Al Pastor Little Smokies Recipe With Pineapple

I absolutely love this recipe because it combines the smoky, spicy kick of the adobo sauce with the sweet, tropical notes of pineapple, creating a perfect balance that dances on my taste buds. Plus, it’s so easy and fun to make that it feels like an exciting culinary adventure every time I whip it up for a gathering with friends!

The Al Pastor Little Smokies recipe is an assembly of flavors that is downright delightful. Pineapple chunks mix with the adobo sauce, sweetening it and pushing it just this side of smoky hot.

Brown sugar and apple cider vinegar balance to perfection while you mix and mellow in the pot. Cumin and smoked paprika add depth and dimension.

To serve, pile these smoky, tender, and a little bit sweet and spicy bites on a plate, shower with fresh cilantro, and hand your guests lime wedges to squirt over the top.

Al Pastor Little Smokies Recipe With Pineapple Ingredients

• Little Smokies sausages: Savory and meaty, they bring protein and a smokiness to the dish.
• Pineapple chunks: Sweet and juicy, they provide natural sugars and a tropical flavor.
• Pineapple juice: Balanced sweetness and tanginess, it’s a source of vitamin C.
• Adobo sauce: Spicy and savory, it adds depth with smoky chipotle peppers.
• Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
• Apple cider vinegar: Provides a tangy contrast, enhancing overall flavor complexity.
• Cumin: Earthy and warm, it provides a depth of flavor typical in Mexican dishes.

Al Pastor Little Smokies Recipe With Pineapple Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound Little Smokies sausages
• 1 cup pineapple chunks, fresh or canned
• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple (with juice if using canned)
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup adobo sauce from a can of chipotle peppers
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges, for serving

How to Make this Al Pastor Little Smokies Recipe With Pineapple

1. In a blender or food processor, place the adobo sauce, crushed pineapple (with juice), pineapple juice, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder. Blend until smooth and well combined to form the Al Pastor sauce.

2. In a large frying pan or saucepan, warm the vegetable oil over medium heat.

3. Pour the Al Pastor sauce into the skillet and allow it to come to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring it here and there so it doesn’t get too thick on the bottom, until the sauce thickens slightly and starts looking cohesive. It should look like it could hug some meat.

4. Add the sau-sages, little Smokies, to the skillet and stir them into the sauce. Make sure to coat them completely with this sauce.

5. Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let the sausages indulge in the sauce for 15-20 minutes, maybe a little longer. Stir occasionally so the cook and the flavor can coalesce evenly throughout the dish.

6. As the sausages cook, take another small pan and heat it over medium-high heat. Lightly sear the pineapple chunks in this pan until they are caramelized and have some nice grill marks on them, about 2–3 minutes per side. Then set the pineapple chunks aside.

7. After the sausages are done cooking and the sauce has thickened to your preferred consistency, take the skillet off the heat.

8. Pour any remaining sauce over the Little Smokies and transfer them to a serving dish.

9. Add the grilled pineapple chunks and finish with a sprinkle of finely chopped cilantro.

10. Lime wedges are a great way to add even more flavor to the Al Pastor Little Smokies. The dish is essentially smoky and sweet, thanks to the chipotle and the brown sugar. But it’s also bright and bursting with flavor, thanks to the toppings. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an even fresher experience. Enjoy your Al Pastor Little Smokies while hot!

Al Pastor Little Smokies Recipe With Pineapple Equipment Needed

1. Blender or food processor
2. Large frying pan or saucepan with a lid
3. Small pan
4. Stirring spoon
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Serving dish
8. Knife (for chopping cilantro and lime wedges)
9. Cutting board

FAQ

• Can I use another type of sausage instead of Little Smokies?You can indeed use cocktail sausages or even sliced regular sausages as substitutes, but the taste and the petite size will vary a tad from the original.
• Is there a substitute for adobo sauce?A mixture of tomato paste, smoked paprika, and a bit of hot sauce can give you a similar flavor profile if you substitute adobo sauce with it.
• Can I make this recipe spicier?Definitely! Include some diced chipotle peppers or an added dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• What is the best way to serve Al Pastor Little Smokies?As an appetizer or snack, and with toothpicks in hand, they are perfect. They are part of a buffet and are served, with the accompanying lime wedges and fresh cilantro garnishing, as snacks. They are bright and fresh as the appetizer or buffet snack.
• Can I prepare this dish in advance?Indeed, they can be made ahead of time, and reheated just before serving. In fact, they taste even better after the flavors have melded together.
• Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?Indeed, freshly cut pineapple makes an excellent addition and will provide an amazing flavor component. Just be sure to add some sort of liquid to keep the dish from getting dried out; I usually just toss in some pineapple juice.
• How can I store leftovers?Keep any uneaten portions in a sealed container in the fridge for a maximum of 3 days. To make edible again, warm on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Al Pastor Little Smokies Recipe With Pineapple Substitutions and Variations

You can use sliced kielbasa or cocktail wieners instead of Little Smokies sausages.
If you don’t have fresh or canned pineapple, you can replace it with mango, giving this dish a different tropical twist.
You can replicate adobo sauce by mixing smoked paprika, chipotle powder, and some tomato paste to make a sauce that has a similar smoky, spicy flavor.
You can substitute white wine vinegar or rice vinegar for apple cider vinegar.
You can use honey or maple syrup to sweeten your dish if you don’t have brown sugar.

Pro Tips

1. Balance the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of adobo sauce or remove the seeds from the chipotle peppers before blending. You can also add more brown sugar or pineapple juice to balance the spiciness.