Instant Pot Tacos Al Pastor: Authentic Flavor, Unbelievably Easy!

Craving the vibrant, sweet, and spicy flavors of authentic Tacos Al Pastor but don’t have hours to tend a vertical spit? This Instant Pot Tacos Al Pastor recipe is your answer! We’re bringing the iconic taste of marinated pork, pineapple, and warm tortillas to your table in a fraction of the time, all thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to the streets of Mexico!

Tacos Al Pastor, meaning “shepherd style” tacos, are a beloved Mexican street food staple. Traditionally, thin slices of marinated pork are stacked on a vertical spit and slowly roasted, often with a pineapple perched on top. The pork is then shaved off and served on small corn tortillas with chopped onion, cilantro, and salsa. The pineapple’s juices drip down, basting the pork and adding a signature sweet and tangy note.

Recreating this process at home can seem daunting, but the Instant Pot makes it incredibly accessible. By pressure cooking the marinated pork, we achieve that same tender, flavorful result without the need for specialized equipment or hours of cooking time. This recipe delivers authentic Al Pastor flavor with a fraction of the effort. We’ll guide you through each step, from the vibrant marinade to the perfect serving suggestions.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Tacos Al Pastor Recipe:

• Authentic Flavor: This recipe captures the true essence of Tacos Al Pastor with its carefully crafted marinade featuring achiote paste, spices, and pineapple.
• Quick and Easy: The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time compared to traditional methods, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Tender and Juicy Pork: Pressure cooking ensures the pork is incredibly tender and moist, just like it would be from a vertical spit.
• Minimal Effort: With the Instant Pot handling the cooking, you can focus on preparing your favorite toppings and enjoying the delicious results.
• Impressive Results: Serve up these tacos at your next gathering and watch your guests rave about the authentic flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Pork:

• 2-3 pounds Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt): Choose a cut with good marbling for maximum flavor and tenderness. You can also use pork loin, but adjust cooking time accordingly as it’s a leaner cut.
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: For searing the pork.

For the Al Pastor Marinade:

• 4 ounces Achiote Paste: This is the key ingredient for authentic Al Pastor flavor and color. You can find it in the Latin American section of most grocery stores.
• 1/2 cup Pineapple Juice: Adds sweetness and helps tenderize the pork. Fresh pineapple juice is best, but canned works too.
• 1/4 cup White Vinegar: Provides acidity to balance the sweetness and tenderize the meat.
• 1/4 cup Orange Juice: Enhances the citrus notes and adds complexity to the marinade.
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced: For pungent, savory flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano: A classic Mexican herb that complements the other flavors.
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin: Adds warmth and earthiness.
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: A subtle hint of warmth that enhances the sweetness.
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cloves: Adds depth and complexity to the spice profile.
• 1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder: Provides a touch of heat. Adjust to your preference.
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper: For a touch of spice.
• 1 teaspoon Salt: To enhance the flavors. Adjust to your preference.
• 1-2 Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce, minced: Adds smoky heat and depth of flavor. Use 1 for mild, 2 for medium. Remove seeds for less heat.
• 2 tablespoons Adobo Sauce (from the can of chipotle peppers): This sauce is packed with flavor and adds to the marinade’s complexity.

For Serving:

• Corn Tortillas: Warm them up for the best flavor and texture.
• 1/2 cup Fresh Pineapple, diced: Adds the essential sweet and tangy element.
• 1/2 cup White Onion, finely chopped: Provides a sharp, contrasting bite.
• 1/2 cup Fresh Cilantro, chopped: Adds freshness and a vibrant aroma.
• Lime Wedges: For squeezing over the tacos to add acidity and brightness.
• Your Favorite Salsa: Choose your favorite salsa to add heat and flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need:

• Instant Pot (6-quart or larger): The star of the show!
• Large Bowl: For marinating the pork.
• Knife and Cutting Board: For preparing the ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements.
• Tongs: For handling the pork.
• Skillet or Broiler (Optional): For crisping the pork after pressure cooking.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pork

Cut the pork shoulder into 2-3 inch cubes. This will help it cook more evenly and absorb the marinade better. Trimming excess fat is optional, but leaving some fat will result in a more flavorful and tender dish.

Step 2: Make the Al Pastor Marinade

In a large bowl, combine the achiote paste, pineapple juice, white vinegar, orange juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, chili powder, black pepper, salt, minced chipotle peppers, and adobo sauce. Whisk all the ingredients together until the achiote paste is completely dissolved and the marinade is smooth. Don’t worry if it looks a little thick; the pork will release juices during cooking that will thin it out.

Step 3: Marinate the Pork

Add the cubed pork to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Make sure all the pieces are well covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the pork and marinade to a resealable plastic bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer the pork marinates, the more flavorful it will become.

Step 4: Sear the Pork (Optional but Recommended)

While searing is optional, it adds a delicious layer of flavor and texture to the pork. Heat the olive oil in the Instant Pot using the ‘Saute’ function. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated pork in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Sear the pork on all sides until browned. This step helps to develop a rich, savory crust.

If you don’t have time to sear, you can skip this step and proceed directly to pressure cooking. However, searing really does elevate the flavor of the final dish.

Step 5: Pressure Cook the Pork

Pour any remaining marinade from the bowl or bag into the Instant Pot. Add 1/2 cup of water or chicken broth to the pot to ensure there is enough liquid for pressure cooking. Stir to deglaze the bottom of the pot, scraping up any browned bits. This will prevent the ‘Burn’ error from occurring. Place the seared pork back into the Instant Pot, spreading it out in an even layer.

Close and lock the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the pressure release valve is in the ‘Sealing’ position. Select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ setting and set the cooking time to 35 minutes for a 2-3 pound pork shoulder. If using pork loin, reduce the cooking time to 25 minutes to prevent it from drying out.

Step 6: Natural Pressure Release

Once the cooking time is complete, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for 15 minutes. This allows the pork to continue to tenderize and helps prevent it from drying out. After 15 minutes, carefully release any remaining pressure manually by turning the pressure release valve to the ‘Venting’ position. Be cautious of the hot steam that will be released.

Step 7: Shred the Pork

Carefully remove the pork from the Instant Pot using tongs and place it on a cutting board. Shred the pork using two forks. Discard any large pieces of fat.

Step 8: Crisp the Pork (Optional but Highly Recommended)

For extra flavor and texture, you can crisp the shredded pork using one of the following methods:

• Skillet: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shredded pork and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and slightly crispy.
• Broiler: Spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning, until the edges are crispy.

Crisping the pork adds a wonderful textural contrast to the soft tortillas and toppings.

Step 9: Assemble the Tacos

Warm the corn tortillas according to package directions. Fill each tortilla with shredded Al Pastor pork, diced pineapple, chopped white onion, and fresh cilantro. Squeeze lime juice over the tacos and top with your favorite salsa.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the Instant Pot Tacos Al Pastor immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors! These tacos are perfect for a weeknight dinner, a weekend barbecue, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with authentic Mexican cuisine.

Tips and Variations:

• Adjust the Heat: Control the spiciness of the tacos by adjusting the amount of chipotle peppers in the marinade. Use one pepper for mild heat, two for medium, and remove the seeds for less heat.
• Use Different Cuts of Pork: While pork shoulder is the traditional choice, you can also use pork loin or tenderloin. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as these cuts are leaner and cook faster.
• Add Other Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Consider adding pickled onions, radishes, avocado, or a drizzle of crema.
• Make it a Bowl: Skip the tortillas and serve the Al Pastor pork over rice or quinoa with your favorite toppings.
• Meal Prep Friendly: The cooked pork can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. This makes it a great option for meal prepping.
• Don’t Skip the Pineapple: The pineapple is an essential element of Tacos Al Pastor, adding a signature sweetness and tanginess that complements the savory pork.
• Experiment with Marinade Variations: While this recipe provides a classic Al Pastor marinade, feel free to experiment with different spices and flavors to create your own unique version.

Serving Suggestions:

Instant Pot Tacos Al Pastor are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of side dishes:

• Mexican Rice: A classic accompaniment to tacos.
• Refried Beans: Add a creamy and comforting element to the meal.
• Guacamole and Chips: A crowd-pleasing appetizer.
• Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and chili powder.
• Mexican Salad: A refreshing salad with lettuce, tomatoes, corn, black beans, and a cilantro-lime dressing.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per taco):

*Calories: 350-450
*Protein: 25-35g
*Fat: 20-30g
*Carbohydrates: 20-30g

(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.)

Conclusion:

This Instant Pot Tacos Al Pastor recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves authentic Mexican flavors but doesn’t have the time or equipment for traditional cooking methods. The Instant Pot delivers incredibly tender and flavorful pork in a fraction of the time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. With its vibrant marinade, juicy pork, and customizable toppings, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, fire up your Instant Pot and get ready to enjoy the taste of Mexico in every bite!

Recipe Card

Instant Pot Tacos Al Pastor

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Marinate Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Release Time: 15 minutes (natural release)
Total Time: Varies on marination time

Yield: 8-12 tacos

Ingredients:

• 2-3 pounds Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt), cut into 2-3 inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (optional, for searing)
• 4 ounces Achiote Paste
• 1/2 cup Pineapple Juice
• 1/4 cup White Vinegar
• 1/4 cup Orange Juice
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1-2 Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce, minced
• 2 tablespoons Adobo Sauce (from the can of chipotle peppers)
• Corn Tortillas
• 1/2 cup Fresh Pineapple, diced
• 1/2 cup White Onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup Fresh Cilantro, chopped
• Lime Wedges
• Your Favorite Salsa

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine achiote paste, pineapple juice, vinegar, orange juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, cloves, chili powder, pepper, salt, chipotle peppers, and adobo sauce. Whisk until smooth.
2. Add pork to the marinade, toss to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. (Optional) Heat olive oil in the Instant Pot using the ‘Saute’ function. Sear the pork in batches until browned on all sides.
4. Pour any remaining marinade into the Instant Pot. Add 1/2 cup water or broth and deglaze the pot.
5. Place the pork in the Instant Pot. Close and lock the lid, ensuring the pressure release valve is in the ‘Sealing’ position.
6. Select ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ and set the time to 35 minutes.
7. Let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for 15 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
8. Remove the pork and shred with two forks.
9. (Optional) Crisp the shredded pork in a skillet with oil or under the broiler until browned and slightly crispy.
10. Warm the tortillas. Fill with shredded pork, pineapple, onion, and cilantro. Squeeze lime juice over the tacos and top with salsa.
11. Serve immediately and enjoy!