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Tacos al Pastor

tacos al pastor

Authentic Mexican Street Food - healthier version of Tacos al Pastor in 45 Minutes!

Prep Time 45 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 1 hr
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses: , ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Servings: 4
Calories: 320 kcal
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year
Description

Transport your taste buds to the streets of Mexico City with our healthier spin on Tacos al Pastor!

Traditionally loaded with fat, we’ve lightened this iconic dish using lean pork tenderloin, fiber-rich corn tortillas, and a tangy pineapple-based marinade that tenderizes the meat naturally. The secret? Achiote paste infuses smoky depth without excess oil, while charred pineapple adds caramelized sweetness.

Perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings, these tacos deliver authentic flavor with 30% less fat. Serve them with zesty lime and crunchy veggies for a balanced, crowd-pleasing meal!

Recommended Occasions: Weeknight dinners, Taco Tuesdays, Cinco de Mayo, Summer cookouts, Meal prep lunches.

Enjoy your vibrant, healthy Tacos al Pastor – a fiesta of flavors that nourishes body and soul!

Ingredients
    For Marinade & Pork:
  • 1lb, 450g lean pork tenderloin, 450g (thinly sliced)
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
  • 3 tbsp white vinegar
  • 2 tbsp achiote paste (sub: 1 tbsp paprika + 1 tsp turmeric)
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt & pepper to taste
    • For Tacos:
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 1/2 cup fresh pineapple chunks (for charring)
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 lime (cut into wedges)
    • Optional Ingredients
  • Salsa verde
  • Spicier: Add 1 chipotle pepper to marinade
  • Extra Crunch: Add shredded cabbage
Instructions
  1. 1
    Marinate:

    Blend pineapple, vinegar, achiote, garlic, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until smooth. Coat pork slices in marinade. Refrigerate 30 min.

  2. 2
    Char Pineapple:

    Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high. Cook pineapple chunks 3–4 min until caramelized. Set aside.

  3. 3
    Cook Pork:

    In same skillet, add olive oil. Cook pork slices 4–5 min per side until browned (internal temp 145°F/63°C).

  4. 4
    Warm Tortillas:

    Heat tortillas in a dry skillet 30 sec/side.

  5. 5
    Assemble:

    Fill tortillas with pork, charred pineapple, onion, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 320kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 9g14%
Saturated Fat 2g10%
Cholesterol 75mg25%
Sodium 380mg16%
Potassium 620mg18%
Total Carbohydrate 35g12%
Dietary Fiber 5g20%
Sugars 8g
Protein 28g57%
Vitamin A 45 mcg
Vitamin C 30 mg
Calcium 60 mg
Iron 2.5 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note
  • Gluten-Free (use corn tortillas)
  • Low-Carb Option (serve without tortillas)
  • Vegetarian: Swap pork for 2 cups portobello mushrooms.
  • Lower-Carb: Serve as a salad bowl (omit tortillas).
  • Time-Saver: Use pre-sliced pork.
Keywords: healthy tacos al pastor, easy mexican dinner, pineapple pork tacos, lean protein tacos, gluten-free mexican recipe, diabetic-friendly tacos
Read it online: https://healthyrecipes.info/recipe/tacos-al-pastor/