Quick Hack to Make Al Pastor Spicy Taco Bowls
A healthier take on the al pastor tacos inspired this easy weeknight taco bowl made with spicy pork.
![al pastor taco bowl](https://i0.wp.com/www.besosalina.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/alpastortacos.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&ssl=1)
Everything You Need to Make These Spicy Taco Bowls
To Make Al Pastor Marinade
- boneless pork loin
- white onion
- pineapple
- orange juice
- white vinegar
- ancho chili powder
- garlic
- chipotle in adobo
- salt & pepper
- oregano
For Serving as a Bowl
- leafy greens
- rice
- cilantro
- pineapple
- avocado
- olive oil
- limes
What Does Tacos Al Pastor Mean?
If you’re not familiar with al pastor, it’s a spicy pork dish from central Mexico inspired by Lebanese immigrants, usually served as a taco topped with pineapple, raw onion and cilantro.
Al Pastor translates from Spanish to “shepherd style”, meaning its a crisp-thin shavings of a vertical split-roasted pork marinated in Lebanese herbs and indigenous Mexican flavors.
Usually, to make al pastor tacos you need to marinade the meat over several days and then spit-grill the pork like shawarma. This method is direct influence of Lebanese merchants who settled in Mexico in the early 1900s.
This recipe is the quick-fire version of the real thing, though just as delicious for an easy weeknight meal.
![Healthier al pastor taco bowl](https://i0.wp.com/www.besosalina.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/alpastorbowlstaco.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&ssl=1)
You don’t need a spit to make this authentic-tasting al pastor tacos recipe. Grilling the pork over low heat gives the marinade time to caramelize. Then toss it in a bowl, for an easy weeknight warm protein bowls.
How to Make AL Pastor Inspired Pork at Home
![easy recipe to make al pastor at home](https://i0.wp.com/www.besosalina.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/spicyporkbowls.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&ssl=1)
Slice pork into thin slices. Place in a large mixing bowl or resealable plastic bag.
Add the roughly chopped onion into a blender along with 1 cup of the cubed pineapple. Add in orange juice, white vinegar, chipotle, chili powder, garlic, salt, and oregano. Puree until smooth.
![al pastor or spicy taco in a healthy bowl for lunch](https://i0.wp.com/www.besosalina.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/alpastortacorecipe.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&ssl=1)
Pour marinade over pork. Refrigerate and let marinate. Ideally, at least 4 hours or as long as possible.Heat a skillet or grill to high heat.
Heat a skillet or grill to high heat. Working in small batches, sear each slice of pork until cooked through, 2 to 4 minutes. Roughly chop the cooked pork.
Serve meat up hot on a warmed bed of rice add greens, freshly chopped cilantro, remaining pineapple chunks, sliced white onion, avocado and a lime wedge.
![al pastor tacos bowl](https://i0.wp.com/www.besosalina.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/alpastortacos.jpg?fit=188%2C250&ssl=1)
Al Pastor Taco Bowls Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs
boneless pork loin
- 1
white onion, chopped
- 1 cup
pineapple, peeled cored and cubed
½
cup orange juice- 1/4 cup
white vinegar
- 2 tbsp
ancho chili powder
- 4
garlic cloves, minced
- 1
chipotle in adobo
- 1/2 tsp
salt
- 1 tsp oregano
For Serving as a Bowl
- 2 cups
leafy greens
- 2 cups rice
- 1/2 cup
fresh chopped cilantro
- 1 cup
pineapple, peeled cored and cubed
- 3 avocado, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 limes, wedges
Instructions
- Slice pork into thin slices. Place in a large mixing bowl or resealable plastic bag.
- Add the roughly chopped onion into a blender along with 1 cup of the cubed pineapple. Add in orange juice, white vinegar, chipotle, chili powder, garlic, salt, and oregano. Puree until smooth.
- Pour marinade over pork. Refrigerate and let marinate. Ideally, at least 4 hours or as long as possible.Heat a skillet or grill to high heat.
- Heat a skillet or grill to high heat. Working in small batches, sear each slice of pork until cooked through, 2 to 4 minutes. Roughly chop the cooked pork.
- Serve meat up hot on a warmed bed of rice add greens, freshly chopped cilantro, remaining pineapple chunks, sliced white onion, avocado and a lime wedge.