Hello foodies! Today, I’ve a very special recipe for you, all the way from Mexico – Tacos al Pastor.
Tacos al Pastor is a yummy Mexican dish with super tasty pork. I really enjoy making and eating Tacos al Pastor, for this Mexican dish brings so much flavor to the table. The star of the show is, of course, the pork, and the secret lies in marinating it with a mix of tasty spices, including chilies and the sweetness of pineapple.
The cooking process is pretty special too. The marinated pork goes on a spinning stick, giving it a crispy outside and keeping it wonderfully juicy inside. I find it fascinating that this cooking method has its roots in Lebanese Shawarma, brought to Mexico by Lebanese immigrants.
Once the pork is ready, I love slicing it and placing it on small tortillas. The toppings, like fresh cilantro, onions, and pineapple, add a variety of textures and flavors. Sometimes, I’ll add a bit of salsa for an extra kick.
Tacos al Pastor has become a favorite of mine, leaving behind the classic Tri Tip Tacos, not just for its amazing taste but also for the cultural mix that went into creating it. Each bite is like a little celebration of flavors!
What is Tacos al Pastor in English?
Tacos al Pastor in English means “Shepherd-style Tacos,” and it’s a yummy Mexican dish. The star of the dish is pork, which is marinated and then cooked on a spinning stick. This cooking method makes the pork crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The marinade includes tasty spices like chilies, pineapple, or even our zesty Pork Dry Rub, giving the pork a special flavor.
The name “al Pastor” comes from the cooking style, which was inspired by Lebanese shawarma. Immigrants from Lebanon brought this technique to Mexico, adding a unique touch to the country’s culinary scene.
When the pork is ready, it’s sliced and put on small tortillas. People often add fresh cilantro, onions, and pineapple on top, and sometimes a bit of salsa. The combination of flavors and textures makes Tacos al Pastor a popular choice for a delicious meal.
So, in a nutshell, Tacos al Pastor, much like it’s rival Creamy Tacos, is a mouthwatering experience with a blend of history, culture, and fantastic flavors. Each bite is like a small celebration of your taste buds!
Authentic Tacos al Pastor Recipe
Equipment
- Blender (Hand or Electric)
- Mixing Bowl
- Trompo recommended for authentic taste
- Oven or Grill if don't have trompo
- Cutting Board and Knife
- Tongs
- Skewers
- Tortilla Warmer
Ingredients
- 2 to 2.5 pounds pork shoulder thinly sliced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 3 dried guajillo chilies stemmed and seeded
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon achiote paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Corn tortillas
- Fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish
- Diced onions for garnish
- Pineapple chunks for garnish
- Salsa optional, for serving
Instructions
- In a blender, combine pineapple chunks, guajillo chilies, garlic, achiote paste, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Blend until you have a smooth marinade.
- Place the sliced pork in a bowl and cover it with the marinade. Ensure each piece is well-coated. Marinate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
- If using a vertical rotisserie (trompo), stack the marinated pork and cook it on the rotating spit for 1.5 to 2 hours until fully cooked and the outer layer is crispy.
- If using an oven or grill, cook the marinated pork at a low temperature, turning occasionally for even cooking.
- Warm the corn tortillas.
- Place a few slices of the cooked pork on each tortilla.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and pineapple chunks. Add salsa if desired.
- Serve the Tacos al Pastor warm and enjoy the burst of flavors in each bite.
Notes
- Marination Time: Allow enough time for the pork to marinate—ideally overnight—for maximum flavor.
- Cooking Method: Choose a cooking method that suits your kitchen, whether it’s a vertical rotisserie, oven, or grill.
- Slice Thinly: Thinly slice the cooked pork for an authentic texture and better distribution of flavors in each taco.
- Toppings to Taste: Customize toppings like cilantro, onions, and pineapple according to personal preference for a personalized touch.
Nutrition
NOTE: Nutritional Values are rough estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods. It is recommended to calculate the values based on the exact ingredients and quantities you use.
Tips to get Perfect Authentic Tacos al Pastor
To achieve perfectly authentic Tacos al Pastor:
- Ingredients Matter: Use traditional ingredients like pork shoulder, guajillo chilies, achiote paste, and pineapple for an authentic flavor.
- Marination is Key: Allow the pork to marinate for an extended period, preferably overnight, to ensure it absorbs the rich flavors. Use Al Pastor Marinade to enjoy the authentic Mexican meal to its fullest!
- Stick to the Method: If possible, cook the marinated pork on a vertical rotisserie (trompo) for that characteristic crispy exterior and juicy interior.
- Thin Slices: Slice the cooked pork thinly to mimic the texture found in street-style Tacos al Pastor.
- Tortilla Perfection: Warm corn tortillas before assembling the tacos to enhance their pliability and flavor.
- Authentic Toppings: Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and pineapple chunks—keeping it true to the traditional Mexican style.
- Savor the Simplicity: Embrace the simplicity of the dish, letting the well-marinated, slow-cooked pork and vibrant toppings take center stage.
Remember, authenticity often lies in the adherence to traditional methods and flavors, so feel free to experiment while respecting the essence of the dish.
What goes best with Tacos al Pastor?
Tacos al Pastor pairs well with a variety of complementary dishes and beverages to create a balanced and satisfying meal. Here are some suggestions:
1. Sides:
2. Beverages:
3. Condiments and Toppings:
4. Salad:
5. Desserts:
Mix and match these options based on your preferences to create a well-rounded and satisfying dining experience.
PRO TIP: Enjoy a Taco Platter which includes Tacos al Pastor, Creamy Tacos, Tri Tip Tacos, and Shrimp Tacos for a hearty meal.