Print

Flavorful Grilled Al Pastor Pineapple Pork Tacos

grilled al pastor pineapple pork tacos - featured image
Print Recipe

These tacos combine smoky, spicy marinated pork with caramelized grilled pineapple and fresh cilantro for a vibrant and unforgettable flavor. Perfect for quick weeknight meals or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds pork shoulder, trimmed and thinly sliced
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
  • 3–4 dried guajillo chilies, seeds removed and soaked
  • 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (preferably Mexican oregano)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste (kosher salt recommended)
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • About 12 small corn tortillas
  • Fresh lime wedges for serving
  • Optional: finely chopped white onion for topping
  • Optional: thinly sliced radishes for extra crunch

Instructions

  1. Remove stems and seeds from guajillo chilies and soak them in hot water for 15 minutes until softened.
  2. In a blender or food processor, combine soaked guajillo chilies, chipotle peppers, white vinegar, garlic, cumin, oregano, paprika, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth, adding soaking water if needed for consistency.
  3. Slice pork shoulder into thin slices about 1/4-inch thick.
  4. Place sliced pork in a bowl or zip-top bag, pour marinade over, toss to coat evenly, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight.
  5. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Clean and oil grates.
  6. Thread pineapple chunks onto skewers or place directly on grill. Grill 2-3 minutes per side until caramelized and golden. Remove and set aside.
  7. Grill marinated pork slices in a single layer for 3-4 minutes per side until charred and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding.
  8. Wrap tortillas in foil and warm on the grill for 1-2 minutes until soft and pliable.
  9. Chop grilled pineapple into smaller pieces if needed. Assemble tacos by placing pork slices on tortillas, topping with pineapple, chopped onion (if using), and fresh cilantro. Squeeze lime juice over before serving.

Notes

Freeze pork for 30 minutes before slicing for easier thin cuts. Marinate overnight for best flavor. Watch grill temperature to avoid burning sugar in marinade. Let pork rest briefly after grilling to redistribute juices. Use fresh cilantro just before serving to keep it bright.

Nutrition

Keywords: al pastor, grilled pork tacos, pineapple tacos, cilantro tacos, Mexican tacos, easy taco recipe, backyard grilling, smoky pork, chipotle, guajillo chilies

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/flavorful-grilled-al-pastor-pineapple-pork-tacos-easy-recipe-for-perfect-cilantro-tacos/