Grab A Plate

Make each meal memorable

subscribe SUBSCRIBE BY EMAIL
info
You can unsubscribe anytime by clicking the "unsubscribe" link at the bottom of emails you receive.
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • StumbleUpon
  • Twitter
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Dessert
    • Dinner
    • Drinks
    • Gluten Free
    • Lunch
    • Snacks
    • Vegan
    • Vegetarian
  • Out & About
  • About
  • Contact
  • Free eCookbook

Pork al Pastor Bowls

April 30, 2021 By Patricia 51 Comments

Pork al Pastor Bowls are a flavorful, Mexican-inspired dish that’s easy to make. Try a traditional-style meal served in a non-traditional way: toss together a few ingredients and you’ll soon be set for a scrumptious meal. 

Pork al Pastor Bowls are such a treat for any meal. You'll enjoy the flavor of these Pork al Pastor Bowls!

It’s not what’s on the outside, but what’s inside that counts. That’s how I feel sometimes when it comes to my favorite Mexican dishes like these lower-carb (no taco shells present in this dish) pork al pastor bowls.

Don’t get me wrong! I’m all about to-die-for tacos and burritos that are the bomb, but sometimes, I just want to get to the goodies on the inside without any obstacles. 

That was the inspiration for these pork al pastor bowls: I wanted to get to the good stuff as soon as possible!

Pork al Pastor Bowls make mealtime fun and flavorful! Pork al Pastor Bowls are what you need for a great meal!

Pork al Pastor Bowls

It’s not difficult to come by good Mexican food here in Phoenix, and I’ve had my fair share of traditional tacos al pastor around town, but I have to credit my husband with this recipe idea.

If you like pork with great flavor, check out my recipe for Grilled Pork with Korean-Style BBQ Sauce! Grab a few napkins, too! Another is my Caramel Apple Pork Medallions — easy to make and so good! 

Over the weekend, as I was crying, “Let’s get tacos!” he was thinking, “Let’s go to the grocery store to pick up a pork roast.” We did get tacos, and we got a pork roast, too.

Pork al Pastor Bowls will soon be a favorite meal in your home! Pork al Pastor Bowls are fun to serve and a delight to eat!

I love making dishes like this on a Sunday afternoon when I have a little more time to lounge. After coating the pork roast in seasonings and searing it, just pop it into the oven for a couple of hours, and there’s not much left to do but enjoy.

It’s said that al pastor is a dish said that was brought to Mexico by Lebanese immigrants. The pork is typically cooked on a vertical rotisserie, similar to how shawarma or gyro meat is cooked, but we simply popped ours in the oven, and easily shredded it when it was finished cooking. Pineapple is typically present in al pastor, too, and it adds a sweet compliment to the spices we used.

Pork al Pastor Bowls are colorful and flavorful for your next meal. Pork al Pastor Bowls make a fabulous main dish!

I made an avocado crema to drizzle over the top of these tasty bowls (YUM!), and what could be better? Serve these bowls with some chips and spicy salsa, and you’re set for a fabulous meal!

You won’t miss the tacos shells when you serve pork al pastor bowls. In fact, I think you’ll be thrilled to get to the good stuff more quickly!

Pork al Pastor Bowls are a Mexican-inspired favorite main dish! You'll enjoy these Pork al Pastor Bowls for your next meal!

 

Nutrition

Calories

2431 cal

Fat

54 g

Carbs

455 g

Protein

39 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info
ESHA Logo

Patricia Conte/Grab a Plate

Yields Serves 4-6

Pork al Pastor Bowls
Save RecipeSave Recipe
Print Recipe

4.5 based on 2 review(s)

My Recipes My Lists My Calendar

Ingredients

    For the avocado crema:
  • 1 large avocado
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • Juice from 1 lime
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • For the pork:
  • 1 (2-pound) pork roast
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
  • 5 tablespoons white onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple chunks with juice, separated (use 14 ounces of the pineapple and all the juice, reserving the remaining fruit for another dish)
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/2 cup vinegar
  • 1-1/2 cups cooked white rice
  • 1 cup red or black beans
  • For garnish: diced tomato and cilantro leaves

Instructions

    For the avocado crema:
  1. Combine all the ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.
  2. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. For the pork:
  4. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  5. Add the chili powder, chipotle powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper to a small bowl. Mix to combine.
  6. Pat the seasoning mixture onto the pork so it is coated all over and set aside.
  7. Add the pineapple juice, orange juice, and vinegar to a bowl and set aside.
  8. Add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil to a Dutch oven over medium heat. When hot, add the pork roast. Sear it on all sides (about 3 minutes per side). Transfer the pork to a platter and set aside.
  9. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the Dutch oven over medium heat. When hot, add the onions and cook for 3-4 minutes or until they begin to soften. Add the garlic and cook for about 90 seconds.
  10. Put the pork back into the Dutch oven with the onion and garlic. Add the pineapple chunks and the liquid mixture. Cover with a lid and transfer the pan to the oven.
  11. Cook for 2 hours or until the pork is fully cooked. Remove from the oven, and transfer the pork to a clean platter.
  12. Use two forks to shred the pork.
  13. Place the Dutch oven with the juices over medium-high heat. Cook until the mixture reduces by about 1/4. Remove from the heat.
  14. Transfer the shredded pork back to the Dutch oven and toss to combine.
  15. Serve with white rice and beans, and garnish with diced tomatoes, cilantro, and the avocado crema.
7.8.1.2
155
https://www.azgrabaplate.com/pork-al-pastor-bowls/

Filed Under: Dinner, Gluten Free, Lunch, Recipes Tagged With: al pastor, avocado crema, bowl meals, bowls, Cinco de Mayo, Mexican recipes, Mexican-inspired recipes, Pork

« Cucumber-Avocado Salad with Honey-Lemon Vinaigrette
Tea Sandwiches with Herbed Cream Cheese »
Subscribe
subscribe
Share your email & I will send you new recipes!

You can unsubscribe anytime by clicking the "unsubscribe" link at the bottom of emails you receive.

Comments

  1. Lane & Holly @ With Two Spoons says

    May 3, 2017 at 2:41 pm

    These look amazing! I love the combination of the pork and the beans! Delicious!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 4, 2017 at 3:22 am

      Thanks a bunch!
      Reply
  2. Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction says

    May 3, 2017 at 3:04 pm

    These bowls would be a hit at our house! Love these flavors!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 4, 2017 at 3:22 am

      Thanks so much, Jessica!
      Reply
  3. Michelle @ The Complete Savorist says

    May 3, 2017 at 4:22 pm

    WOW!!!! I love al Pastor...deeply love it and this looks utterly amazing. I must make it soon.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 4, 2017 at 3:22 am

      Thanks so much, Michelle! Let me know what you think if you try it!
      Reply
  4. Tammy says

    May 4, 2017 at 1:15 am

    I'm so with you on getting to the good stuff first! I'm a big fan of these al pasto bowls already! :D
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 4, 2017 at 3:21 am

      Haha! Thanks so much, Tammy!
      Reply
  5. Dee says

    May 4, 2017 at 2:23 am

    Your pictures are making me drool! Honestly, one of the best things about Phoenix is the amazing Mexican food! :)
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 4, 2017 at 3:21 am

      Yes!! It almost makes the summers bearable ;) Thanks so much, Dee!
      Reply
  6. Taylor Kiser says

    May 4, 2017 at 2:54 am

    In love with everything about these bowls! Will have to add this to our dinner plans soon!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 4, 2017 at 3:20 am

      Thanks so much, Taylor! I hope you like them!
      Reply
  7. Des @ Life's Ambrosia says

    May 4, 2017 at 4:02 am

    I would LOVE to have one of these bowls for lunch!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 4, 2017 at 2:28 pm

      Thank you! I would too, but it's been gobbled up!
      Reply
  8. Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

    May 4, 2017 at 4:05 am

    WOW, that looks amazing! So many delicious things going on, I love the sound of this!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 4, 2017 at 2:28 pm

      Thanks so much, Kimberly!
      Reply
  9. Elizabeth Conte-Vitullo says

    May 4, 2017 at 4:36 pm

    I have some other things planned for Cinco de Mayo but this is one dish I will be making soon!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 5, 2017 at 3:41 pm

      You should! You should! It's a tasty dish for sure! Thanks!!
      Reply
  10. Sharon @ What The Fork says

    May 4, 2017 at 6:59 pm

    Meat, beans, and rice - there's no better meal!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 5, 2017 at 3:41 pm

      We're totally on the same page! Thanks, Sharon!
      Reply
  11. Michelle Goth says

    May 4, 2017 at 8:16 pm

    I can totally relate. I sometimes just like all of it to be in a bowl without the bread. Better for you that way too!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 5, 2017 at 3:40 pm

      Yes, for sure, Michelle! Thanks so much!
      Reply
  12. Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says

    May 4, 2017 at 8:54 pm

    I could eat this every day and never get tired of it! Looks crazy delicious!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 5, 2017 at 3:40 pm

      I'm with you, Anna! Thanks very much!
      Reply
  13. Alexandra @ It's Not Complicated Recipes says

    May 10, 2019 at 7:30 pm

    What a delicious bowl of food! These are the kind of flavours my family love! I have a feeling this will be the new favourite dish :)
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      September 7, 2020 at 3:26 pm

      Thank you, Alexandra! I hope you all enjoy it!
      Reply
  14. leah says

    May 10, 2019 at 9:06 pm

    it sounds so weird but I am addicted to cumin so anything with it included, I am all about! I love anything to spice up rice too!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      September 7, 2020 at 3:26 pm

      I hope you try it and enjoy!
      Reply
  15. Andrea says

    May 10, 2019 at 9:20 pm

    These pork bowls look so light and refreshing. Their colors make for a nice presentation. I love the idea of an avocado crema. That's a new twist on eating avocados that I want to try!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      September 7, 2020 at 3:26 pm

      Thanks, Andrea! I hope you enjoy it!
      Reply
  16. Eco Friendly Mama says

    May 11, 2019 at 11:59 am

    Wow I had NO IDEA al pastor actually originated from Lebanon! What a fascinating example of culinary diaspora and how two such disparate cultures can come together in such a delicious way.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 15, 2019 at 8:06 am

      Very interesting, right? Thanks so much for stopping by!
      Reply
  17. Amanda M says

    May 11, 2019 at 1:24 pm

    Yum!! I Love a good lower-carb dish that still has flavor!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 15, 2019 at 8:05 am

      This is definitely one of those dishes! Thanks, Amanda!
      Reply
  18. Rachel says

    May 11, 2019 at 4:41 pm

    This looks so good. I love al pastor anything so I would to have it in a bowl.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 15, 2019 at 8:04 am

      Thanks, Rachel! Yes, I love bowl meals!
      Reply
  19. Amanda says

    May 11, 2019 at 7:06 pm

    These look so incredibly delicious. Such a great twist on a traditional Taco Tuesday meal in our house.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 15, 2019 at 8:04 am

      Thanks a bunch, Amanda!
      Reply
  20. Albany says

    May 13, 2019 at 4:54 am

    How festive and delicious is this!? Looks amazing!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 15, 2019 at 8:04 am

      Thanks very much, Albany!
      Reply
  21. Marina says

    May 1, 2021 at 2:31 am

    I don't eat meat but my husband does, will let him try your recipe
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      May 1, 2021 at 9:33 am

      Thanks, Marina! I hope your husband enjoys this! I credit my husband with making it :)
      Reply
  22. Crystal // Dreams, etc. says

    May 1, 2021 at 9:58 pm

    I’m always looking for new meals for my niece and nephew and they would love this! Definitely saving this for later!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      June 1, 2021 at 8:11 pm

      That's great, Crystal! Hope you all enjoy it!
      Reply
  23. Jen says

    October 6, 2021 at 8:04 am

    Dying to try this. Could the meat for this be made in a slow cooker?
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 6, 2021 at 7:44 pm

      Thanks, Jen! I don't see why not! Let' me know if you give it a go!
      Reply
  24. Karen says

    October 21, 2021 at 6:10 pm

    I've been looking for an al pastor recipe to make the super food bowls for my diet. This sounds perfect although I will need to replace the beans with vegetables. Which would you suggest?
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      April 20, 2022 at 6:36 pm

      Thanks, Kim. Maybe try cauliflower? It's sturdy and I'm sure it would taste great! Hope it works out!
      Reply
  25. Jonathan says

    March 23, 2022 at 5:25 am

    I'm not sure why a bowl full of rice is any healthier or lower carb than tortillas. The recipe looks good otherwise but I think it's a bit disingenuous to advertise it as such.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      April 19, 2022 at 7:52 am

      I'm not advertising this dish as anything but delicious! When using the rice for the recipe, you can use as much or as little as you like, so that's why I say "lower carb." Thank you!
      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 20 Dinner Recipes to Meal Prep for the Week - My Info Points says:
    October 22, 2017 at 1:43 pm
    […] 20. Pork al Pastor Bowls […]
    Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rate this recipe: ☆☆☆☆☆


I'm Patricia

Welcome to Grab a Plate!

Growing up surrounded by my Italian family it was always, "grab a plate" whenever anyone came to visit. Food was always a celebration, even everyday meals, and I like it that way. I try to make each meal memorable with my recipes for mainly meatless, mostly healthy, and easy-to-make dishes (with sweet treats in between).

Learn More...

Search

Subscribe
subscribe
Share your email & I will
send you new recipes!

You can unsubscribe anytime by clicking the "unsubscribe" link at the bottom of emails you receive.

Featured On

See More >>

featured posts

Spicy Tofu Banh Mi Sandwiches are plated and ready to serve.

Spicy Tofu Banh Mi Sandwiches

Creamy Skillet Tortellini with Arugula Pesto is a delicious dish. It's so easy to make, too.

Creamy Skillet Tortellini with Arugula Pesto

A big bowl of Simple Cabbage Salad with Poppyseed Dressing offers color and crunch thanks to the purple cabbage, apple, and cashews!

Simple Cabbage Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Copyright © 2013 - 2020 Grab A Plate · Logo by Response Creative · Disclosure and Privacy Policies