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Smoked pork al pastor with pineapple.

Smoked Pork al Pastor

Isabel
This recipe for smoked pork butt al pastor yields tender meat that is seasoned with a tasty, smokey blend of chiles and spices for the most unique flavor.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 5 hours
Resting time 6 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 10

Equipment

  • 1 Pellet smoker
  • 1 Vertical skewer

Ingredients
  

  • 8-10 Lbs. Pork boneless pork butt
  • 3 tablespoon Avocado oil Or neutral oil
  • 1 cup diced white onion About ½ medium onion.
  • 8 cloves Garlic 1 head
  • 4 tablespoon achiote paste ½ block, 50 grams.
  • 2 tablespoon oregano
  • 2 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 3 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 cup vinegar
  • 4 tablespoon black pepper
  • 2 Pasilla peppers diced
  • 1.5 cups Chicken stock
  • 4 dried ancho chilies stems removed, deseeded.
  • 1 Can Chipotle 7 oz, 199 grams.
  • Cilantro for garnish
  • Pineapple chunks for garnish
  • Chopped onion for garnish
  • Corn tortillas.

Instructions
 

  • Freeze your pork butt for about 2 hours. This will help slice it easier. You can also ask your butcher to thinly slice it.

Make the marinade

  • In a heavy-bottom pot add the avocado oil and chopped onion. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onions are caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Stir constantly to avoid burning the onions.
  • Once the onions are caramelized add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add the chicken stock, vinegar, Pasilla peppers and dried ancho chiles.
  • Add the salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, achiote, cumin, ancho Chile powder and the chipotles in adobo sauce.
  • Cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool down before blending.
  • Blend on high speed until the marinade is smooth.
  • Cover the pork slices entirely with the marinade. I like to use a glass bowl and thongs to dip each slice and then store them in a zip-top bag overnight.
  • Marinate the pork for at least 6 hours and up to 24 hours.
  • Set your pellet smoker at 275 Fahrenheit and cook until the internal temperature reads 165F. I like to use a meat thermometer to be exact. It usually takes 4-5 hours.
  • Baste the meat every 30 minutes with the pan drippings until done.
  • To serve, shave the meat thinly with a knife and toss in the pan drippings.
  • Serve with tortillas, garnish with cilantro, onion and pineapple chunks.
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