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Pork Loin Al Pastor Tacos
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Thinly sliced pork loin marinated in a smoky, tangy achiote-style spice paste — bright with vinegar, cumin, and smoked paprika — then seared hard in a hot pan and piled into warm tortillas. A weeknight take on the classic trompo-style street taco that delivers big flavour from simple pantry ingredients.
Cooking Ability Level
Prep
25 mins
Cook
15 mins
Serves
4
Difficulty
Getting Somewhere
Budget
Reasonable
Calories
480
Ingredients
- 600g (1.3 lb) pork loin, sliced into thin steaks (about 1cm thick)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1.5 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional but recommended)
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 small white onion, finely diced
- Small bunch of fresh coriander (cilantro), roughly chopped
- 2 limes, cut into wedges
- 1 cup fresh or tinned pineapple chunks (optional but very traditional)
1. For the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, white wine vinegar, tomato paste, honey, hot sauce, and 1 tbsp of the vegetable oil until a smooth paste forms.
2. For the pork: Add the thinly sliced pork loin to the marinade and toss well to coat every piece. Leave to marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temperature, or up to 24 hours in the fridge covered.
3. For the pork: Heat the remaining 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large heavy frying pan or cast iron skillet over high heat until shimmering and almost smoking.
4. For the pork: Add the marinated pork slices in a single layer — do not crowd the pan, cook in two batches if needed. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until deeply caramelised and slightly charred at the edges. The sugars in the marinade will catch and char slightly — this is what you want.
5. For the pork: If using pineapple, add the chunks to the pan in the last minute of cooking the second batch, letting them blister and caramelise in the pork juices.
6. For the pork: Remove cooked pork from the pan, rest for 2 minutes, then chop or slice into small rough pieces on a board.
7. For the tortillas: Warm your tortillas directly over a gas flame, in a dry pan, or wrapped in a damp cloth in the microwave for 30 seconds until soft and pliable.
8. To assemble: Double up the tortillas for strength. Pile on the chopped al pastor pork, a spoonful of caramelised pineapple if using, a pinch of diced white onion, and a generous handful of fresh coriander. Squeeze a lime wedge over the top and serve immediately.
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Nutrition per Serving
480
Calories
38g
Protein
38g
Carbs
18g
Fat