Imagine bringing the vibrant streets of Mexico right into your kitchen with a mouthwatering Pork Al Pastor Casserole that's ready in under an hour! This Instant Pot miracle transforms humble pork shoulder into a tender, tangy, and absolutely irresistible dish that will have your family begging for seconds. Packed with the classic al pastor flavors of pineapple, adobo, and perfectly seasoned meat, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight dinner superhero.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, cubed
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp adobo sauce
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the pork by cutting the pork shoulder into 1-inch cubes, ensuring they are relatively uniform in size for even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, adobo sauce, minced garlic, diced onion, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- Add the cubed pork to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let the meat marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature to enhance flavor absorption.
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the "Sauté" function. Allow the pot to heat up for 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer the marinated pork into the Instant Pot, reserving the remaining marinade. Sear the pork cubes for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally to develop a golden-brown exterior.
- Pour the reserved marinade over the seared pork, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to prevent burning.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to "Sealing", and select the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" setting. Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and check the pork's tenderness. If needed, use two forks to shred the meat or keep it in cubed form.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro, diced pineapple, or serve over rice or in tortillas.
Tips
- Marinating Magic: Don't rush the marinating process. Even 15 minutes can significantly enhance the meat's flavor, but if you have time, letting it sit for a few hours (or overnight) in the refrigerator will take the taste to the next level.
- Searing is Caring: Take the time to properly sear the pork cubes. This step creates a beautiful golden-brown exterior that locks in flavor and adds depth to the final dish.
- Uniform Cutting: When cubing the pork shoulder, aim for consistent 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking throughout.
- Natural Release Matters: Allow for the 10-minute natural pressure release to help the meat become extra tender and retain its juiciness.
- Serving Suggestions: While delicious on its own, this dish is incredibly versatile. Serve over rice, in warm tortillas, or as a topping for nachos for a crowd-pleasing meal.
- Leftover Love: This recipe freezes beautifully, so don't be afraid to make a double batch for quick future meals.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 265kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 67mg
