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Tacos al Pastor: A Delicious Mexican Classic

Tacos al Pastor A Delicious Mexican Classic Tacos al Pastor are a beloved Mexican street food known for their savory and spicy flavor. Inspired by shawarma brought to Mexico by Lebanese immigrants, this recipe features marinated pork cooked to perfection and served in soft tortillas. Follow this guide to recreate these tasty tacos at home….

September 18, 2024 by Alexánder González Rojas

Tacos al Pastor A Delicious Mexican Classic

Tacos al Pastor are a beloved Mexican street food known for their savory and spicy flavor. Inspired by shawarma brought to Mexico by Lebanese immigrants, this recipe features marinated pork cooked to perfection and served in soft tortillas. Follow this guide to recreate these tasty tacos at home.

Ingredients

  • Pork Shoulder: 1 kg (about 2.2 lbs), thinly sliced
  • Pineapple: 1 cup, chopped into small pieces
  • Corn Tortillas: 12 small
  • Lime: 2, cut into wedges

For the Marinade:

  • Dried Guajillo Chiles: 4, stems and seeds removed
  • Dried Ancho Chiles: 2, stems and seeds removed
  • Garlic Cloves: 4
  • White Vinegar: 1/4 cup
  • Orange Juice: 1/2 cup
  • Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon
  • Ground Oregano: 1 teaspoon
  • Paprika: 1 teaspoon
  • Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: 2 tablespoons
  • Salt: 1 tablespoon
  • Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon
  • Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons

For the Toppings:

  • Cilantro: Fresh, chopped
  • Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
  • Radishes: Thinly sliced
  • Salsa Verde: Optional, for extra flavor

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade:

    • Toast the Chiles: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the guajillo and ancho chiles until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn them.
    • Blend the Marinade: In a blender, combine the toasted chiles, garlic cloves, vinegar, orange juice, cumin, oregano, paprika, chipotle peppers, salt, pepper, and brown sugar. Blend until smooth.
  2. Marinate the Pork:

    • Marinate: Place the sliced pork in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
  3. Cook the Pork:

    • Grill or Sauté: Heat a grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated pork slices until well browned and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. If using a grill, you can also cook the pork on skewers.
    • Add Pineapple: During the last few minutes of cooking, add the chopped pineapple to the grill or skillet and cook until caramelized.
  4. Assemble the Tacos:

    • Warm the Tortillas: Heat the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or on a hot grill until warm and pliable.
    • Fill the Tacos: Slice the cooked pork and pineapple into bite-sized pieces. Place them in the warm tortillas.
    • Add Toppings: Top with chopped cilantro, finely chopped onion, and radish slices. Add salsa verde if desired.
  5. Serve:

    • Garnish and Enjoy: Serve the tacos with lime wedges for an extra burst of freshness. Enjoy your homemade Tacos al Pastor!

Tips

  • Marination Time: For the best flavor, marinate the pork overnight. This allows the spices to penetrate deeply and enhances the overall taste.

  • Cooking Method: While grilling gives a smoky flavor, sautéing in a skillet also works well if you don’t have access to a grill.

  • Pineapple: Fresh pineapple is ideal, but you can also use canned pineapple if necessary. Caramelizing the pineapple adds a nice touch of sweetness.

  • Toppings: Customize your tacos with additional toppings like sliced jalapeños or avocado slices according to your preference.

With these steps, you can enjoy the delicious taste of Tacos al Pastor right at home. ¡Enjoy your meal!

Author: Alexánder González Rojas