Tacos al Pastor - Cuban Style

Ingredients

While the original Mexican Tacos al Pastor typically use pork marinated in achiote paste and pineapple, our Cuban adaptation incorporates a unique blend of spices, citrus, and tropical fruits. The marinade is enriched with Cuban spices like cumin and oregano, and the pork is slow-cooked to perfection. The result is a tantalizing fusion of Mexican and Cuban flavors. We alse have the original recipe for Tacos al pastor, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) pork shoulder, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) pork shoulder, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons orange juice 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 2 tablespoons lime juice 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup white vinegar 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup fresh pineapple, finely chopped 1/4 cup fresh pineapple, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 8 small corn tortillas 8 small corn tortillas

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 5g)
• Carbohydrates: 20g (Sugars: 4g)
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper, cinnamon, and cloves. Mix well to create the marinade.
2. 2.
   Place the thinly sliced pork shoulder in a large resealable bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the pork. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the pork from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off.
4. 4.
   Grill or cook the pork for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until it is cooked through and slightly charred. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
5. 5.
   While the pork is resting, warm the corn tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side.
6. 6.
   Slice the cooked pork into thin strips. Serve the warm tortillas topped with the pork, fresh pineapple, cilantro, and red onion. Drizzle with pineapple juice and white vinegar.
7. 7.
   Enjoy your Cuban-inspired Tacos al Pastor!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork shoulder — For best results, choose a well-marbled cut of pork shoulder to ensure tenderness and flavor.
• Pineapple — Use fresh pineapple for a burst of tropical sweetness. If unavailable, canned pineapple can be used as a substitute.
• Corn tortillas — To enhance their flavor, lightly toast the tortillas on a dry skillet before serving.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top of the tacos.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili powder and black pepper in the marinade.
• Serve the tacos with a side of black beans and rice for a complete Cuban meal experience.
• Experiment with different toppings such as avocado slices, pickled jalapenos, or shredded lettuce to customize your tacos.
• If you don't have access to a grill, you can cook the marinated pork in a skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through.

Serving advice

Serve the Cuban-style Tacos al Pastor with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a dollop of tangy salsa on top. Accompany them with a side of traditional Cuban black beans and rice for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the sliced pork, fresh pineapple, cilantro, and red onion on a platter. Place the warm tortillas in a basket or on a serving plate. Allow your guests to assemble their own tacos, adding their desired toppings and drizzling with pineapple juice and white vinegar.