How to Make Authentic Tacos Al Pastor at Home

Colorful plate of Tacos Al Pastor with marinated pork, pineapple, cilantro, and onion, set in a lively kitchen with a vertical spit.

Few dishes capture the vibrant essence of Mexican cuisine quite like Tacos Al Pastor. With their bold flavors, tender marinated pork, and smoky aroma, these tacos are a feast for the senses. At Rosita's Mexican Grill in Seattle, WA, Tacos Al Pastor are a beloved staple, and now, the secrets to making this signature dish can come straight to your kitchen.

The Origins of Tacos Al Pastor

Tacos Al Pastor trace their roots back to Lebanese immigrants in Mexico who brought their shawarma-style cooking techniques with them. Over time, this technique fused with Mexican flavors, resulting in the now-iconic Tacos Al Pastor—marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit and served with fresh pineapple, cilantro, and onion.

What You'll Need:

To recreate this authentic experience, gather the following ingredients:

For the marinade:

2 lbs of pork shoulder, thinly sliced
3 dried guajillo chilies
3 dried ancho chilies
3 cloves of garlic
½ cup pineapple juice
2 tbsp white vinegar
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

For serving:

Fresh tortillas
Diced pineapple
Chopped onion
Fresh cilantro
Lime wedges

Step-by-Step Recipe:

Prepare the Marinade: Toast the guajillo and ancho chilies in a dry pan until fragrant, then soak them in hot water for 10 minutes. Blend the chilies with garlic, pineapple juice, vinegar, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Marinate the Pork: Coat the sliced pork shoulder in the chili marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
Cook the Meat: Traditionally, the pork is cooked on a vertical spit, but at home, a grill or stovetop works wonderfully. Cook the pork slices until slightly charred and caramelized.
Assemble the Tacos: Warm the tortillas and pile on the pork, followed by fresh pineapple, onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

Taste the Best of Rosita’s

This recipe captures the essence of Rosita’s Tacos Al Pastor—vibrant, smoky, and bursting with authentic flavors. While nothing beats the experience of dining at Rosita’s Mexican Grill in Seattle, recreating these tacos at home is a culinary adventure worth taking.

Love Tacos Al Pastor? Visit Rosita’s Mexican Grill in Seattle, WA, to taste the real deal. Or, explore our menu for more culinary inspiration.