Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a mouthwatering twist on traditional tacos! Our Instant Pot Lamb Tacos al Pastor combine the rich, succulent flavors of marinated lamb with the sweetness of pineapple, creating a dish that’s both savory and refreshing. Perfect for a family gathering or a cozy dinner, this recipe takes just over an hour to prepare, but the explosion of flavors will have your guests thinking you spent all day in the kitchen. Don’t miss out on this culinary adventure that will transport you straight to the heart of Mexico—let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Salt to taste
- 12 corn tortillas
- 1 cup diced pineapple
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine lamb shoulder chunks with pineapple juice, white vinegar, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, and salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure meat is evenly coated with marinade.
- Allow meat to marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature to enhance flavor absorption, or refrigerate up to 4 hours for deeper seasoning.
- Prepare Instant Pot by adding marinated lamb and any remaining marinade liquid. Secure lid and set valve to sealing position.
- Program Instant Pot to high pressure cooking mode, setting timer for 35 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes after cooking completes.
- While meat cooks, prepare garnishes: dice fresh pineapple, chop cilantro, and cut lime into wedges.
- Once pressure releases, carefully open lid and shred lamb using two forks. If meat needs further tenderizing, use "sauté" function to reduce remaining liquid.
- Warm corn tortillas briefly on skillet or directly over gas flame until slightly charred.
- Assemble tacos by placing shredded lamb in tortillas, topping with diced pineapple, fresh cilantro, and squeezing lime wedge over filling.
- Serve immediately while lamb is warm and garnishes are fresh.
Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allowing the lamb to marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature—or up to 4 hours in the fridge—will enhance the flavors and tenderness of the meat. Plan ahead for the best results!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cilantro, ripe pineapple, and juicy limes will elevate your tacos to the next level. Don’t skimp on quality!
- Quick Pressure Release: After cooking, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes before opening the lid. This helps keep the meat tender and juicy.
- Perfectly Warm Tortillas: Warm your corn tortillas on a skillet or directly over a gas flame for a few seconds until they are slightly charred. This adds a delightful texture and flavor to your tacos.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Add diced onions, avocado slices, or your favorite salsa to personalize your tacos al pastor.
- Serve Immediately: For the best experience, assemble and serve your tacos right after cooking. This way, the lamb remains warm, and the garnishes stay fresh and vibrant.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 110mg
