In this post, you will learn the meaning of al pastor, what kind of meat to use, and the difference between al pastor and carnitas. We will also explore how to store it and provide step-by-step recipes for making the best Al Pastor in the Instant Pot.
You may also want to try my other Instant Pot Mexican-inspired recipes: Instant Pot Carne Asada, Carne Asada Fries, Leftover Taco Meat, Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos, and Instant Pot Birria Tacos.

What is Al Pastor
“Al pastor” is a well-known Mexican dish in the Lebanese community. It is prepared by spit-roasting marinated meat, a technique the Lebanese immigrants brought. The term “al pastor” means “shepherd style” in Spanish, and the dish is typically made with thinly sliced pork cooked on a vertical rotisserie. However, some dish variations include beef or chicken as the main ingredient. Chili peppers, garlic, and spices are added to get that spicy kick, making it next-level delicious.
How To Make Rotisserie Rod Replacement
Following these steps, you can make a rotisserie rod replacement for al pastor and enjoy flavorful, tender meat cooked to perfection.
Materials Needed
- Metal skewers or rods (stainless steel or food-grade metal)
- Pliers
- Metal cutting tool (if necessary)
- Gloves (optional but recommended for safety)
Steps
- Select the Metal Rods: Choose metal skewers or rods that are long enough to fit your rotisserie setup and sturdy enough to hold the weight of the al pastor meat. Stainless steel or other food-grade metal is recommended to ensure safety and hygiene. In this case, I want the metal skewers to fit into my eight-quart Instant Pot. I have a metal skewer, and I bent it to fit into Instant Pot. I use the pineapple as a stand.

- Prepare the Rods: If the metal skewers or rods are too long for your rotisserie setup, use pliers and a metal cutting tool to trim them to the desired length. Ensure that the ends are smooth and not sharp to prevent accidents while handling.
- Season the Meat: Prepare your al pastor meat according to your preferred recipe. Typically, al pastor meat is marinated with spices, chilies, vinegar, and pineapple for flavor.

- Skewer the Meat: Thread the marinated meat onto the metal skewers or rods, ensuring it is evenly distributed and securely attached.
- Secure the Rods: Place the skewered meat onto the rotisserie setup, securely attaching and balancing the rods. Use any clamps or brackets provided with your rotisserie to hold the rods in place.
- Cook the Al Pastor: Cook the Al Pastor in the Instant Pot.

- Monitor the Cooking: Watch the meat as it cooks, adding more air-frying time if necessary. Use a meat thermometer to check the meat’s doneness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the al pastor is perfectly cooked, remove it from the rotisserie and carefully slide the meat off the skewers or rods. Serve the delicious al pastor meat in tacos or burritos, or enjoy it with your favorite sides and toppings.
Difference between Carnitas and Al Pastor
Al pastor and carnitas are popular Mexican dishes made with pork but are prepared differently. Al pastor marries the pork and cooks it on a vertical spit, while carnitas simmers it in lard or oil until tender and crispy.
While traditional al pastor includes pineapple, it doesn’t always have to be included. However, the pineapple adds a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the savory pork, creating a balanced and delicious dish.
How do you make al pastor?
Ingredients
- Pork shoulder, Beef, or Chicken thinly sliced
- Guajillo chilies stemmed and seeded
- Dried ancho chilies, stemmed and seeded
- Arbol Chili
- Cloves garlic, minced
- Dried oregano
- Ground cumin
- Ground cloves
- Corn tortillas for serving
- Pineapple slices for serving (optional)
- Chopped onions and cilantro for garnish

Instructions
This is an overview of how to make Al Pastor. Complete instructions are in the recipe card.
Feel free to adjust the seasoning and spice level according to your preferences. Enjoy your delicious al pastor tacos!
- Start by rehydrating the dried chilies. Remove the stems and seeds. Boil four cups of water and boil the chilies until soft.

- Combine the rehydrated chilies, chopped onion, minced garlic, white vinegar, achiote paste, dried oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground cloves, salt, and pepper in a blender. Blend until you have a smooth marinade.

- Place the thinly sliced pork shoulder in a large bowl and pour the marinade. Make sure the pork is well coated with the marinade. Marinate the meat overnight or for a minimum of two hours. This time amount duration will let the marinade seep through the meat.

- Thread the marinated pork slices onto skewers or a vertical rotisserie. I used my metal skewer as an alternate vertical rotisserie.
- Cook the meat in the Instant Pot.

- Once the pork is cooked, please remove it from the skewers and chop it into smaller pieces. You can saute’ in a pan for ten more minutes to release its juices.
- Serve the al pastor pork on warm corn tortillas, topped with pineapple slices (if using), and garnish with chopped onions and cilantro.

How do you store
If you don’t plan to consume it within a few days, you can freeze the cooked al pastor for longer-term storage. To freeze, portion the al pastor into smaller servings, place them in freezer-safe containers or bags and store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen al pastor in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

- Cool down: Allow the cooked al pastor to cool down to room temperature before storing.
- Refrigeration: Transfer the leftover al pastor to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible to help preserve freshness. Place the container or bag in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Label the container and freeze. This will last for three months.
- Reheating: When ready to eat, reheat the al pastor in a skillet over medium heat until warm. Alternatively, you can microwave it.
- Enjoy: Serve the reheated al pastor in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or any other dish you choose.
Instant Pot Al Pastor Taco
Equipment
- 1 Instant Pot Duo Crisps Plus Air Fryer
- 2 metal skewers
Ingredients
- 6 cloves Garlic
- 1 tsp Dry Oregano
- 1 tbsp Peppercorn
- 1 tsp Ground Coriander
- 1 tsp Ground Cumin
- 1/2 tsp Ground Cloves
- water
- 1 lb Beef Round, thinly sliced
- 1 lb Pork Shoulder, thinly sliced
Instructions
Rehydrate the Chilis and make the Al Pastor Marinade
- Remove the stems and seeds of the chilis. Boil four cups of water in a medium-sized saucepan and add the chilis. Boil until the chilis are soft.
- Transfer the chilis to the food processor and a small amount of water. Process the ingredients. Ensure that you secure the processor to the base and that the processor is covered. You don't want the chilis to splatter everywhere.
- Make the paste as shown above. Sometimes, you must add water gradually to achieve the same paste consistency.
- Slice the meat into thin slices and put them into a large bowl. Add the chili paste and ensure each beef or pork is coated with the marinade. Cover and marinate in the fridge overnight.
Make a Makeshift skewer
- When the meat is ready, make a makeshift rotisserie rod. Bend a metal skewer to fit into the Instant Pot. Slice a pineapple and make it as a stand. Skewer the meat and put it into the Instant Pot. Top it with the pineapple.
- Cover with the Ait Fryer Lid and Air Fry for thirty-five to forty minutes. Check doneness by using a meat thermometer.
- When the meat is cooked, please remove it from the skewers and slice it into small pieces. Saute it with the pineapple for ten minutes to release the juice. Serve with cilantro, pineapple, and onions.
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