Smoky pork, sweet pineapple, crispy edges, and warm corn tortillas. This is a game day spread worth gathering around.
In Episode 4 of Home Field Advantage, Justin Cde Baca of Grill Vault BBQ puts his spin on al pastor tacos using the Huntsman® and rotisserie. The pork gets a pineapple-and-chile marinade, a slow cook over charcoal, and a high-heat finish that builds a caramelized crust.
For those staying home to watch the game, the Huntsman’s Venom® controller helps hold your cooking temperature while the rotisserie keeps the pork turning. Prep ahead, get the grill going, and spend more time with your game day crew.
Get the full video here: https://youtu.be/BGPdiIZq8is
Rotisserie Al Pastor Tacos
The key to Justin’s approach is cooking in two stages: start at approximately 300°F to cook the pork gradually, then finish at approximately 500°F for those crispy, deeply browned edges.
Ingredients
Al Pastor Marinade
- 2 cups pineapple juice
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, diced
- 8 dried red chilies
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- Spanglish Asadero Al Pastor Seasoning, to taste
For the Tacos
- Pork for marinating and stacking on the rotisserie
- 2 thick slices fresh pineapple, approximately 1½ inches thick
- Corn tortillas
- Diced white onion
- Fresh cilantro
- Fresh lime
- Additional fresh pineapple for serving, optional
1. Make the Marinade
Heat a dry pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the dried red chilies, onion, and minced garlic. Roast until the chilies are fragrant and the onion and garlic develop some char. Watch closely to avoid burning the chilies, which can make them bitter.
Transfer the roasted ingredients to a blender. Add the diced pineapple, pineapple juice, olive oil, and Spanglish Asadero Al Pastor Seasoning. Blend until completely smooth.
2. Marinate the Pork
Place the pork in a large container or resealable bag and pour the marinade over it. Coat every piece thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
3. Build the Rotisserie Stack
Slide one thick slice of pineapple onto the rotisserie rod. Stack the marinated pork tightly against it, creating a compact, even stack so the meat cooks consistently as it rotates.
Finish with the second slice of pineapple. Install the rotisserie forks and tighten everything securely. Check that the stack is balanced before placing it on the grill.
4. Start Low and Slow
Set up the Huntsman® for indirect heat at approximately 300°F. Install the rotisserie and let the pork cook as it turns.
Plan for approximately 1½–2 hours, depending on the size and thickness of your stack. Use a meat thermometer to track doneness; cooking time is a guide.
This first stage gives the pork time to cook gradually and pick up charcoal flavor without burning the marinade on the outside.
5. Finish Over High Heat
Once the pork is approaching your desired internal temperature, raise the grill temperature to approximately 500°F.
Continue rotating until the exterior develops a deep, caramelized crust. Keep an eye on the pork during this stage—the pineapple marinade can brown quickly.
Justin prefers finishing his al pastor closer to 170°F internally for a more well-done texture. Check several spots toward the center of the stack, avoiding contact with the metal rod.
Allow the pork to rest for at least 3 minutes before slicing. USDA guidance for whole pork cuts specifies a minimum internal temperature of 145°F followed by a three-minute rest. Food Safety and Inspection Service
6. Build the Tacos
While the pork finishes, warm the corn tortillas directly on the grill.
Thinly slice the pork, making sure each serving gets some of those crispy outer edges. Pile it onto the warm tortillas and top with diced white onion, fresh cilantro, optional pineapple, and a squeeze of lime.
Serve while the pork is hot and the tortillas are warm.
Grill Vault Tip: Don’t Skip the Finish
The slow cook builds the smoky flavor. The final blast of heat creates the crispy, caramelized edges that make these tacos worth coming back for.
Give both stages their time, keep the toppings simple, and let the pork do the talking.
Watch Episode 4 of Home Field Advantage and follow along with Justin’s cook.
Ready to bring real fire flavor to your next game day? Explore the Huntsman®.
