Fiesta of Tacos al Pastor
Welcome to the ultimate guide to making Tacos al Pastor right in your own kitchen! If you’ve ever savored the tantalizing aroma of marinated pork, charred to perfection and nestled in a warm tortilla with a rainbow of toppings, then you’re in for a treat. Tacos al Pastor, with their origins rooted in the heart of Mexico City, are a fiesta on a plate—a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that will transport your taste buds south of the border.
Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:
For the Marinade:
3 dried guajillo chilies, stemmed and seeded
2 dried ancho chilies, stemmed and seeded
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup orange juice
3 cloves garlic
1/2 small onion, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pork:
2 lbs pork shoulder, thinly sliced (about 1/4 inch thick)
1/2 cup pineapple chunks
1/4 cup white vinegar
2 tablespoons achiote paste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
To Serve:
Corn tortillas
Chopped fresh pineapple
Chopped cilantro
Diced white onion
Lime wedges
Salsa verde or your favorite salsa
Preparation:
Let’s get cooking!
Prepare the Marinade:
In a bowl, combine the dried guajillo and ancho chilies with hot water. Let them soak for 15-20 minutes until softened.
Drain the chilies and transfer to a blender. Add pineapple juice, orange juice, garlic, onion, oregano, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
Marinate the Pork:
Place the thinly sliced pork shoulder in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag.
Pour the marinade over the pork, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight for the best flavor.
Prepare the Adobo Sauce:
In a blender, combine the pineapple chunks, white vinegar, and achiote paste. Blend until smooth. This will be used as a baste while grilling.
Cooking Time:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or set up a grill pan on the stove over medium-high heat.
Remove the pork from the marinade and thread onto skewers, folding each slice in half.
Grill the pork skewers for about 3-4 minutes on each side, basting with the adobo sauce occasionally, until nicely charred and cooked through.
Assemble Your Tacos:
Warm the corn tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds per side until they are soft and pliable.
Remove the pork from the skewers and place onto a serving platter.
Serve the tacos al pastor with warm tortillas, chopped fresh pineapple, cilantro, diced onion, lime wedges, and salsa verde on the side.
Serving Size and Cook Time Duration:
Serving Size: This recipe makes approximately 8-10 tacos, serving 4-5 people.
Cook Time Duration: Preparation time is about 20 minutes, plus at least 2 hours for marinating. Cooking time is approximately 10-15 minutes.
Tips for Success:
Marinating Time: For the most flavorful results, marinate the pork overnight.
Grilling Tips: Ensure your grill or grill pan is hot before adding the pork to achieve that perfect char.
Tortilla Warm-Up: Heating the tortillas on the grill adds a smoky flavor and makes them more pliable for wrapping.
Enjoy Your Culinary Adventure!
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making Tacos al Pastor, it’s time to dig in and enjoy! These tacos are not just a meal—they’re a celebration of flavors that will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or craving a taste of Mexico at home, these tacos are sure to be a hit. So fire up the grill, gather your favorite toppings, and get ready to savor every delicious bite. Happy cooking! 🌮
