Tacos al Pastor Street-Style
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).
Equipment
- Grill (Charcoal or Electric)
Ingredients
- 1-1½ pound Boneless Pork Loin Roast Instructions for grilling are below.
Ingredients for Al Pastor (Pork 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)
- ¼ white vinegar, optional
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
- Cotija, Queso Fresco, Queso Oaxaca, Queso Quesadilla, Asadero, or (less traditional) Monterey Jack shredded cheese OR Mexican blend cheese from your local grocer Optional
Instructions
Instructions for Al Pastor (Pork 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!
Notes
For Annatto seeds used in marinade:
You will want to grind the seeds using a spice grinder before adding them to the paste.
Storage for Paste:
Use an airtight storage container to keep your paste for about 30 days (depending on how much you use).