Instant Pot Tacos al Pastor

4.3
(12)

Meat for tacos al pastor is traditionally cooked on a spit, but this flavorful variation is made by cooking marinated meat in an Instant Pot or multi-functional pressure cooker. The result is a fall-apart, tender, flavor-infused pork taco that your family will request again and again.

close up view of Instant Pot Tacos al Pastor garnished with fresh herbs on a platter
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Prep Time:
1 hr
Cook Time:
1 hr
Additional Time:
8 hrs 15 mins
Total Time:
10 hrs 15 mins
Servings:
12
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 12 servings

  • 3 pounds pork butt, cut into 2-inch cubes

  • 2 cups pineapple juice

  • 1 cup chopped onion

  • ¼ cup white vinegar

  • 1 medium orange, juiced

  • 1 medium lime, juiced

  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped

  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce

  • 1 (1.41 ounce) package sazón seasoning with achiote

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder

  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt

  • 1 teaspoon cumin

  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, or more as needed

  • 20 ounces pineapple chunks, drained

  • 12 (10 inch) flour tortillas

  • ½ cup chopped red onion

  • 1/2 cup pico de gallo salsa, or more to taste

  • 1 medium avocado, diced (Optional)

  • cup chopped cilantro

  • 1 lime, cut into wedges

Directions

  1. Place pork into a large lidded container.

  2. Blend pineapple juice, onion, vinegar, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, sazón, chili powder, salt, cumin, and black pepper in a blender until smooth. Pour over pork and toss until all meat is covered. Seal the container and marinate for at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours.

  3. Turn on a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot), select the Sauté function, and add vegetable oil. When hot, add marinated pork and brown on all sides, working in batches if necessary, about 5 minutes per batch. Reserve any extra marinade in the lidded container.

  4. Turn off the Sauté function. Pour in reserved marinade, then close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to the manufacturer's instructions; set the timer for 35 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.

  5. Release the pressure using the natural-release method according to the manufacturer's instructions, about 10 minutes. Release the remaining pressure with the quick release method, about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid.

  6. Set an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

  7. Transfer pork to the prepared baking sheet. Keep any sauce in the Instant Pot. Use forks to coarsely shred the pork, removing and discarding any excess fatty chunks. Spread meat out evenly onto the baking sheet. Add pineapple chunks.

  8. Broil in the preheated oven until the tips of the meat and pineapples are beginning to get a little brown and crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove from the oven.

  9. Drizzle the reserved sauce from the Instant Pot over pork to moisten it and add more flavor. Arrange pork and pineapple chunks on tortillas. Add onion, pico de gallo, avocado, and cilantro. Garnish with lime wedges.

Editor's Note:

Please note the differences in serving size, marinade ingredients, and the use of corn tortillas when using the magazine version of this recipe.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

431 Calories
14g Fat
54g Carbs
22g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 12
Calories 431
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 14g 18%
Saturated Fat 4g 18%
Cholesterol 43mg 14%
Sodium 1339mg 58%
Total Carbohydrate 54g 20%
Dietary Fiber 5g 17%
Total Sugars 14g
Protein 22g 43%
Vitamin C 16mg 18%
Calcium 128mg 10%
Iron 4mg 20%
Potassium 550mg 12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.