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Al Pastor

Al Pastor (Shepherd Style Pork) Recipe

Al Pastor, translating to "shepherd style," is a renowned Mexican dish featuring marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, reminiscent of shawarma. The pork is seasoned with a blend of dried chilies, spices, and pineapple, imparting a unique combination of savoury, sweet, and spicy flavors.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Main Dishes
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 511 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g pork shoulder thinly sliced
  • 2 dried guajillo chillies seeds removed
  • 2 dried ancho chillies seeds removed
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1 tbsp achiote paste for authentic colour and flavour
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh pineapple slices
  • Small corn tortillas
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1/4 cup onion finely diced
  • Lime wedges for garnish
  • Salsa of your choice

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). To begin the marinade, bring a small pot of water to a boil and add the dried guajillo and ancho chillies. Boil for 5 minutes to soften the chillies. Drain and place the softened chillies in a blender along with the garlic, vinegar, pineapple juice, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, cloves, achiote paste, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
  • In a large bowl, pour the marinade over the thinly sliced pork shoulder. Use your hands to ensure the marinade is evenly coating the meat. Let the pork marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator for best results, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply.
  • Heat a large oven-safe skillet or griddle over medium heat and add the olive oil. Sear the marinated pork slices in batches, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side until they begin to brown. You don’t need to fully cook them at this stage, as they will finish in the oven.
  • Once all the pork slices have been seared, layer them in the same skillet or transfer them to a baking dish. Place a few pineapple slices between the layers of pork to add sweetness and moisture during roasting.
  • Cover the dish with foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Roast the pork for 25-30 minutes until fully cooked and tender, allowing the pineapple flavour to permeate the meat.
  • While the pork is roasting, prepare the garnishes. Finely chop fresh cilantro and onions and slice the lime wedges for serving. Set these aside for topping the tacos.
  • Once the pork is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Slice the roasted pork into thin strips, ensuring to mix the pineapple into the meat for added flavour.
  • To serve, warm the corn tortillas either in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in the oven. Fill each tortilla with a generous portion of sliced pork, top with cilantro, diced onion, and a squeeze of lime juice. Add a slice of fresh pineapple and your favourite salsa for extra brightness and spice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 511kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 31gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 113mgSodium: 305mgFiber: 3gSugar: 9g
Keyword Al Pastor
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