Get ready to transform your kitchen into a Mexican street food paradise with this mouthwatering Slow Cooked Tacos al Pastor recipe! Imagine tender, juicy pork infused with a perfect blend of tangy pineapple, aromatic spices, and a hint of smokiness that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico. This isn't just a recipe; it's a culinary journey that promises to elevate your home cooking and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, diced
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortillas for serving
- Pineapple chunks for garnish
- Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pork shoulder with pineapple juice, white vinegar, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure all meat is well-coated with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the marinated pork for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Transfer the marinated pork to a slow cooker, ensuring all marinade is included to maintain moisture and flavor intensity.
- Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook the pork for 7-8 hours, or until the meat is extremely tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
- Once cooking is complete, use two forks to shred the pork directly in the slow cooker, allowing it to absorb the remaining cooking liquid.
- Warm the tortillas in a skillet or directly over a gas flame for added authenticity and texture.
- Serve the shredded pork in warm tortillas, topped with fresh pineapple chunks and chopped cilantro.
- Optional: For a crispy texture, briefly broil the shredded meat in the oven before serving to create slightly caramelized edges.
Tips
- Marination is Key: Allow the pork to marinate overnight for maximum flavor penetration. The longer it sits, the more delicious your tacos will be.
- Low and Slow is the Motto: Use a slow cooker to ensure the meat becomes incredibly tender and absorbs all the incredible spices.
- Don't Skip the Pineapple: The fresh pineapple chunks are not just a garnish—they add a crucial sweet-tangy element that defines authentic al pastor flavor.
- Crispy Finish Hack: The optional broiling step creates irresistible caramelized edges that add texture and depth to your tacos.
- Tortilla Pro Tip: Warm your tortillas directly over an open flame for that authentic street food char and flavor.Pro Chef Secret: The magic of this recipe lies in the balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. Don't be afraid to adjust the spices to suit your taste!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 308kcal
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 80mg
