# The Ultimate Taco Filling You Can Prepare at Home with Just 7 Ingredients
Your nearby Mexican restaurant may consistently offer the finest tacos, but during those moments when you can’t (or prefer not to) dine out, this al pastor recipe is so delectable it’ll make you feel like you’re right back at your favorite taco spot. Crafting this smoky, spicy, and juicy pork is remarkably simple, and you’ll find yourself incorporating it into more than just tacos. Best of all, this recipe requires only 7 ingredients that are readily available at any grocery store.
## What is Al Pastor?
Al pastor is a traditional Mexican dish composed of pork that has been slow-roasted on a vertical spit. This method of cooking is typically linked to Middle Eastern cuisine, and legend claims that Lebanese immigrants introduced it to Mexico, where they combined it with classic adobada to create the cherished al pastor.
Al pastor can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, such as tortas (sandwiches), pizzas, and even served over rice, but the most renowned way to savor it is in tacos al pastor. The crispy, smoky pork is sliced fresh to order with a razor-sharp knife as it’s charred by the vertical spit’s flames. The meat falls directly into each taco and is adorned with a touch of slow-roasted pineapple. It’s pure bliss wrapped in a tiny tortilla.
Even if you lack a flame-powered vertical spit at home, you can still whip up an incredible, just-as-good version in your own kitchen, especially if you’re far from Mexico right now.
## The Finest Homemade Al Pastor
What makes this the ultimate homemade al pastor recipe? It’s smoky, sweet, and incredibly straightforward. Many recipes online fail to capture the true essence of al pastor—the smoky finish and the crispy edges. More importantly, a recipe that begins with “get your vertical spit” or “slice your pork using a commercial meat slicer” is a definite no-go for me.
This recipe has been a staple for quite some time. It’s our top choice for taco nights, and while I hesitated to disclose it thinking the ingredients might be hard to locate, it’s truly worthwhile. This recipe is easy, flavorful, and closely resembles the authentic street-side version.
## Instructions for Making Al Pastor
1. **Soak your chiles.** Guajillos come dried, and soaking them makes them pliable and easy to deseed.
2. **Slice and season your pork.** Aim for thin slices to maximize surface area for absorbing the marinade.
3. **Prepare the marinade.** Blend the guajillos with garlic, sugar, achiote, adobo, and pineapple juice until smooth.
4. **Marinate.** Allow the pork to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is even better.
5. **Roast.** Since you likely don’t have a vertical spit, arrange the pork in a single layer and broil at 500ºF until cooked. Don’t forget to roast your pineapples on a separate baking sheet.
## How to Assemble Tacos Al Pastor
1. **Prepare your toppings.** Dice onions, chop cilantro, slice jalapeños, and portion out salsas.
2. **Chop it up.** Roughly chop your pork into 1/2″ x 1/2″ pieces.
3. **Crisp up your al pastor.** Frying it is optional but enhances the flavors and heats it up nicely.
4. **Prepare your tortillas.** Cook flour tortillas now or cover corn tortillas with a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds.
5. **Assemble and savor!** Top with roasted pineapples and your favorite toppings.
## Ingredients for Al Pastor
– **Guajillo chilies:** Dried mirasol chiles that are sweet, smoky, and mild in heat.
– **Achiote paste:** A mixture of spices featuring annatto, imparting rich flavor without heat.
– **Chipotle chilies in adobo:** Smoky, spicy dried chipotle chiles in a sweet adobo sauce.
– **Canned pineapple:** Traditionally enjoyed with roasted pineapple; canned chunks are convenient.
– **Corn or flour tortillas:** Choose based on preference; both are delightful when warmed.
## Spice Level
This dish is not overly spicy, but if you’re sensitive to heat, consider omitting a chipotle chile or two. You can also remove the seeds from the guajillos for a gentler flavor.
## Grilling at the Table
For taco nights, consider utilizing a small tabletop griddle to warm tortillas and al pastor simultaneously. This provides a fun, interactive dining experience.
## Suggested Sides for Tacos Al Pastor
Accompany your tacos with sides like Mexican rice, beans, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.
Relish your homemade al pastor tacos, and let the flavors whisk you away to the streets of Mexico!