Description
This Instant Pot Tacos Al Pastor recipe offers a flavorful and authentic Mexican experience with tender, juicy pork shoulder marinated in a blend of pineapple, chipotle, and spices. Using the Instant Pot, this dish is quick and easy to prepare, delivering the rich taste of traditional al pastor tacos in under an hour of cook time. Perfect for a family meal or entertaining guests, these tacos are served with fresh diced pineapple, red onions, cilantro, and avocado for a vibrant and delicious finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, roughly chopped
- ¾ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- â…“ cup pure maple syrup (or brown sugar)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 ¼ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 2-inch cubes
- 8-16 corn tortillas
Toppings (Optional)
- ½ cup fresh pineapple, finely diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- Cilantro
- Avocado
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine chopped pineapple, red onion, garlic, maple syrup, vinegar, chipotle peppers, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend for 1-2 minutes until the marinade is completely smooth and well combined.
- Marinate the Pork: Place the trimmed and cubed pork shoulder in a large bowl or a gallon-sized zip-top bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the pork, ensuring it is well coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours to allow flavors to infuse.
- Cook in the Instant Pot: Transfer the pork and marinade into the Instant Pot. Secure the lid and make sure the pressure release valve is sealed. Cook on high pressure for 45 minutes.
- Natural Pressure Release: When cooking time ends, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. After this, carefully open the pressure release valve to release any remaining pressure before removing the lid.
- Shred the Pork: Remove the pork from the Instant Pot and shred it using two forks. Allow the shredded pork to sit for 10 minutes so it absorbs the juices and remains moist.
- Assemble the Tacos: Warm the corn tortillas and fill each with shredded pork. Top with finely diced pineapple, red onions, cilantro, and avocado slices as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the authentic taste of Tacos Al Pastor!
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the pork for at least 4 hours or overnight if time permits.
- Adjust the number of tortillas based on serving size preferences; typically 2 tacos per person is standard.
- If you prefer spicier tacos, add an extra chipotle pepper or some adobo sauce to the marinade.
- Leftover pork can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure the corn tortillas are certified gluten-free.
