Al Pastor Marinade Recipe

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This Al Pastor Marinade brings tasty and authentic smoky flavors for those famous Al Pastor Tacos and more. Packed with deliciousness, this marinade mixes dried peppers, orange juice, garlic, herbs, and a bit of pineapple for sweetness.

Tacos Al Pastor is my top choice, especially since it’s tough to find good ones where I live now. That’s why I make them at home – homemade is just better, right? While my hubby loves Creamy Tacos, this and Buffalo Chicken Sliders are my go-to favorites!

Believed to have originated in Central Mexico, particularly in the lively city of Puebla, this flavorful marinade has roots in Lebanese immigrants’ influence during the early 20th century.

They brought their cherished shawarma, and as it blended with local Mexican cuisine, the al pastor marinade became a mouthwatering fusion of flavors.

What is Al Pastor?

If you’re new to al pastor, prepare for a delightful experience! Traditionally, al pastor marries pork in a tasty chile mix and cooks it on a rotating stick. The pork gets beautifully charred as it turns and is then sliced and served in a tortilla.

It might sound like shawarma, and that’s because it has roots in lamb shawarma brought to Mexico by Lebanese immigrants in the 19th century. Pretty interesting, right?

Since I often daydream about them, I really wanted to recreate the fantastic flavors of tacos al pastor using what I have at home. The key? A top-notch al pastor marinade.

That’s how I came up with this simple al pastor marinade recipe. Made with chiles, orange juice, and achiote paste, it’s earthy, smoky, citrusy, and absolutely delicious!

Marination Secrets

Al pastor calls for this traditional adobo sauce, which is perfect for marinating meat. But you can use it the same way to marinate chicken.

This sauce adds the perfect amount of heat and spice to any marinade, whether it’s for chicken, pig, beef, or veggies. The chipotle’s smokey flavor gives it depth, and the orange juice gives it a zesty, invigorating acidity. A sweetness complements the pungent garlic, creating a delectable combination of flavors.

The marinade is easy to apply; just coat your meat or vegetables of choice and set aside. Allow the flavors to combine and intensify for at least an hour; however, if you possess additional time, marinating your meal overnight will elevate it to a whole new level while rendering it incredibly delicate. After that, get your oven or grill ready for a delectable explosion!

What To Serve With al Pastor Marinade?

• Spicy Pickled Red Onions 
• Caldo De Pollo
• Grilled Skirt Steak with Tomatillo Avocado Salsa
• Mexican Cornbread Muffins

Can We Store Al Pastor Marinade for Further Consumption?

Yes, It is possible to save Al Pastor marinade for later use, giving you the flexibility to savor the unique flavors whenever it suits you best.

Once the marinade is ready, move it into a refrigerator-safe container and seal it. You can keep the marinade in the fridge for up to five days.

This amount of time guarantees that the flavors combine and the ingredients stay fresh, resulting in a rich flavor profile. To keep the marinade fresh, always use an airtight, clean container.

Give the marinade a brisk toss to reunite any separated ingredients before using it. Al Pastor marinade is a handy alternative for quick and delectable dinners whenever the craving strikes because it lets you plan ahead.