Heart-Healthy Authentic Al Pastor Pork

Transform your taco night with this Heart-Healthy Authentic Al Pastor Pork recipe, a lighter twist on a Mexican classic that doesn’t skimp on bold, smoky flavors. Using lean pork tenderloin and a vibrant, low-sodium chili marinade made with guajillo and ancho chilies, tangy citrus juices, and sweet pineapple, this recipe balances heart-healthy ingredients with irresistible taste. Quick pan-searing ensures a delicious char on each slice of marinated pork, while a simple deglaze with chicken broth adds an extra layer of flavor. Served with warm corn tortillas and topped with fresh cilantro, diced onion, and juicy pineapple chunks, these tacos are as nourishing as they are satisfying. Perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, these Al Pastor tacos combine traditional authenticity with a health-conscious twist.

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:40 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound pork tenderloin
• 3 whole guajillo chilies
• 2 whole ancho chilies
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 0.25 cup white vinegar
• 0.5 cup orange juice
• 0.25 cup lime juice
• 4 cloves garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 medium onion
• 0.5 cup cilantro
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 0.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

Directions

Step 1

Start by soaking the guajillo and ancho chilies in hot water for about 20 minutes, until they are soft. Remove seeds and stems afterward.

Step 2

In a blender, combine softened chilies, pineapple, white vinegar, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, cumin, oregano, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Blend until smooth to make the marinade.

Step 3

Trim any visible fat from the pork tenderloin and slice it into thin pieces.

Step 4

Pour the marinade over the pork slices. Mix well to ensure all pieces are coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

Step 5

Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork slices in batches (so as not to overcrowd the pan) and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until cooked through and slightly charred.

Step 6

As the pork cooks, dice the onion and chop the cilantro.

Step 7

Once all the pork is cooked, pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Stir to capture any caramelized bits stuck on the bottom, allowing the broth to reduce slightly.

Step 8

Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 30 seconds to soften.

Step 9

Assemble the tacos by placing a few slices of pork on each tortilla, garnished with diced onion, cilantro, and additional pineapple chunks, if desired.

Step 10

Serve immediately and enjoy your heart-healthy Al Pastor tacos!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1465.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1671.2

Total Fat 42.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 9.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.3g
Cholesterol 308.4mg	0%
Sodium 2858.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 194.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 36.2g	0%
Total Sugars 39.6g
Protein 137.9g	0%

Vitamin D 36.3IU	0%
Calcium 341.9mg	0%
Iron 15.1mg	0%
Potassium 4433.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 22.4%

Protein: 32.2%

Carbs: 45.3%