uicy, marinated pork al pastor wrapped in a warm tortilla with flavorful toppings. This burrito takes inspiration from the classic Mexican al pastor taco, combining smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Mexican Flavors – A perfect blend of spices, achiote, and pineapple for that signature al pastor taste.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a great home-cooked meal.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Marinate the pork in advance for a quick and flavorful dish.
- Customizable – Add your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
- Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a gathering with friends and family.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pork shoulder, thinly sliced
- Dried guajillo chilies, soaked and blended
- Pineapple juice
- White vinegar
- Achiote paste
- Garlic, minced
- Ground cumin
- Dried oregano
- Smoked paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Olive oil
- Diced pineapple
- Large flour tortillas
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced onion
- Salsa roja or salsa verde
- Sour cream (optional)
Directions
- In a bowl, mix guajillo chili paste, pineapple juice, vinegar, achiote paste, garlic, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the pork slices to the marinade, coat well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight for best flavor).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated pork for 4-5 minutes per side until charred and cooked through.
- Warm tortillas on a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side.
- Assemble burritos by placing cooked al pastor pork on each tortilla.
- Add diced pineapple, chopped cilantro, diced onion, salsa, and sour cream if using.
- Roll the tortilla tightly into a burrito and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (+2 hours marination)
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 burritos
- Calories: 480 kcal per burrito
Variations
- Spicy Al Pastor – Add chipotle peppers or extra chili powder for a bolder kick.
- Chicken Al Pastor – Swap pork for chicken thighs or breast for a leaner option.
- Vegetarian Version – Use grilled mushrooms or jackfruit as a plant-based substitute.
- Low-Carb Option – Serve the filling over lettuce wraps or a salad instead of tortillas.
- Extra Toppings – Try adding avocado, shredded cheese, or pickled jalapeños for more flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Marinated raw pork can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.
- Reheating: Warm the pork in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes or microwave for 30-40 seconds. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness.
FAQs
What is al pastor seasoning?
Al pastor seasoning is a blend of achiote, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and guajillo chilies, giving the pork its signature flavor and color.
Can I grill the pork instead of using a skillet?
Yes, grilling adds an extra smoky flavor and is a great way to cook al pastor pork.
What type of tortillas should I use?
Large flour tortillas are best for burritos, but you can use corn tortillas to make tacos instead.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the pork in advance and cook it when ready. You can also prepare the toppings ahead for quick assembly.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild heat from the guajillo chilies, but you can adjust the spice level by adding or reducing chili powder.
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Yes, canned pineapple works well, but fresh pineapple adds a better texture and natural sweetness.
How do I prevent my burrito from falling apart?
Make sure not to overfill the tortilla, fold in the sides, and roll it tightly to keep everything secure.
Can I use store-bought al pastor marinade?
Yes, if you’re short on time, a store-bought al pastor marinade can be a convenient alternative.
What sides go well with al pastor burritos?
Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, tortilla chips, or a fresh salad.
Can I make this burrito dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the sour cream or use a dairy-free alternative.
Conclusion
This Mexican Al Pastor Burrito is a delicious fusion of smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors wrapped in a warm tortilla. Easy to prepare and packed with authentic Mexican flavors, it’s a meal that is sure to impress. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a gathering, this burrito will be a favorite. Try it today and enjoy a taste of Mexico at home!
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Mexican Al Pastor Burrito
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 burritos 1x
Description
Juicy, marinated pork al pastor wrapped in a warm tortilla with fresh toppings, combining sweet, smoky, and savory flavors for an authentic Mexican experience.
Ingredients
For the Pork Marinade:
- 1 lb pork shoulder, thinly sliced
- 2 dried guajillo chilies, soaked and blended
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons achiote paste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking & Assembly:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced pineapple
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup salsa roja or salsa verde
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix guajillo chili paste, pineapple juice, vinegar, achiote paste, garlic, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Add pork slices to the marinade, coat well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight for best flavor).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated pork for 4-5 minutes per side until charred and cooked through.
- Warm tortillas on a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side.
- Assemble burritos by placing cooked al pastor pork on each tortilla.
- Add diced pineapple, chopped cilantro, diced onion, salsa, and sour cream if using.
- Roll the tortilla tightly into a burrito and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra authenticity, grill the pork on a skewer or rotisserie for a smoky flavor.
- Swap pork for chicken or jackfruit for a different take.
- Serve with lime wedges for an extra zesty kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (+2 hours marination)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling / Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
