Al Pastor Spicy Pork Taco Bowls

A healthier take on the al pastor tacos inspired this easy weeknight taco bowl made with spicy pork.

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.

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.   

What Does Tacos Al Pastor Mean?

Al Pastor translates from Spanish to “shepherd style”, meaning its a crisp-thin shavings of a vertical split-roasted pork marinaded in Lebanese herbs and indigenous Mexican flavors.

Here is what you need to make the spicy pork taco bowls recipe:

Other Posts You May Like

Crock Pot Pork Carnitas Tacos

Spicy Fish Taco Recipe

Mexican Street Style Corn Salad Recipe

Fast & Easy Lunch Bowl Recipe 

Does Al Pastor Have Pineapple?

Traditionally, al pastor tacos are topped with pineapple, cilantro and onion. Sometimes, the strips of pork are also layered with onion and pineapple on the spit. The pineapple really enhances the flavor of the dish, and provides a deliciously sweet balance to the spicy al pastor marinade.

Personally, I love adding pineapple to savory dishes.

Here is my take on pineapple chicken and pineapple shrimp fried rice.

Is Al Pastor the Same as Adobada?

In Spanish, adobada means “marinated.” Sometimes, adobada  is spelled adovada. Either way, the word refers to pork that is marinated in red chili sauce, vinegar and oregano, not unlike al pastor spicy pork taco bowls recipe.

Sometimes al pastor tacos are called Adobada tacos. Adobada and al pastor are generally the same. In Southern Mexico these pork tacos are called al pastor, while in Northern region of Mexico they are called Adobada.

Print  Spicy Pork Taco Bowls Recipe

Al Pastor Taco Bowls Recipe

Print Recipe Pin 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.

Pin Spicy Pork Taco Bowl Recipe for Later