Homemade Tacos Al Pastor

A guide to making classic tacos al pastor on the grill or in the oven.

Grilled Jerk Pork Skewers

I tend to go into grilling kicks—my latest is a need for spicy heat. It started with the sweet and spicy corn slathered with chili-lime butter, then the smoky bite of honey chipotle wings, and this week it was jerk pork skewers, made with fiery habenaros.

Sweet and Spicy Apricot-Glazed Pork and Pineapple Kebabs

Built with layer upon layer of flavor—first with a spicy, earthy rub and then with a sweet and fruity glaze—these pork and pineapple kebabs taste way more complex than their simple preparation may suggest.

Slow-Roasted Bacon-Wrapped-Pineapple Tacos

You know those actors who seem to spend their entire careers in supporting roles, yet manage to steal every scene? I think about that when I get great al pastor tacos—the crisp-edged pork is the star, but it'd be nothing without that sweet roasted pineapple. Here, pineapple graduates from supporting role to star.

Pinchos Morunos (Moorish Skewers)

Brining helps the meat stay moist over the high heat of the grill—even if it stays over the flames a tad too long.

Oven-Fried Chicken Wings Al Pastor

Al pastor on its own is pretty awesome, but on chicken wings—now that's something special. Guajillo and chipotle chilies give the baked wings an earthy heat, while pineapple, cilantro, and lime add freshness to create a combination that's hard to beat.

Cochinita Pibil (Yucatán-Style Barbecued Pork)

Make Yucatán-style cochinita pibil with a zippy marinade, banana leaves, and a grill to reproduce the sweet, earthy flavors traditionally gained by cooking in an underground oven.

Moo Ping (Thai-Style Grilled Pork Skewers)

Thinly sliced pork shoulder gets marinated, put on a stick, grilled, and brushed with coconut cream. These skewers will have you forget all about sad takeout satay.

Balinese Pork Satay (Sate Babi) With Sweet Soy Glaze and Peanut Sauce

This recipe is inspired by the delicious pork satay I had at a night market on the north shore of Bali: little chunks of marinated meat threaded onto bamboo skewers, grilled over coals until charred, then served with a sweet-and-spicy peanut-based dipping sauce.

Grilled Orange-Chipotle Pork Loin

A chipotle and orange reduction creates a potent sauce that adds a sweet, smoky, and spicy note to juicy grilled pork loin.