Pork Chops Al Pastor
Juicy, tender pork chops marinated in a vibrant al pastor sauce made from dried chiles, achiote, and pineapple. A smoky, sweet, and tangy twist on the classic taco filling, perfect for a weeknight grill.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Chiles
- b.Wipe the dried guajillo and ancho chiles clean. Using kitchen shears, cut off the stems, slit them open lengthwise, and remove the seeds and veins.
- c.Place a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast the chiles for 30-60 seconds per side until they become fragrant and slightly change color. Be careful not to burn them, as this will make the marinade bitter.
- d.Transfer the toasted chiles to a heatproof bowl and cover them with boiling water. Let them soak for 20-30 minutes until they are fully softened and pliable.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Create the Al Pastor Marinade
- b.Drain the rehydrated chiles, reserving a few tablespoons of the soaking liquid.
- c.Place the drained chiles in a high-speed blender. Add the achiote paste, pineapple juice, white vinegar, roughly chopped white onion, garlic cloves, ground cumin, Mexican oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- d.Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is completely smooth. If the marinade is too thick, add a tablespoon of the reserved chile soaking liquid at a time to reach a thick, paste-like consistency.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Marinate the Pork Chops
- b.Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag.
- c.Pour the al pastor marinade over the chops, turning to ensure each one is thoroughly coated.
- d.Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight (up to 24 hours) for maximum flavor penetration.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Grill the Pork and Pineapple
- b.Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F or 200-230°C). Clean and lightly oil the grates.
- c.Remove the pork chops from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Discard the leftover marinade.
- d.Place the pork chops on the hot grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) on a meat thermometer.
- e.During the last 5 minutes of cooking, place the pineapple slices on the grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until caramelized with distinct grill marks.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Rest and Serve
- b.Transfer the cooked pork chops to a cutting board or plate and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This is crucial for keeping them juicy.
- c.Serve each pork chop topped with a grilled pineapple slice.
- d.Garnish generously with finely diced white onion and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a deeper flavor, toast the cumin seeds and oregano in a dry pan for 30 seconds before grinding and adding to the marinade.
- 2Don't skip the resting period for the pork. It allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a tender, moist chop.
- 3If you don't have a grill, you can cook the pork chops in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for a similar result.
- 4Achiote paste is key for the authentic color and flavor. It can be found in Latin American markets or the international aisle of most large supermarkets.
- 5Wear gloves when handling the dried chiles to avoid irritating your skin or eyes.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicier Version
Add 1-2 dried chiles de árbol to the marinade along with the guajillo and ancho chiles for a significant kick of heat.
Different ProteinDifferent Protein
This marinade is excellent on chicken thighs, skirt steak, or even firm tofu. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Oven Roasted MethodOven-Roasted Method
If you don't have a grill, you can roast the pork chops. Sear them in a hot, oven-safe skillet for 2 minutes per side, then transfer the skillet to a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 6-10 minutes until cooked through.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Pork is a complete protein, providing all essential amino acids necessary for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and overall body function.
Rich in B Vitamins
Pork chops are a great source of B vitamins like thiamine, niacin, and B6, which are crucial for converting food into energy and maintaining a healthy nervous system.
Antioxidant Power from Chiles
The dried guajillo and ancho chiles in the marinade are packed with antioxidants like Vitamin C and carotenoids, which help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Frequently asked questions
It can be part of a balanced diet. It's high in protein but also contains saturated fat. To make it healthier, use leaner pork chops, trim any excess visible fat before marinating, and serve with plenty of fresh vegetables or a large salad.