Tacos al Pastor

Ingredients

While the original Tacos al Pastor is traditionally cooked on a vertical spit, this fast food adaptation simplifies the cooking process by using a grill or stovetop. Additionally, the toppings are adjusted to suit the fast food style, with a focus on convenience and speed without compromising on flavor. 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 vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons chili powder 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons achiote paste 2 tablespoons achiote paste
• 8 small flour tortillas 8 small flour tortillas
• 1 cup diced pineapple 1 cup diced pineapple
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup diced red onion 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup sliced pickled jalapenos 1/4 cup sliced pickled jalapenos
• Lime wedges, for serving Lime wedges, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 20g (Saturated Fat: 6g)
• Carbohydrates: 40g (Sugars: 8g)
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the vegetable oil, chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, pineapple juice, white vinegar, and achiote paste. Mix well to form a marinade.
2. 2.
   Add the sliced pork to the marinade and toss until well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
3. 3.
   Preheat a grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the pork from the marinade and grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
4. 4.
   Warm the flour tortillas on the grill or stovetop for a few seconds on each side.
5. 5.
   To assemble the tacos, place a few slices of grilled pork on each tortilla. Top with diced pineapple, chopped cilantro, diced red onion, and sliced pickled jalapenos. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the filling.
6. 6.
   Serve the Tacos al Pastor immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork shoulder — For best results, choose a well-marbled cut of pork shoulder to ensure juicy and tender meat.
• Achiote paste — If you can't find achiote paste, you can substitute it with a mixture of paprika, cumin, and annatto powder for a similar flavor.
• Pineapple — Fresh pineapple adds a delightful sweetness to the tacos. Make sure to use ripe pineapple for the best taste.
• Tortillas — Warm the tortillas just before serving to enhance their flavor and make them more pliable.
• Pickled jalapenos — Adjust the amount of pickled jalapenos according to your spice preference.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smoky flavor, you can add a small amount of chipotle powder to the marinade.
• If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of chili powder and pickled jalapenos.
• To save time, you can marinate the pork overnight, allowing the flavors to develop even more.
• Serve the tacos with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal.
• Customize your tacos by adding your favorite toppings such as guacamole, sour cream, or shredded cheese.

Serving advice

Serve the Tacos al Pastor with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos. This adds a refreshing citrus kick that balances the flavors of the marinated pork and toppings.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Tacos al Pastor on a platter, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves. The vibrant colors of the diced pineapple, red onion, and pickled jalapenos will make the dish visually appealing.