Craving Al Pastor Tacos but don't have time to marinate and cook a large cut of meat? Well, let me introduce you to these super easy and Quick Tacos Al Pastor. Perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep. These delicious al pastor tacos can be ready to serve in just 30 minutes.
I have to admit-tacos are one of my all-time favorite foods. I've shared a few delicious taco recipes on my blog that are regulars in my kitchen, including Carnitas Tacos and Birria Tacos-two of my absolute favorites!
I fell in love with traditional tacos al pastor many years ago. There is a local to me authentic Mexican restaurant that serves the BEST al pastor tacos. They are packed with delicious spices, pineapple and super flavorful and tender marinaded pork. Those tacos inspired this quick al pastor taco recipe. Simply for the many times that Al Pastor cravings hit, and I don't have meat marinating to make them.
To cut down on the cook time, I use ground pork in this recipe instead of a larger cut that needs a long cook time. It is great for not only cooking quickly but absorbing so much flavor. Chunks of fresh, or canned pineapple, tomato paste, and a few spices and you have delicious tacos in 30 minutes.
With such little prep required to make these Quick Tacos Al Pastor I like to focus on toppings. We love our taco toppings around here!
Topping Suggestions
- Pickled Onions - Our favorite topping for tacos!
- Fresh Onions - Fresh diced onions are always great on tacos.
- Cilantro - Fresh minced cilantro is a must for tacos.
- Pico de Gallo - One of my favorite fresh salsas for all things Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes.
- Avocado - Thinly sliced avocado is perfect on these tacos.
- Guacamole - Another favorite of mine for tacos.
- Cheese - I love using cotija, queso fresco, or Oaxaca cheese.
- Hot Sauces - Your favorite hot sauce to add some spice to your tacos.
How To Make Quick Tacos Al Pastor
Since the meat doesn't take long to cook, prepare toppings, salsas and sauces before you start cooking the meat.
Warm Tortillas - In a small skillet over medium high heat begin warming the corn tortillas. Place a tortilla in the pan and cook for 45 seconds, flip and cook for another 45 seconds. Remove from the pan and place in a towel, cover and continue with the remaining tortillas.
Cook Meat - In a large skillet over medium high heat, drizzle in the olive oil. Add ground pork and diced onions to the pan. Season with the spices and crumble the meat as it cooks.
Add Tomato Paste - Once the meat is cooked through turn the heat to medium low, add in the tomato paste and achiote paste and cook for 1 minute, mixing to fully combine.
Add Pineapples - Now add in the pineapple and mix well. Remove from the heat and serve on warmed tortillas. Top with your favorite toppings and sauces. Enjoy!
What kind of tortillas should you use?
Any kind you want! I love using corn tortillas for tacos, but you can use flour tortillas if you want. Both types of tortillas are perfect for this taco recipe. Whenever using corn tortillas or flour tortillas it is best to warm them before using them.
Corn tortillas need to be warmed to make them more pliable. If you do not warm them, they will fall apart when you try to use them. Flour tortillas are a little more forgiving, but will soften up when warmed, which makes them easier to use.
Storage & Reheating Tips
The meat can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. The leftover meat can also be stored in the freezer for up to 5 months.
To reheat, heat over low heat in a pan on the stove. If using a microwave cover the meat with a damp paper towel to prevent the meat from drying out.
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Tried This Recipe?
Leave a review below, I would love to hear how it turned out! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📖 Recipe
Quick Tacos Al Pastor
Ingredients
- 12 soft corn tortillas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds ground pork
- ½ cup onion small diced
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 ½ tablespoons cumin powder
- ½ teaspoon coriander
- ½ teaspoon chipotle powder
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 ½ teaspoons achiote paste optional
- ¾ cup pineapple ¼" chunks
- as needed Cilantro
- as needed Cotija, or Queso Fresco Cheese
- as needed Onions diced or pickled
Instructions
- In a small skillet over medium high heat begin warming the corn tortillas. Place a tortilla in the pan and cook for 45 seconds, flip and cook for another 45 seconds. Remove from the pan and place in a towel, cover and continue with the remaining tortillas.
- In a large skillet over medium high heat, drizzle in the olive oil. Add ground pork, onions and all of the spices. Crumble the meat as it cooks.
- Add the minced garlic, tomato paste and achiote paste to the pan, stirring until fully incorporated.
- Now add in the pineapple and mix well. Continue cooking for 2-3 more minutes. Remove from the heat and serve on warmed tortillas. Top with your favorite toppings and sauces. Enjoy!
Addy says
One of our favorite tacos to make! Super easy to make and so flavorful!
Sky Pilgreen says
I agree 100%! They are so flavorful!
Harriet Young says
Oh my goodness these tacos were so good! The addition of pineapple just adds another layer of flavour and honestly I could have eaten 10 of them. Delicious!
Sky Pilgreen says
Thank you!
Dana says
These were so good! So tender and flavorful. Perfect dinner for Taco Tuesday—we're definitely making these again. Thank you so much for the wonderful recipe!
Sky Pilgreen says
So glad that you liked the tacos!
Dina and Bruce says
We were getting tired of our taco recipes, and then we found this. Love the flavor! And so easy to make! Thank you!
Ned says
This is perfect for taco night! Thank you for this yummy recipe! Can't wait to try it again since my family loved it!
Tavo says
Your quick tacos al pastor recipe was a revelation, offering a plant-based twist on a classic that didn't skimp on flavor. The marinade for the vegan meat substitute was spot-on, capturing the essence of traditional al pastor with a delightful mix of spices and pineapple. It was a pleasure to see such a beloved dish made accessible to vegans and non-vegans alike. Thank you for sharing this fast and flavorful recipe.