Fusion Recipe Lab / Recipe

Teriyaki Al Pastor Bao

Pineapple pork al pastor flavors blended with teriyaki glaze in soft bao buns.

Vehicle

bao

Inspiration

Mexican / Japanese / Chinese

Flavor Profile

sweet-savory, umami, tangy

Meal Type

dinner

Protein

pork

Spice Level

medium

Texture

soft

Difficulty

moderate

Prep Time

30 minutes

Cook Time

30 minutes

Total Time

1 hour

Prep Style

meal-prep

Tags

handheld, pork, street-food, crowd-pleaser

Notebook Entry

Description

Al pastor-style pork gets a teriyaki finish for sticky caramelized edges and balanced pineapple acidity.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb pork shoulder, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp pineapple juice
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tbsp achiote paste
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • 1 cup diced pineapple, seared
  • 12 frozen bao buns

Preparation

  1. Marinate pork with soy, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, achiote, and sugar for 20 minutes.
  2. Sear pork in a hot skillet until browned and cooked through.
  3. Add pineapple and cook until lightly caramelized.
  4. Steam bao.

Assembly

  1. Fill bao with teriyaki al pastor pork.
  2. Spoon over pan juices and extra pineapple.

Serving Suggestions

  • Add pickled red onion and cilantro.
  • Serve with lime wedges.

Notes or Variations

  • Chicken thigh works as a substitute.
  • Add chili flakes for more heat.