Tacos al Pastor

Ingredients for Achiote Paste

• 1/4 Cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 Cup annatto seeds
• 1 Tbsp. coriander seeds
• 1 Tbsp. cumin seeds
• 2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1 tsp. black peppercorns
• 1 tsp. mustard seeds
• 5 allspice berries
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1/3 CUP orange juice
• 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp. salt

Directions for Achiote Paste

1. In a small skillet over medium heat, heat oil.
2. Add annatto seeds, coriander, cumin, oregano, peppercorns, mustard seeds, and allspice berries and toast until fragrant, 1 minute.
3. In a food processor or blender, add toasted seeds, garlic, orange juice, vinegar, and salt.
4. Blend until it turns into a mostly smooth paste, scraping down sides as needed.

Ingredients for the Pork

• 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for grilling
• 3 dried seedless guajillo chilis
• 3 dried seedless chiles de arbol
• 1/3 Cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 Cup achiote paste
• 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 Tbsp. packed brown sugar
• 2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 2 lb. boneless pork shoulder, sliced 1/2″ thick

For your tacos

• Pineapple rings
• Red onion slices
• 12 corn tortillas
• Freshly chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges

Directions for tacos

1. In a small frying pan over medium heat, heat oil.
2. Add chilis and toast until slightly charred and fragrant, 1 minute.
3. In a food processor or blender, add toasted chilis, pineapple juice, achiote paste, vinegar, garlic, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and pepper.
4. Blend until fully combined.
5. Place pork in a large bowl and pour marinade over. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours and up to overnight. 
6. Preheat grill to medium-high and brush with oil.
7. Grill pork until slightly charred and cooked through, 6 minutes per side.
8. Let rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes then cut into 1″ pieces.
9. Add pineapple and onions to grill and cook until slightly charred and onion is softened, 3 minutes per side.
10. Break pineapple rings into large pieces.
11. Add tortillas to grill and cook until warmed, 1 minute per side.
12. On warmed tortillas, add pork, pineapple, onions, and cilantro.
13. Serve with lime wedges.