Al Pastor Recipe Instant Pot​

🌮 Al Pastor Recipe Instant Pot
A flavorful twist on a Mexican classic, this Instant Pot Al Pastor recipe makes tender, juicy, and perfectly spiced pork in a fraction of the time without sacrificing taste. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls.

Introduction

When you want bold and smoky and savory flavors without the hours of spit-roasting, THIS Al Pastor Recipe Instant Pot​ is the answer. Originating in the culinary traditions of central Mexico, Al Pastor is history on a plate, with layers of spicy and rich sweetness that come from slowly cooking pork on a vertical spit, tucked between layers of pineapple and chiles. Thanks to the Instant Pot, you can make this iconic dish at home quickly but still end up with tender, flavor-packed meat that’s perfect for tacos, burritos or rice bowls.
With your pressure cooker, this nostalgic recipe can be prepared in a fraction of the time with no reduction in authenticity. The star players: achiote paste, guajillo peppers, pineapple juice, plus spices, combine to give the pork that sweet-heat twang. The Instant Pot retains the juices and lets that yummy marinade do its magic, which is why this Al Pastor Recipe Instant Pot​ is succulent and flavour-packed in every mouthful. For a weeknight dinner or a large, hungry crew, this dish gives that restaurant feel with minimal effort.
This simple Al Pastor Recipe Instant Pot​ will take you through step by step, marinate, pressure cook, and quickly sear for texture. It’s a game-changer for anyone who loves Mexican food and wants to experiment with new flavors, but with modern convenience. Now, you can enjoy Tasty Al Pastor with a twist that is even faster and easier (and yummier!).

🔑 Keys for Perfecting Al Pastor Recipe Instant Pot

To achieve perfect success with a tasty Al Pastor Recipe Instant Pot, it all comes down to the marinade, the meat and the technique. One essential first: a rich, well-balanced marinade. Achiote paste, dried guajillo chiles, vinegar, pineapple juice, garlic and spices are your best bet. And that’s what imparts the pork with the soulful, earthy-sweet heat that makes al pastor so addictive.
Second, pick a great cut of meat. Pork shoulder is excellent because of its fat content and ability to stay juicy under the heat of a pressure cooker. (Psst: You can also harness the Instant Pot’s sauté function to form caramelized edges before or after pressure cooking for a more realistic texture.) Do not skip marinating, even on the short end of 4 hours (overnight is best), which is the secret to maximum flavor uptake.

🏡 Why Homemade Al Pastor Is a Great Idea

Cooking your own Al Pastor Recipe Instant Pot gives you the freedom to monitor ingredients and spices, creating a healthier, cleaner version of this street-food favorite. The store-bought or takeout versions of al pastor can have added preservatives, extra sodium and low-quality meat. With homemade food, you have the satisfaction of authenticity combined with the convenience of using a method that takes less than an hour to cook.
And it’s such an excellent make-ahead dish. The flavors also deepen overnight, and leftover meat works wonders in tacos, quesadillas, nachos or grain bowls. It’s budget-friendly and impressive for guests, but simple enough for a weeknight supper.

🥦 Health Benefits of Al Pastor (Instant Pot Version)

While Al Pastor isn’t often considered “healthy,” the Instant Pot version can offer a surprisingly balanced nutritional profile when prepared thoughtfully.

Al Pastor Recipe Instant Pot

This Instant Pot Al Pastor recipe brings together bold, authentic Mexican flavors in a fraction of the time. Tender pork shoulder is pressure-cooked in a sweet, spicy marinade made with pineapple juice, guajillo chiles, and achiote paste, then crisped to perfection. Ideal for tacos, bowls, and meal prep! 👥 Servings: 4 people 💰 Estimated Cost: $5 ⏱️ Times: Prep Time: 0 days 0 hours 15 minutes Cook Time: 0 days 0 hours 35 minutes Resting Time: 0 days 0 hours 10 minutes Total Time: 0 days 1 hour 0 minutes 📂 Categories: Mexican Recipes, Pressure Cooker 🍽️ Courses: Main Course, Dinner 🌎 Cuisines: Mexican 🔑 Keywords: Instant Pot Al Pastor, Tacos al pastor, Pork al pastor pressure cooker

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 4

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 375

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• For the Marinade:
• 2 tbsp Achiote paste
• 3 Dried guajillo chiles stemmed and seeded
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 1/2 cup Pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup White vinegar
• 1 tsp Dried oregano
• 1 tsp Ground cumin
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper
• For the Pork:
• 1.5 lbs Pork shoulder cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup Fresh pineapple chopped
• 1/2 Onion sliced
• 1 tbsp Oil for searing after cooking, optional

Equipment

• 1 Instant Pot (6-quart or larger)
• 1 Blender
• 1 Tongs
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 Knife

Method

 

1. Soften the chiles:
2. Place guajillo chiles in hot water for 10–15 minutes until soft. Drain before using.
3. Blend the marinade:
4. In a blender, combine softened chiles, achiote paste, pineapple juice, vinegar, garlic, and all spices. Blend until smooth.
5. Marinate the pork:
6. In a large bowl, mix the pork pieces with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
7. Pressure cook:
8. Add the marinated pork, sliced onion, and pineapple chunks to the Instant Pot. Close lid, set to “Pressure Cook” on high for 35 minutes.
9. Natural release:
10. Allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure.
11. Optional searing:
12. Use the “Sauté” function and 1 tbsp oil to brown the meat for crispy edges before serving.
13. Serve:
14. Serve in warm corn tortillas with diced onion, cilantro, and extra pineapple.
15. 🧮 Nutrition (Per Serving):
16. Calories: 375 kcal
17. Protein: 29g
18. Carbohydrates: 8g
19. Fat: 24g
20. Fiber: 2g
21. Sugar: 4g
22. (Approximate values based on ingredient averages.)

Notes

You can substitute pork shoulder with boneless chicken thighs.

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 1 month.

Add chipotle peppers for a smokier version.

💡 Tips and Tricks for Al Pastor Recipe Instant Pot

• Soften chiles correctly: It’s always a good idea to soak dried chiles in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes before you blend them with the marinade.
• Marinate longer: To help the flavors penetrate the pork, refrigerate the marinated pork overnight.
• Natural release: After pressure cooking, let the pressure release naturally for at least 10 minutes, so that the juices go into lockdown.
• Sears, before serving, take the cooked meat and sauté it to get a good crisp on it for the texture it needs.
• Pineapple chunks: Make sure you have enough chunks to cook with the pork and to set aside as a sweet taco topping.

🌮 Al Pastor Recipe Instant Pot Variations

• Chicken Al Pastor: Swap pork with boneless chicken thighs for a leaner option.
• Vegan Al Pastor: Use jackfruit or mushrooms with the same marinade for a plant-based twist.
• Spicy Al Pastor: Add chipotle peppers in adobo to the marinade for a smoky, spicy kick.
• Low-carb version: Serve over cauliflower rice or lettuce cups instead of tortillas.

✅ Conclusion: Al Pastor Recipe Instant Pot

Whether you’re a busy parent or a hardcore foodie, this Al Pastor Recipe Instant Pot is the best of both worlds: traditional Mexican taste with modern convenience. With the help of a pressure cooker, the pork shoulder is softened to a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, and it gets coated with bold, sweet-spicy flavor in every bite thanks to the bright-tasting marinade. And once you try it, you’re going to want to make it a regular part of your food rotation.
For Taco Tuesday, your next party platter or meal prep session, this Instant Pot Al Pastor is trustworthy and always a hit.

❓ FAQs: Al Pastor Recipe Instant Pot

Q: Can I use a different cut of pork?
A: Yes! Pork loin is leaner but will be less tender and flavorful than pork shoulder.

Q: Is this recipe spicy?
A: The guajillo chiles add mild heat. For spicier al pastor, add chipotle or arbol chiles.

Q: Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
A: You can use a slow cooker (6–8 hours on low) or cook in the oven at 325°F for 2.5 hours.

🎉 Share Your Twist!

Have you put your own spin on this Al Pastor Recipe Instant Pot? Maybe added mango or served it on tostadas? Share your version in the comments below or tag us on Instagram with #MyAlPastorTwist!