Al Pastor Street Tacos

Get ready to take your taco game to a whole new level. Al Pastor Tacos are a Mexican street food sensation, known for their smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. With corn tortillas as the foundation, topped with fresh cilantro and a zesty salsa, these tacos will leave you craving for more. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive in!

Ingredients:

For the Al Pastor Marinade:

• 2 pounds of boneless pork shoulder, thinly sliced
• 3 dried guajillo chilies
• 2 dried ancho chilies
• 1/2 cup of pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup of white vinegar
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of achiote paste
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

For the Tomatillo Salsa:

• 4 tomatillos, husked and rinsed
• 2 jalapeño peppers
• 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/4 cup of white onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 lime, juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

• 12 corn tortillas
• 2 cups of fresh pineapple chunks
• 1 cup of fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

Now, let’s get cooking!

Marinating the Pork (20 minutes preparation, 2-4 hours marinating)

1. Begin by toasting the dried guajillo and ancho chilies in a dry, hot skillet for a minute or two. This will release their incredible flavors. After toasting, remove the seeds and stems from the chilies and soak them in hot water for about 20 minutes to soften.
2. While the chilies are soaking, it’s time to prepare the pork. Thinly slice the boneless pork shoulder into thin strips, about 1/4-inch thick.
3. Once the chilies have softened, place them in a blender along with the pineapple juice, white vinegar, minced garlic, achiote paste, ground cumin, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Blend until you have a smooth, vibrant red marinade.
4. In a large bowl, combine the sliced pork and the marinade, ensuring that each piece of meat is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and infuse into the meat. The longer you marinate, the better the flavor, so be patient – it’s worth it!

Creating the Tomatillo Salsa (10 minutes preparation)

1. In the meantime, let’s whip up a fresh and zesty green salsa. Begin by roasting the tomatillos and jalapeño peppers over an open flame or under the broiler until they are slightly charred and softened. This gives them a smoky depth of flavor.
2. Once roasted, place the tomatillos, jalapeños, fresh cilantro, chopped white onion, and garlic in a blender. Squeeze in the juice of one lime and add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Blend the mixture until it’s a perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and herbaceous. If you like it extra spicy, leave the jalapeño seeds in. If not, remove them before blending. Pour the salsa into a bowl and set it aside to let the flavors meld.

Cooking the Al Pastor Pork (15-20 minutes)

1. After the pork has marinated, it’s time to cook it to perfection. Preheat your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. If using a skillet, add a touch of oil to prevent sticking.
2. Grill the marinated pork slices for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are slightly charred and cooked through. The natural sugars in the pineapple juice will caramelize, giving the pork a sweet, smoky glaze.
3. As the pork cooks, feel free to brush on any remaining marinade to enhance the flavor and keep the meat moist.
4. Once cooked, remove the pork from the grill or skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice it into bite-sized pieces for easy taco assembly.

Assembling Your Al Pastor Tacos (15 minutes)

1. Warm your corn tortillas in a dry skillet or on the grill for a minute or two on each side until they’re pliable and slightly charred. This will enhance their flavor and texture.
2. Lay out your warm tortillas and fill them with the succulent, grilled Al Pastor pork. Top each taco with a generous helping of fresh pineapple chunks for a burst of sweetness and a delightful contrast to the savory pork.
3. Sprinkle a handful of chopped fresh cilantro over the tacos to add a pop of color and a hint of citrusy aroma.
4. Drizzle your tomatillo salsa over the top. The salsa’s tangy freshness and subtle heat will perfectly balance the richness of the Al Pastor.
5. Serve your tacos with lime wedges on the side. A squeeze of lime juice adds a zing that elevates the flavors and makes your taste buds dance with joy.

Enjoying Your Culinary Creation

Now that you’ve put together these tantalizing Al Pastor Tacos, it’s time to savor the moment. Each bite is a harmony of textures and flavors, with the tender, smoky pork complemented by the sweet pineapple, vibrant cilantro, and zesty green salsa.

These tacos are a fantastic option for a quick weeknight dinner, a weekend fiesta with friends, or any occasion that calls for a delicious, healthy meal. Plus, they’re an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and antioxidants. The green salsa, in particular, offers a burst of vitamin C from the tomatillos and jalapeños, which can help boost your immune system.

Remember that the key to a great Al Pastor Taco is balance. The marinade imparts the depth of flavor, the pineapple adds sweetness, and the green salsa provides a zesty kick. The combination of these elements makes this dish a standout favorite, whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice.

Additional Tips and Variations

• Don’t have a grill or skillet? You can also cook the pork in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
• If you’re in a hurry, you can use store-bought green salsa. However, making your own gives you full control over the flavors and spice level.
• For a healthier twist, you can use whole-grain corn tortillas or lettuce wraps instead of traditional corn tortillas.
• Try serving your Al Pastor Tacos with a side of Mexican rice and black beans for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Feel free to customize your tacos with additional toppings like sliced radishes, crumbled queso fresco, or pickled red onions.

Conclusion

In the realm of Mexican cuisine, Al Pastor Tacos are a cherished classic, and now you have the skills to create them in the comfort of your own kitchen. The vibrant colors and bold flavors of these tacos are sure to impress both your palate and your guests. With the smoky, savory Al Pastor pork, the burst of sweetness from pineapple, the freshness of cilantro, and the zesty green salsa, this dish embodies the essence of balanced and healthy cooking.

So, whether it’s a family dinner, a casual gathering, or just a regular Tuesday night, whip up a batch of Al Pastor Tacos to transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Mexico. Make this recipe your own, experiment with different toppings, and share the love of good food with your loved ones. Cooking can be an adventure, and these Al Pastor Tacos are your passport to a world of flavor and fun. Happy cooking, and even happier eating!