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Taco al pastor cooked on a Weber kettle grill

How to Make Authentic Taco al Pastor on a Weber Kettle Grill


  • Author: Elijah
  • Total Time: 6 hours

Description

Taco al Pastor Weber Kettle is a flavorful twist on a classic Mexican dish, bringing authentic smoky flavors to your backyard grill. Marinated pork is layered with pineapple and cooked to perfection on a Weber kettle grill, capturing the traditional al pastor taste with a hint of charred sweetness. Perfect for taco nights or weekend gatherings, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will transport your taste buds to Mexico.


Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Marinade:
    • 2 lbs pork shoulder (thinly sliced)
    • 3 guajillo chilies (seeded and rehydrated)
    • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
    • 3 cloves garlic
    • 1/2 cup orange juice
    • 1/4 cup white vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon achiote paste
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • 1 teaspoon oregano
    • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1 tablespoon salt
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • For the Tacos:
    • 1 whole pineapple (sliced into rings)
    • 12 small corn tortillas
    • 1/2 cup diced onion
    • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
    • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  • Prepare the Marinade:
    In a blender, combine guajillo chilies, chipotle peppers, garlic, orange juice, vinegar, achiote paste, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and salt. Blend until smooth.
  • Marinate the Pork:
    Place the thinly sliced pork in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring all slices are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  • Set Up the Weber Kettle Grill:
    Arrange charcoal in the grill for indirect heat. Light the charcoal and allow it to heat until glowing. Place a vertical skewer or rotisserie attachment in the center of the grill.
  • Assemble the Al Pastor Skewer:
    Thread the marinated pork slices onto the skewer, alternating with pineapple slices. Ensure the skewer is tightly packed to maintain shape during grilling.
  • Grill the Al Pastor:
    Place the skewer on the Weber kettle grill, cover with the lid, and cook for 2–3 hours, rotating occasionally, until the pork is charred on the edges and cooked through.
  • Slice and Serve:
    Thinly slice the grilled pork and pineapple from the skewer. Serve on warm corn tortillas, topped with diced onion, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

Notes

  • Marinating Tip: For maximum flavor, marinate the pork overnight.
  • Grilling Setup: Use a drip pan under the skewer to catch juices and prevent flare-ups.
  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute pork with marinated portobello mushrooms for a plant-based version.
  • Storage: Store leftover meat in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2–3 hours
  • Method: Main Dish
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: Vitamin C: 20% DV / Calcium: 6% DV / Iron: 10% DV
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: Taco al Pastor Weber Kettle, grilled al pastor tacos, Weber kettle al pastor recipe, authentic Mexican tacos, smoky pork tacos, pineapple tacos, backyard grilling recipes.