Game Day Tacos al Pastor

August 18, 2026

Why the long faces? Summer may be winding down, and school-day routines are returning, but football season is almost here, bringing weekends filled with friends, family, fresh air, and food hot off the grill. Game Day Tacos al Pastor are perfect for the festivities, serving up bold flavor in a casual meal made for gathering around the patio.

Tacos are a natural choice when kickoff brings a crowd together. Savory pork, warm tortillas, and the bright flavors of al pastor create a satisfying combination guests can enjoy without interrupting the action for a formal meal. Fire up the grill before the game, set out your favorite toppings, and let everyone build a plate between plays.

Late summer also offers a great opportunity to enjoy the backyard before cooler weather arrives. A comfortable patio can become game-day headquarters, with room for grilling, serving food, relaxing, and cheering on your team. From an outdoor kitchen to a welcoming dining area, the right hardscape features bring it all together so hosting feels natural from pregame through the final whistle.

Ready to upgrade your outdoor spaces? Nicolock Paving Stones offers everything from pavers to fireplaces for outdoor living at its best. Whether you need a new grill or an outdoor kitchen upgrade, explore Nicolock’s outdoor dining products for ideas that make cooking and entertaining outside even more enjoyable.

Looking for your next backyard favorite? Browse Nicolock’s collection of recipes and keep something delicious on the menu all season long.

Serves 4

Game Day Tacos al Pastor Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon canola oil, plus more for brushing
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 4 guajillo chiles—stemmed, seeded, and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1/3 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons achiote paste
• Sea salt
• 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder, sliced 1/4 inch thick
• 1/2 medium pineapple, peeled and sliced 1/2 inch thick
• 1 medium red onion, sliced crosswise 1/2 inch thick
• Warm corn tortillas, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges for serving

Game Day Tacos al Pastor Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, heat one tablespoon of oil. Add the garlic and cook over moderately high heat, turning occasionally, until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Stir in the oregano, cumin, pepper, and cloves and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the chiles and cook, stirring, until blistered in spots, about 30 seconds. Add the pineapple juice, vinegar, and achiote paste and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and let stand for 5 minutes.
2. Transfer the chile mixture to a blender and puree until smooth—season with salt. Scrape the marinade into a large, sturdy plastic bag. Add the pork and turn to coat. Set the bag in a small baking dish and refrigerate overnight.
3. Light a grill. Brush the pineapple and onion with oil. Grill over high heat, turning once, until lightly charred and softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a carving board and tent with foil.
4. Remove the pork from the marinade. Grill over high heat until lightly charred and just cooked through for about 2 to 4 minutes. Transfer to the carving board and let rest for 5 minutes.
5. Cut the pineapple, onion, and pork into thin strips and transfer to a bowl. Season with salt. Serve with corn tortillas, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges.

Taken from americanmadegrills.com