These delicious Tacos al Pastor were inspired by street-style tacos that can be made right at home. Marinated pork with a blend of spices, herbs, and citrus. They are served over corn tortillas and crowned with fresh herbs, onions, cilantro, and cheese (optional). If you love spicy, fresh jalapeños will bring a spicy kick with a cool bite. The addition of fresh lime juice will be the perfect balance to these street tacos!
If you love this taco recipe, check out my Chorizo Queso Dip and Creamy Jalapeño Shrimp Queso Dip!
What does Taco al Pastor mean?
The meaning of “Al Pastor” translates to “shepherd-style” or “herdsman-style”. It’s where pork is thinly sliced vertically on a rotisserie. Similar to Lebanese culture, shawarma-style cooking was later adapted in Latin cuisine and even African cuisine from countries like Nigeria and Cameroon. Tacos al Pastor are typically served with pork and basked in a special marinade that includes chilies, vinegar, spices, and citrus. Some culinary enthusiasts have even used chicken and beef, but it’s typically made with pork.
Street Food Inspiration for Tacos al Pastor
Although Tacos al Pastor are made using a vertical rotisserie, even if you don’t have one, you can still recreate this recipe. I will say, we did add cheese (because we love it). Most street tacos do not have cheese added, but it also depends on what your taste buds desire. We had it, so we added it!
As far as street-style tacos, the opportunities are endless. I’ve had chorizo, beef, and chicken, and I love them all. Whether you’re in a big city with vendors on every corner or a small town near a family-owned taco truck, you can enjoy street-style tacos. Even better that you can now enjoy them at home!
More Recipes to Enjoy!
Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas
Creamy Jalapeño Shrimp Queso Dip
I hope you love this Taco al Pastor street-style taco recipe! Fire up the grill and enjoy these tacos this spring and summer! If you make this recipe, tag me (@myprettybrowneats) on social media. You may also find me by following the #myprettybrowneats hashtag on FB and IG! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and TikTok.
Tacos al Pastor Street-Style
Equipment
- Grill (Charcoal or Electric)
Ingredients
- 1-1½ pound Boneless Pork Loin Roast Instructions for grilling are below.
Instructions for Pork Loin Pasate (Marinade)
- ½ cup Annatto seeds or use a combination of Paprika and Tumeric
- ½ teaspoon chili pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, optional
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds, optional
- 1 teaspoon cracked black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt less is more!
- 5 cloves fresh garlic
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- ½ cup fresh-squeezed orange juice (the more bitter, the better)
Garnish and Toppings for Tacos
- 6 sliced fresh jalapeños
- 1 red or white onion, diced
- 1 bunch of cilantro
- fresh lime juice
- Tapatio Salsa Picante Sauce
- Queso Quesadilla, Asadero, Monterey Jack shredded cheese OR Mexican blend cheese from your local grocer Optional
Instructions
Instructions for Grilled Pork Loin Marinade
- Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender until a smooth consistency forms. Use an airtight storage container to keep your paste for about 30 days (depending on how much you use).
- Generously apply the paste to a lean pork loin. Wrap the loin in plastic wrap, and allow it to sit untouched in the refrigerator for about 4-6 hours.
- About 30 minutes before the grill begins and while the pork loin is being pampered with flavor, chop up fresh cilantro and slice a couple of fresh jalapeños.
- Next, grill loin to an internal temperature of 145℉. Once the loin reaches your desired temperature, remove it from the grill and allow it to rest for 10 minutes. NOTE: DO NOT CUT the pork lion immediately. You want to keep it flavorful and juicy.
Tortilla and Taco Prep
- While the grill is still hot, toss a couple of white or yellow corn tortillas on the grill to give them a nice warm hug. You don't want to burn them.
- Grab yourself some fresh grated cheddar, Queso Quesadilla, Asadero, and Monterey Jack (OR grab a bag of Mexican blend cheese from your local grocer) and let the fun begin.
- Slice thin pieces of pork loin and add them to your single—or double-stacked corn tortillas. Next, add cheese (optional), fresh jalapeño slices, chopped cilantro, and squeeze fresh lime juice over your tacos.
- Splash Tapatio Salsa Picante Sauce or add a bold and spicy salsa and remove tacos from the grill.
- Serve and enjoy!
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