Easy Al Pastor Marinade (for Pork, Chicken & More)
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Elevate your taco nights with this easy homemade Al Pastor Marinade! Bursting with earthy and subtly sweet flavors, this marinade features orange juice, chipotle peppers, and achiote paste for that perfect bite.
Dive into the vibrant flavors of Al Pastor! This classic Mexican dish features marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, creating that unbeatable smoky and spicy taste we all crave. But why limit ourselves? I’ve created my easy Al Pastor Marinade recipe that transforms any meat or veggie into a culinary masterpiece, especially chicken!
Serve it over rice, toss it in salads, or wrap it in tacos; this marinade brings a delicious kick to any meal. The magic lies in its bold spices and a hint of sweetness from pineapple juice, trust me, you’ll want to double the batch because it’s just that good! Whether you’re grilling chicken or pork, this versatile sauce enhances everything!
Ingredients
Unlock the secret to mouthwatering al pastor with this incredible marinade! Its vibrant flavor and stunning color come from a simple blend of less than 10 essential ingredients. Perfect for elevating your tacos or any dish, this easy recipe will take your taste buds on a delicious journey.
For the ingredient measurements and the entire recipe, be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the blog post where the recipe card is located.
- Aromatics: This includes fresh garlic, smoky chipotle peppers, ancho chili powder, and ground cumin.
- Achiote paste: The secret lies in this star ingredient, which infuses this dish with a rich, earthy flavor and that vibrant red hue we all love. It’s the perfect balance of spices and chilies that transforms every bite into a fiesta for your taste buds!
- Pineapple juice and brown sugar: For a subtle sweetness.
- Apple cider vinegar: Just a tablespoon to help balance the sweetness from the pineapple juice and brown sugar.
Step by Step Directions
Whip up this delicious homemade al pastor marinade in under a minute! With just a few simple ingredients blended together, you can create a flavor-packed marinade that elevates your dishes to a whole new level. Trust me, it’s as easy as it sounds! Just throw everything in a blender and enjoy the magic.
For the full recipe instructions, scroll down to the bottom of the blog post to the recipe card.
- Simply add all the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Use it to marinate pork, chicken, tofu, or veggies.
- It is recommended to marinate meat for 6 to 12 hours before grilling.
More Mexican Recipes
Al Pastor Marinade
Ingredients
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon achiote paste
- 1 tablespoon ancho chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender and process until thick and smooth.
- Use immediately, or transfer to a jar or airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Pour over meat and marinate for 6 hours or overnight. Grill and enjoy!
Nutrition
The nutrition information provided is for convenience and as a courtesy only. It is not guaranteed to be accurate because nutrition information can vary for a variety of reasons. For precise nutritional data use your preferred nutrition calculator and input the exact ingredients and brands you used in the recipe.