MexicanMedium · Hot
Al Pastor Pork Tacos with Grilled Pineapple
Pork loin marinated with cayenne and lime, then cooked until caramelized and slightly charred, picks up a tang and heat that is the whole reason al pastor exists. Grilled pineapple alongside is not a gimmick — the sweetness is the counterpoint that makes the spice land correctly. Yellow onion and cilantro on top finish the taco as tradition intends, and that tradition is worth honoring.
Prep
40 min
Cook
20 min
Rest
30 min
Total
1h 30m
Method
Marinate the Pork
1
Toss the pork strips into the marinade and coat every piece thoroughly. Cover and let rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes — the longer it sits, the deeper those chile and cumin flavors penetrate.
Grill the Pineapple
2
Cook 2-3 minutes per side until you see deep golden caramelization and char marks. Remove and set aside on a plate.
Cook the Pork
3
Cook the pork strips for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping once, until cooked through with a hint of char on the edges. The sugars from the lime and paprika will caramelize into sticky, mahogany-colored bites.
A
Nutri-Score
Excellent balance
A–E · lower is better · score -1
Calories
443
per serving
High in protein · 29gLow sugar · 6g
Protein
29g
Carbs
32g
Fat
23g
Sat. fat
5g
Fiber
5g
Sugar
6g
Sodium
861mg
Dairy FreeHeart HealthyLow Sodium OptionHigh ProteinBalanced Macros
Nutri-Score is a general nutritional-balance guide, not medical or dietary advice.
D
Environmental impact
High impact
A–E · lower is better · includes estimates
kg CO2e
1.9
per serving
DCarbonAEU all-round· carbon sets the grade
Water
1.1m³
Land
62Pt
Runoff
0.2g P
Pork Loin drives 75% of this recipe’s estimated footprint.
Carbon from Poore & Nemecek 2018; water, land & runoff from Agribalyse — modelled averages for comparing recipes, not a measurement of your groceries.
Flavor Profile
7
Umami
4
Sweet
5
Salty
3
Sour
1
Bitter
4
Spicy
Textures
CrispyTenderSoftFresh
Aromas
SmokyHerbalEarthyCitrus
Kitchen Equipment
Primary Tool
Grill PanGrill PanFrying PanChef KnifeCutting BoardMortar And PestleMeasuring SpoonsMixing BowlCitrus JuicerPlastic WrapAluminum Foil
Counter FootprintMedium
Techniques
Safety & Storage
Cooking Temperature
Cook pork to minimum 145°F internal temperature. Use instant-read thermometer to verify doneness before serving.
Cross Contamination
Keep raw pork separate from other ingredients. Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and fresh produce like pineapple and cilantro.
Handling
Marinate pork in refrigerator at 40°F or below. Never leave marinating pork at room temperature.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. Consume within 3-4 days. Reheat to 165°F before eating.
High Risk Population
Pregnant individuals, elderly, young children, and immunocompromised persons should ensure pork is cooked to well-done (160°F) due to parasitic risk from undercooked pork.
Allergen Warning
Verify sunflower oil purity if serving to individuals with seed allergies as refined oils may have trace allergens.
Pro Tips
Technique
Let that marinade work its magic for at least 30 minutes — even overnight if you can. The lime's acid and the cumin penetrate deeper with time, turning ordinary pork into something with soul.
Substitution
No pork loin? Chicken thighs work beautifully here, or portobello mushrooms for our vegetarian friends. The smoky chile notes still sing.
From the chef
These tacos carry the spirit of those unforgettable al pastor trompos I watched street vendors build in Mexico City. My version brings that smoky, chile-forward magic to your kitchen — tender pork kissed with cumin and lime, caramelized pineapple adding that perfect sweetness, all wrapped in warm bread. No hard shells here, mija — that's not how we do it.
TagsAl PastorPorkGrilled PineappleMexican Street FoodMarinatedWeeknight DinnerGrilling
AllergensWheatSunflower Seeds
Source: generated · May 30, 2026