🇲🇽 Mexico · Food
Puerco al Pastor
By eatmundo · August 3, 2026
🇲🇽 MXA street food icon, this dish features marinated pork slow-cooked to achieve a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. It is traditionally carved thin and served with pineapple for that classic finish.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Toast the dried chilies in a hot pan for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 2
Soak the chilies in warm water for 15 minutes until softened.
- 3
Blend chilies, garlic, vinegar, cumin, oregano, and salt into a smooth paste.
- 4
Marinate the thinly sliced pork in the paste for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- 5
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the meat in small batches.
- 6
Cook for 5-7 minutes until the edges are crispy and charred.
- 7
Serve immediately on warm corn tortillas.
- 8
Top with fresh pineapple, cilantro, and onion for authenticity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Puerco al Pastor?+
Puerco al Pastor is a Mexican dish consisting of pork shoulder marinated in a blend of dried ancho and guajillo chilies, garlic, vinegar, and spices. It is typically served as street food, often sliced from a vertical spit and placed into corn tortillas.
Can I use chicken?+
Yes, chicken thigh works well if you want a lighter version.
Is pineapple mandatory?+
It provides the essential acidic contrast to the rich pork fat.
How spicy is it?+
It is mild to medium, as the chilies provide flavor more than intense heat.
Can I roast it in the oven?+
Yes, roast at 200C for 20-30 minutes for a similar texture.
🇲🇽 MXMundo Match
This dish doesn't have a strong Mundo Match yet — but here's the closest ingredient overlap we found across the world's cuisines.
