Burrito Bowls

Al Pastor Burrito Bowl

Name: Al Pastor Burrito Bowl
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) pork shoulder, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup (60g) chili powder; 2 tablespoons (30g) olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup (120g) pineapple chunks; 1/2 cup (60g) chopped fresh cilantro; 1/4 cup (30g) diced onion; 1 jalapeno pepper, diced; 1 lime, juiced; Salt and pepper to taste; 8-10 corn tortillas; 1 cup (240g) cooked white rice

By Otto Jephson · June 19, 2026 · Burrito Bowls

Prep30 min

Cook20 min

Total60 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I had an Al Pastor Burrito Bowl at a family gathering. The combination of tender pork, fresh cilantro, and spicy salsa all in one bowl was love at first bite. As a second-generation Mexican-American, I've always been passionate about sharing the authentic flavors of my heritage with others.

Al Pastor, which translates to 'shepherd's style,' is a popular Mexican dish that originated in Mexico City. The traditional recipe involves marinating pork in a mixture of chilies, spices, and pineapple, then grilling it on a vertical spit. For my Al Pastor Burrito Bowl recipe, I've adapted this method to use a home kitchen setup, making it easier for anyone to enjoy this delicious dish.

This recipe is special because it combines the rich flavors of Mexico with the comfort of a warm, satisfying bowl. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it's sure to become a favorite among your family and friends.

As a home cook, I believe that the key to making great Mexican food is to use high-quality ingredients, to take the time to develop deep flavors, and to never be afraid to experiment and try new things. With this recipe, I'll guide you through every step of the way, from preparing the marinade to assembling the final bowl.

So, let's get started and make this Al Pastor Burrito Bowl together! With its tender pork, fresh cilantro, and spicy salsa, it's sure to become a new favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal special equipment.
It's a great way to feed a crowd, as it can be easily scaled up or down to suit your needs.
The combination of flavors and textures is both familiar and exciting, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
The recipe is highly customizable, so you can add or subtract toppings to suit your tastes.
It's a relatively inexpensive recipe to make, as it uses common ingredients and doesn't require any special equipment.
The dish is perfect for a family dinner, as it's easy to make and can be served in individual bowls.
The recipe is also great for meal prep, as the pork and toppings can be made ahead of time and reheated as needed.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to a great Al Pastor Burrito Bowl lies in the layers of flavor that we build throughout the recipe. We start by marinating the pork in a mixture of chilies, spices, and pineapple, which gives it a deep, slightly sweet flavor. Then, we grill the pork until it's tender and slightly charred, which adds a nice texture and a bit of smokiness.

Next, we add a variety of toppings, including fresh cilantro, diced onions, and spicy salsa. The cilantro adds a bright, fresh flavor, while the onions add a bit of crunch and sweetness. The salsa, which is made with a combination of diced tomatoes, onions, and jalapenos, adds a spicy kick and a bit of acidity.

Finally, we serve the pork and toppings over a bed of warm rice, which helps to soak up all the juices and flavors. The result is a dish that's both familiar and exciting, with a combination of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, you'll need a variety of ingredients, including pork shoulder, chilies, spices, pineapple, and fresh cilantro. You'll also need some basic pantry staples, such as olive oil, garlic, and salt. Be sure to choose high-quality ingredients, as they will make a big difference in the final flavor and texture of the dish.

When shopping for the ingredients, look for fresh, vibrant produce and high-quality meats. You can find the chilies and spices at most Mexican markets or online. If you can't find certain ingredients, don't worry – there are plenty of substitutions you can make to still achieve great flavor.

1 lb (450g) pork shoulder, thinly slicedLook for a pork shoulder with a good balance of fat and lean meat, as this will help keep the pork moist and flavorful. You can also use pork loin or butt, but the shoulder is the most traditional choice.
1/4 cup (60g) chili powderUse a high-quality chili powder that is fresh and has a good balance of heat and flavor. You can also use a combination of chili powders, such as ancho and guajillo, for added depth of flavor.
2 tablespoons (30g) olive oilUse a good-quality olive oil that has a mild flavor and a high smoke point. This will help to prevent the oil from burning or smoking during cooking.
2 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic that is free of blemishes and has a good aroma. You can also use roasted garlic for added depth of flavor.
1 cup (120g) pineapple chunksUse fresh pineapple that is sweet and juicy. You can also use canned pineapple, but fresh is preferred for the best flavor.
1/2 cup (60g) chopped fresh cilantroUse fresh cilantro that is free of blemishes and has a good aroma. You can also use parsley or basil as a substitute, but cilantro is the most traditional choice.
1/4 cup (30g) diced onionUse a sweet onion, such as Vidalia or Maui, for the best flavor. You can also use red onion or shallots for added depth of flavor.
1 jalapeno pepper, dicedUse a fresh jalapeno pepper that is free of blemishes and has a good aroma. You can also use other types of hot peppers, such as serrano or habanero, for added heat.
1 lime, juicedUse a fresh lime that is free of blemishes and has a good aroma. You can also use bottled lime juice, but fresh is preferred for the best flavor.
Salt and pepper to tasteUse a good-quality salt, such as kosher or sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
8-10 corn tortillasUse fresh corn tortillas that are pliable and have a good texture. You can also use flour tortillas, but corn is the most traditional choice.
1 cup (240g) cooked white riceUse cooked white rice that is fluffy and has a good texture. You can also use brown rice or other types of grains, such as quinoa or farro, for added nutrition and flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokSharp chef's knifeInstant-read thermometerCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or spatula

How to Make Al Pastor Burrito Bowl

1
In a large bowl, whisk together the chili powder, olive oil, garlic, and salt. Add the sliced pork and toss to coat, making sure that each piece is well-coated with the marinade.
2
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight, allowing the pork to marinate and absorb the flavors.
3
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the pork from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Grill the pork for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
4
While the pork is cooking, prepare the pineapple salsa. In a medium bowl, combine the pineapple chunks, diced onion, jalapeno pepper, and cilantro. Squeeze the lime juice over the top and toss to coat.
5
Once the pork is cooked, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
6
Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
7
Assemble the burrito bowls by placing a portion of cooked rice on the bottom of a bowl, followed by a few slices of the grilled pork, some of the pineapple salsa, and any desired toppings, such as diced avocado or sour cream.
8
Serve immediately and enjoy!
9
For an added touch, garnish with additional cilantro, lime wedges, and diced radishes, if desired.
10
To make the dish more substantial, add some black beans, roasted vegetables, or diced chicken to the bowl.
11
Experiment with different types of protein, such as chicken or steak, for a variation on the recipe.
12
For a spicy kick, add some diced hot peppers or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the pork marinade.
13
To make the dish more authentic, use a combination of chili powders, such as ancho and guajillo, for added depth of flavor.

Expert Tips

Make sure to let the pork rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing, as this will help the juices to redistribute and the meat to stay tender.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the pork reaches a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Don't overcook the pork, as this will make it dry and tough. Instead, aim for a medium-rare to medium temperature, depending on your preference.
Experiment with different types of chili powders and spices to find the combination that you like best.
Add some diced onions or bell peppers to the pork marinade for added flavor and texture.
Use fresh and high-quality ingredients, as this will make a big difference in the final flavor and texture of the dish.
Don't be afraid to get creative with the toppings and add your own favorite ingredients to the bowl.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not letting the pork rest for long enough, which can cause it to be tough and dry.
Overcooking the pork, which can make it dry and flavorless.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can affect the final flavor and texture of the dish.
Not experimenting with different types of chili powders and spices, which can make the dish more interesting and flavorful.
Not adding enough acidity, such as lime juice, to the dish, which can make it taste flat and unbalanced.
Not using fresh and vibrant produce, which can affect the final flavor and texture of the dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced chicken or steak to the bowl for added protein and texture.
Use different types of grains, such as quinoa or farro, for added nutrition and flavor.
Add some roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes, to the bowl for added flavor and texture.
Use different types of chili powders and spices to change the flavor profile of the dish.
Add some diced avocado or sour cream to the bowl for added creaminess and flavor.
Experiment with different types of salsa, such as pico de gallo or salsa verde, for added flavor and texture.
Add some crispy tortilla strips or crumbled queso fresco to the bowl for added texture and flavor.

What to Serve With Al Pastor Burrito Bowl

Serve the Al Pastor Burrito Bowl with your favorite toppings, such as diced avocado, sour cream, and salsa. You can also add some crispy tortilla strips or crumbled queso fresco for added texture and flavor.

For a complete meal, serve the burrito bowl with a side of Mexican street corn, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. You can also offer a variety of drinks, such as horchata, aguas frescas, or Mexican beer, to complement the meal.

Mexican street cornRoasted vegetablesSimple green saladHorchataAguas frescasMexican beer

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The cooked pork and rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply microwave the pork and rice until warmed through, or heat them in a skillet on the stovetop.

The pineapple salsa can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months and thaw it when needed.

To assemble the burrito bowls, simply warm the tortillas, slice the cooked pork, and add your desired toppings. You can also customize the bowls to your liking by adding different ingredients or sauces.

For a make-ahead meal, prepare the pork and rice ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Then, simply assemble the burrito bowls when you're ready to eat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pork is best for this recipe?

The best type of pork for this recipe is pork shoulder, as it is tender and has a good balance of fat and lean meat. You can also use pork loin or butt, but the shoulder is the most traditional choice.

How long does the pork need to marinate?

The pork should marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight, allowing it to absorb the flavors of the marinade.

What type of chili powder is best for this recipe?

The best type of chili powder for this recipe is a high-quality chili powder that is fresh and has a good balance of heat and flavor. You can also use a combination of chili powders, such as ancho and guajillo, for added depth of flavor.

Can I use different types of protein?

Yes, you can use different types of protein, such as chicken or steak, for a variation on the recipe. Simply marinate and cook the protein according to the recipe instructions, then assemble the burrito bowls as desired.

How do I warm the tortillas?

To warm the tortillas, simply wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds. You can also warm them in a dry skillet on the stovetop or on a griddle.

Can I make the pineapple salsa ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the pineapple salsa ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months and thaw it when needed.

How do I reheat the cooked pork and rice?

To reheat the cooked pork and rice, simply microwave them until warmed through, or heat them in a skillet on the stovetop. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Can I customize the burrito bowls to my liking?

Yes, you can customize the burrito bowls to your liking by adding different ingredients or sauces. Simply assemble the bowls with your desired toppings and enjoy!

The Full Recipe

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