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al pastor burrito

El Pastor Burrito Recipe

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Introduction

El Pastor burrito is a delicious Mexican dish that features marinated beef, flavorful fillings, wrapped in warm tortillas. In this al pastor burrito recipe, tender beef is marinated in a sweet and spicy adobo sauce, then cooked and wrapped in a warm flour tortilla, resulting in a juicy, flavor-packed burrito. These flavorful el pastor burritos bring the taste of street tacos al pastor right into your kitchen.

El pastor burrito recipe is very easy to make. Even if you are not an experienced cook, just follow our easy step by step instructions and enjoy these delicious and tasty burrito al pastor.

Key Takeaways

  • Flavorful: El pastor burrito is a very tasty and delicious dish that combines tender and juicy beef marinated in adobo sauce and wrapped in a warm tortilla. 
  • Sweet and Spicy: Marinated beef cooked with pineapple gives each bite a perfect blend of smoky heat and fruity sweetness.
  • Easy to Make: El pastor burrito recipe is very easy to make. No special equipment is needed.  Just marinate the meat, cook it on the stovetop, and wrap it in a tortilla.

What is al pastor burrito

Al pastor refers to a Mexican preparation of marinated meat cooked on a vertical spit. It usually involves beef marinated in a red chili, spice, and pineapple sauce, grilled and served in tacos. The tender marinated beef has tangy sweet and smoky flavor from the chili and pineapple marinade. Every bite of El pastor Burrito is filled with irresistible taste and goodness. 

Why you will love this El Pastor Burrito Recipe

This burrito is packed with flavor yet easy to make. The beef comes out juicy and bursting with the smoky, spicy sweet taste of al pastor. Ofcouse, you might be busy and do not want to spend much time in the kitchen. Thats why the El Pastor burrito recipe is perfect for you because it  is very easy. You can marinate the meat ahead and then simply cook it in a pan. No special equipment is needed. You know the whats the best part of this recipe? You can customize each burrito with whatever toppings you love such as cheese, salsa, or veggies.

El Pastor Burrito Recipe

Recipe by Recipe Blossom
5.0 from 1 vote
Course: MeatCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes
Calories per serving

600

kcal
Total time

50

minutes
Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

  • Beef (1 to 1.5 lbs) – Flank, skirt, or sirloin steak, thinly sliced.

  • Guajillo chilies or Chili Powder – 2-3 dried guajillo chilies or 2 tablespoons chili powder.

  • Pineapple juice – 1 cup 

  • Vinegar – 2 tablespoons 

  • Garlic – 3 cloves, minced.

  • Onion – 1 medium, divided

  • Ground cumin – 1 teaspoon

  • Dried oregano – 1 teaspoon 

  • Salt and pepper – To taste

  • Oil – 2 tablespoons 

  • Flour Tortillas – 4 to 6 large (burrito-size) tortillas.

  • Optional Fillings – Cooked rice, black or pinto beans, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, salsa, lime, sour cream or guacamole.

Step by Step Instructions

  • Blend and Marinate: Blend all the marinade ingredients until they are smooth. Pour this marinade over the beef slices and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours. 
  • Cook the Beef: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer. Llet excess marinade drip off and cook in batches if needed. Sear for about 3 to 5 minutes until browned and slightly charred on the edges. In the last minute, add the pineapple chunks to caramelize. Once the beef is cooked through, remove it from heat.
  • Warm Tortillas and Prepare Fillings: Warm the flour tortillas so they are pliable. Use a skillet or microwave to warm them. Prepare any other fillings you are using and have them ready.
  • Assemble the Burritos: Place some cooked beef with a few pineapple bits on a warm tortilla, then add your desired fillings  such as rice, beans, cheese, onion or cilantro. Fold in the sides and roll up the tortilla to form a burrito. Repeat with remaining tortillas and fillings. Your burrito al pastor is ready. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy.

Chef Recommendations

  • Use Best Beef Cuts: Use flank or skirt steak and slice it thinly against the grain for the most tender bites.
  • High Heat Sear: Cook the marinated beef on high heat to get a nice sear and a bit of char for extra flavor.
  • Warm the Tortillas: Always warm your tortillas before filling them. This makes them soft and pliable, so they are easier to roll and less likely to tear.
flank steak

Tips for Storing and Reheating El Pastor Burrito

  • Storing: Wrap leftover burritos tightly in foil or plastic wrap. You can refrigerate them for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Microwave the burrito with a damp paper towel for 1 to 2 minutes until hot. You can warm it in an oven at  350°F for about 15 minutes. You can also reheat it in a skillet. Reheat until it is warm. 
  • Meal Prep Tip: Store cooked beef and other fillings separately if possible, then assemble them in fresh burritos when you are ready to eat. This keeps the tortilla from getting soggy so they taste fresh.

What to Serve with El Pastor Burrito

You can serve these burritos with some tasty sides to make it a feast. Great options include tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole, and a side of Mexican rice and beans. These sides add crunch, freshness, and extra flavor to complement the hearty burrito.

The Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Facts

4 servings per container


  • Amount Per ServingCalories600
  • % Daily Value *
  • Total Fat 23g 30%
    • Saturated Fat 10g 50%
    • Trans Fat 0.5g
  • Cholesterol 90mg 30%
  • Sodium 950mg 42%
  • Total Carbohydrate 48g 18%
    • Dietary Fiber 6g 22%
    • Total Sugars 6g
  • Protein 36g 72%

  • Calcium 12mg 1%
  • Potassium 550mg 12%
  • Vitamin A 17mcg 2%
  • Vitamin C 28mg 32%

* 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.

These nutrition facts are estimates based on common ingredient values and may vary depending on the specific products, quantities, and preparation methods used. For the most reliable results, it’s always a good idea to use a kitchen scale and nutrition calculator tailored to your ingredients.

The Nutritional Benefits

  • Protein, Vitamins, and Minerals: El Pastor burrito can be both satisfying and nourishing. The beef provides high quality protein and minerals like iron, while the pineapple and added veggies provide vitamin C and fiber. 
  • Presence of Carbs and Fibers: If you include beans or use a whole wheat tortilla, you will get even more fiber and complex carbs. It is a well rounded meal with a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins in each serving.

FAQs

What’s the best way to marinate the meat for al pastor burritos?

The best way to marinate the meat for al pastor burrito is to use an adobo-style marinade made with chilies or chili powder, pineapple juice, vinegar, garlic, and spices. Completely coat the beef in this marinade mixture. Let it marinate in the fridge for several hours or, even better, overnight so the pineapple and vinegar can tenderize the meat and the spices infuse it fully. When ready to cook, let the excess marinade drip off to prevent burning.

What type of cheese works best in al pastor burritos?

Monterey Jack works best in al pastor burritos. It  is a great choice because it melts smoothly and has a mild flavor. For an authentic touch, Oaxaca cheese melts beautifully and tastes great. Ultimately, any good melting cheese will work equally great, so use your favorite one.

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