Whole30 Authentic Al Pastor Pork

Dive into the bold, vibrant flavors of this Whole30 Authentic Al Pastor Pork, a healthier take on the classic Mexican favorite that's perfectly suited for your clean-eating goals. Tender, thinly sliced boneless pork shoulder is marinated in a smoky, slightly sweet blend of dried guajillo and ancho chilies, fresh pineapple, and warm spices like cumin and coriander. Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish features layers of savory pork and caramelized onion, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth bites with crispy edges. The recipe is entirely Whole30 compliant, thanks to its natural sweetness from pineapple and its focus on wholesome ingredients. Serve it with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of cilantro for a zesty kick, or wrap it in crisp lettuce leaves for a truly satisfying, guilt-free meal. Perfect for meal prepping or a crowd-pleasing dinner, this dish brings authentic Mexican-inspired flavors to your table without compromising on health.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:240 mins

Total Time:270 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Boneless pork shoulder
• 6 Dried guajillo chilies
• 2 Dried ancho chilies
• 1 cup Pineapple chunks
• 0.5 cup Pineapple juice
• 0.25 cup Apple cider vinegar
• 3 Garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon Fresh oregano
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 3 tablespoons Lime juice
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 Onion
• 0.5 cup Fresh cilantro

Directions

Step 1

Start by slicing the pork shoulder into thin slices about 1/4-inch thick. Set aside.

Step 2

Remove the stems and seeds from the guajillo and ancho chilies. Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Transfer to a heatproof bowl and cover with hot water, letting them soak for 15 minutes.

Step 3

Drain the chilies and add them to a blender along with the pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic cloves, ground cumin, ground coriander, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Blend until you have a smooth marinade.

Step 4

Place the pork slices in a large bowl or a zip-top bag and cover with the marinade. Make sure each slice is well-coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

Step 5

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).

Step 6

Lightly oil a baking dish and layer the marinated pork slices, interspersed with thinly sliced onion rings.

Step 7

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 3.5 to 4 hours, until the pork is tender and cooked through.

Step 8

Remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the edges of the pork start to crisp up.

Step 9

Remove from the oven and let the pork rest for a few minutes.

Step 10

Serve the Al Pastor pork with fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Optionally, serve with lettuce wraps for a Whole30 compliant dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1576.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3009.1

Total Fat 218.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 69.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 725.7mg	0%
Sodium 3074.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 105.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.2g	0%
Total Sugars 43.9g
Protein 177.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 294.6mg	0%
Iron 19.4mg	0%
Potassium 4931.8mg	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: 63.4%

Protein: 22.9%

Carbs: 13.7%