Pineapple Pulled Pork Al Pastor

1 . Stage

Place pork in a large brining vessel. Cut a few slashes into fat side of pork.

2 . Stage

Whisk salt, pineapple juice, and water together in a large bowl. Pour brine over pork. Refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours.

3 . Stage

Combine salt, ancho powder, chipotle powder, garlic powder, cumin, cinnamon, and oregano together for the rub.

4 . Stage

Remove pork from brine and place on a deep baking pan lined with foil. Season generously with spice rub. Reserve remaining spice rub for another use.

5 . Stage

Preheat a charcoal grill between 300 to 325 degrees F (150 to 175 degrees C). Place 2 bricks on the grate, if you like, and place the baking pan on top.

6 . Stage

Grill, occasionally spooning rendered juices over meat, until very tender, about 7 hours. Make sure to maintain the same 25-degree range in temperature by adjusting the vents under, and on top of the grill, or smoker. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of pork should read 195 degrees F (91 degrees C).

7 . Stage

Remove pan from the grill, wrap top in foil, and let rest for 1 hour. Meanwhile, cook pineapple over the last of the coals until nicely charred, 7 to 10 minutes.

8 . Stage

Dice grilled pineapple to get about 2 cups. Combine in a bowl with serrano pepper, red peppers, cilantro, and rice vinegar. Season with salt and a pinch of leftover spice rub.

9 . Stage

Remove pork bone and pull meat apart. Add to a bowl with some of the rendered fat; pull apart with 2 forks. Place some pork over each bottom bun, top with pineapple salsa, and cover with other half bun. Chef John