Al Pastor Tacos
001 Tacos de carnitas, carne asada y al pastor.jpg by Flickr upload bot · CC BY-SA 2.0
Al Pastor Tacos are a vibrant and flavorful staple of Mexican street food, celebrated for their tender pork marinated in a tangy, spicy blend of chiles and spices. The combination of juicy meat with fresh pineapple and crispy tortillas creates a perfectly balanced bite, making these tacos an irresistible choice for any occasion.
Originating from Lebanese immigrants who brought spit-grilled shawarma to Mexico, Al Pastor has evolved into a beloved dish, especially in Mexico City. Its name means 'shepherd style,' referencing the meat's traditional cooking on a vertical spit, called a trompo. Today, al pastor is enjoyed worldwide, famed for its smoky char and sweet pineapple accents that elevate the savory experience.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork shoulder, thinly sliced
- 3 dried guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 1 tbsp achiote paste
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1 fresh pineapple, sliced into rings
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- 1
Rehydrate the guajillo chiles in hot water for 10 minutes, then drain.
- 2
In a blender, combine rehydrated chiles, chipotle peppers, garlic, vinegar, orange juice, achiote paste, cumin, paprika, black pepper, and oregano. Blend until smooth to make the marinade.
- 3
Place the sliced pork in a large bowl and pour the marinade over it. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- 4
Heat a large skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork and cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- 5
While the pork is cooking, grill or pan-fry pineapple slices until caramelized, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- 6
Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft.
- 7
Assemble the tacos by placing a portion of cooked pork on each tortilla, followed by grilled pineapple, chopped red onion, and cilantro.
- 8
Serve immediately, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.