Al pastor tacos Recipe
Al pastor tacos Recipe is a medium Mexican recipe that serves 4. 520 calories per serving. Recipe by Miguel’s Cookingwithfire on YouTube.
Prep: 2 hrs 15 min | Cook: 2 hrs | Total: 4 hrs 45 min
Cost: $35.20 total, $8.80 per serving
Ingredients
- 5 pounds Pork Butt (bone removed, sliced 1/4 inch thick)
- 1 batch Marinade (see Miguel’s Cookingwithfire website for full ingredient list; blend until smooth)
- 1 medium Pineapple (peeled, cored, and diced)
- 1 cup Guacamole (store‑bought or homemade)
- 12 pieces Corn Tortillas (warmed before serving)
- to taste Salt (for seasoning pork and guacamole)
- to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions
Blend Marinade
Add all marinade ingredients to the blender and blend until completely smooth.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Pork
Remove any bone from the pork butt, then slice the meat into 1/4‑inch thick pieces on a clean cutting board.
Time: PT10M
Marinate Pork
Place the pork slices in a large bowl, pour the blended marinade over them, and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.
Time: PT2H
Preheat Grill
Set the grill (or grill pan) to 350°F and allow it to reach temperature before adding the pork.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 350°F
First Grill Cycle
Arrange the marinated pork slices in a single layer on the grill using the trumpo king (or a grill rack). Grill for 1 hour 30 minutes, turning once halfway, until the edges are crispy.
Time: PT1H30M
Temperature: 350°F
Second Grill Cycle
Remove the outer, fully‑cooked layer of pork, set aside, and return the remaining slices to the grill. Grill for an additional 30 minutes, repeating the slicing step until all pork is cooked and crispy.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: 350°F
Warm Tortillas
Place corn tortillas on the grill for 2–3 minutes, turning once, until pliable and lightly charred.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Assemble Tacos
On each tortilla, layer crispy pork, diced pineapple, and a spoonful of guacamole. Serve immediately.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 520
- Protein
- 30g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 20g
- Fiber
- 5g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free, Nut‑Free
Allergens: Corn, Avocado
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Pork Butt: Pork shoulder, Pork loin
- Instead of Marinade: store‑bought pork taco seasoning, soy‑ginger glaze
- Instead of Pineapple: Mango, Papaya
- Instead of Guacamole: Avocado salsa, Sour cream
- Instead of Corn Tortillas: Flour tortillas, Lettuce wraps
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt, Kosher salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
Equipment Needed
- Blender
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
- Large Bowl
- Grill or Grill Pan
- Tongs
- Spatula
- Serving Plate
- Measuring Cup (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Blending the marinade until completely smooth
- Slicing pork butt uniformly (1/4 inch)
- Marinating pork for a full 2 hours
- Grilling at the correct temperature (350°F) for the specified times
- Removing the outer cooked layer before the second grill cycle
Chef Tips from the Video
- For a smoky flavor, use a charcoal grill and add a few wood chips.
- Slice the pork while it’s still slightly chilled for cleaner cuts.
- Serve with a side of pickled red onions for extra tang.
Troubleshooting
Pork isn’t getting crispy.
Make sure the slices are thin (1/4 inch) and the grill is pre‑heated to 350°F. Avoid covering the grill, which traps steam.
Pork becomes dry.
Do not over‑cook; remove the outer layer as soon as it turns golden‑brown and keep the inner slices moving to the next cycle.
Pineapple releases too much juice and makes tacos soggy.
Pat the diced pineapple dry with paper towels before adding to the tacos.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooked pork in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked pork in freezer‑safe bags for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
Room temperature: Assembled tacos can sit at room temperature for no more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the marinade a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator.
- Marinate the pork up to 24 hours in advance for deeper flavor.
- Cook the pork fully, cool, and freeze in portions; reheat on the grill or skillet before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Alfa Store Tacos in Mexican street food cuisine?
Alfa Store Tacos are a modern twist on traditional Mexican tacos, featuring marinated pork that reflects the influence of coastal regions where sweet pineapple is paired with savory meat. The dish embodies the vibrant, bold flavors of Mexican street‑food culture, often enjoyed at festivals and night markets.
What are the traditional regional variations of pork tacos in Mexican cuisine?
In the Yucatán, pork tacos are often cooked al pastor with pineapple and achiote, while in the north they may be grilled as carne asada style. Alfa Store Tacos borrow the pineapple element from al pastor but use a thicker pork butt cut for extra juiciness.
How is Alfa Store Tacos traditionally served in Mexico?
Traditionally, the tacos are served on warm corn tortillas, topped with fresh pineapple, cilantro, onion, and a squeeze of lime. Miguel’s version adds guacamole for a creamy contrast, but the core components remain the same.
During which celebrations or occasions are pork tacos like Alfa Store Tacos commonly enjoyed in Mexican culture?
Pork tacos are popular at Día de los Muertos, local fairs (ferias), and weekend street‑food gatherings. The sweet‑savory combination makes them a crowd‑pleaser for both casual meals and festive events.
What makes Alfa Store Tacos special or unique in Mexican cuisine?
The recipe’s focus on thinly sliced pork butt that is repeatedly grilled to achieve a layered crispness sets it apart. The addition of fresh pineapple and guacamole creates a balance of sweet, salty, and creamy textures rarely combined in classic taco recipes.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Alfa Store Tacos?
Common errors include slicing the pork too thick, which prevents crispness, and overcrowding the grill, which steams the meat instead of crisping it. Also, skipping the full 2‑hour marination can result in bland pork.
Why does this Alfa Store Tacos recipe use a 350°F grill temperature instead of a higher heat?
A moderate 350°F allows the pork slices to cook through while slowly rendering fat, creating a crunchy exterior without burning the delicate pineapple garnish. Higher heat would char the meat too quickly and leave it undercooked inside.
Can I make Alfa Store Tacos ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. Marinate the pork up to 24 hours in advance, grill the pork, then store the cooked meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the grill or skillet before assembling the tacos.
What texture and appearance should I look for when grilling the pork for Alfa Store Tacos?
The pork should turn a deep golden‑brown with a crisp, slightly caramelized edge. Inside, the meat remains juicy and tender. If the slices are still pink or soft, continue grilling in short intervals.
What does the YouTube channel Miguel’s Cookingwithfire specialize in?
The YouTube channel Miguel’s Cookingwithfire specializes in bold, fire‑focused recipes that blend traditional Latin American flavors with modern grilling techniques, often featuring step‑by‑step video guides and downloadable marinades.
How does the YouTube channel Miguel’s Cookingwithfire's approach to Mexican cooking differ from other Mexican cooking channels?
Miguel’s Cookingwithfire emphasizes high‑heat grilling and flame‑infused flavors, whereas many other Mexican cooking channels focus on stovetop or oven methods. His videos also provide downloadable marinades and detailed timing charts for perfect crispness.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
