Albóndigas al Pastor en Salsa Roja (Pastor Meatballs in Red Salsa)
Juicy pork meatballs spiced with pastor marinade, simmered in a smoky red salsa and served with fresh coriander and lime.
Made with Salsa roja (cooked red salsa) and Al pastor marinade. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time55 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £2.05 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Mix the masa harina with the water in a large bowl and leave for 5 minutes to thicken.
5 min - 2
Add the pork mince, your ready made al pastor marinade (see the base recipe), half the onion and the garlic. Mix well with your hands and shape into 20 balls the size of a walnut.
- 3
Heat the oil in a large wide pan over a medium high heat. Brown the meatballs in batches for 6 to 8 minutes, turning, until golden all over.
8 min - 4
Pour in your ready made salsa roja (see the base recipe) and add the remaining onion. Bring to a simmer.
- 5
Cover and simmer gently for 15 minutes, turning the meatballs once, until cooked through with no pink and the sauce is thick.
15 min - 6
Scatter with coriander and serve with lime wedges and warm tortillas, rice or beans.
Tips
- The masa harina keeps the meatballs tender and holds them together without egg or breadcrumbs.
- Wet your hands when shaping to stop the mince sticking.
- Simmer gently. A hard boil toughens the meatballs.
- Check one meatball is cooked through, with no pink and juices running clear, before serving.
Storing and freezing
Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days, cooled within 1 to 2 hours. Freeze in the sauce for up to 3 months. Reheat until steaming hot all the way through.
Questions
Can I use beef or turkey mince?
Yes. Turkey mince works well, but add a tablespoon of oil to the mix because it is leaner. Cook until there is no pink.
Is it gluten free and egg free?
Yes. Masa harina is corn, so there is no wheat, egg or dairy. Check the label of your masa harina and the achiote paste.
Can I bake the meatballs?
Yes. Bake at 200 degrees C for 15 minutes, then simmer in the sauce for 10 minutes.
More made with salsa roja (cooked red salsa)
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.