Tacos al Pastor
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 lb (900 g) ground pork (I use 85% Lean/15% Fat) (see notes for pork shoulder)
- Chopped cilantro to garnish (optional)
Al Pastor Sauce:
- 1 cup (240 ml) pineapple juice
- 1 oz (30 g) achiote paste
- 2 teaspoons guajillo chile powder (ground guajillo chile pepper)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) distilled white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
For the Tacos:
- 12 – 14 corn or flour tortillas, warmed
- 1 medium red onion, finely sliced
- 1 cup pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into small dices (see notes)
- 3 limes, cut into wedges each for serving
Instructions
Make al Pastor Sauce:
- In a blender or food processor, place all the sauce ingredients and blend until well combined and smooth. Set aside.
Make al Pastor Pork:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Add garlic and keep sautéing for 1 more minute.
- Add ground pork, use a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula to break up the ground beef into equal-size pieces as it cooks, and cook until no longer pink.
- Stir in Al Pastor Sauce; mix until well combined. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet and cook for 8 – 10 minutes, or until most of the liquid is evaporated. Taste and add more salt if necessary.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired
- Serve meat up hot on a warmed tortilla topped with, diced grilled pineapple, sliced red onion, freshly chopped cilantro, and a lime wedge.
Nutrition
Originally posted in May 2020, the post content was edited to add more helpful information, with no change to the recipe in May 2022.
