A combustor assembly for use in a gas turbine engine and method of assembly is described. The combustor assembly includes a combustor liner having a slot that at least partially circumscribes the combustor liner. The slot is defined adjacent to a venturi throat region defined within the liner. The combustor assembly also includes a restrictor plate having at least one aperture defined therein. The restrictor plate is removably coupled within the combustor assembly such that the restrictor plate is inserted within the slot and extends at least partially across the venturi throat region.