Low Sodium Authentic Al Pastor Pork

Savor the vibrant flavors of Mexico with this Low Sodium Authentic Al Pastor Pork recipe, a health-conscious twist on the traditional dish without sacrificing the rich, smoky, and tangy essence you love. Tender slices of pork shoulder are marinated in a bold blend of guajillo and ancho chiles, fresh pineapple juice, citrusy orange juice, and aromatic spices like cumin and oregano for an unforgettable depth of flavor. The pork is then grilled to perfection, creating irresistibly charred edges, and served on warm corn tortillas with caramelized onions and fresh coriander. With no added salt, this recipe is perfect for those seeking a flavorful yet heart-healthy option. Complete with vibrant lime wedges for a burst of freshness, this dish is ideal for taco night or any festive gathering!

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:45 mins

Cook Time:240 mins

Total Time:285 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds pork shoulder
• 4 dried guajillo chiles
• 2 dried ancho chiles
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1 cup fresh pineapple
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 third cup orange juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 cloves fresh garlic
• 2 tablespoons fresh coriander
• 1 onion
• 12 corn tortillas
• 2 lime wedges

Directions

Step 1

Start by preparing the chiles. Remove the stems and seeds from the guajillo and ancho chiles. Heat a skillet over medium heat and toast the chiles for about 1-2 minutes on each side until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.

Step 2

Place the toasted chiles in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak for about 15 minutes until softened.

Step 3

While the chiles soak, cut the pork shoulder into thin slices, about 1/4-inch thick.

Step 4

Once the chiles are softened, drain them and add to a blender along with pineapple juice, fresh pineapple, white vinegar, orange juice, ground cumin, dried oregano, ground black pepper, and minced garlic. Blend until smooth to form a marinade.

Step 5

In a large non-reactive bowl or resealable plastic bag, add the sliced pork and the marinade. Ensure each piece is well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 6

Preheat your grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates if grilling to prevent sticking.

Step 7

Once hot, remove the pork from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Grill or pan-fry the slices in batches for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and slightly charred.

Step 8

During the last few minutes of cooking, add the thinly sliced onions to the pan or on the grill, and cook until caramelized.

Step 9

Serve the Al Pastor pork in warmed corn tortillas, topped with grilled onions and fresh coriander. Accompany with lime wedges for added zest.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2216.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3738.6

Total Fat 130.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 40.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 800.5mg	0%
Sodium 818.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 373.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 60.6g	0%
Total Sugars 66.7g
Protein 260.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 725.6mg	0%
Iron 24.1mg	0%
Potassium 6191.2mg	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: 31.6%

Protein: 28.0%

Carbs: 40.3%