Greek-style Tacos al Pastor

Ingredients

While the original Tacos al Pastor is typically made with marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, our Greek adaptation replaces the traditional Mexican spices with a Greek-inspired marinade. Additionally, instead of using corn tortillas, we swap them for soft and fluffy pita bread. The toppings are also adjusted to include classic Greek ingredients, adding a Mediterranean twist to this beloved Mexican dish. 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
• 4 tablespoons olive oil 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4-6 pita breads 4-6 pita breads
• Tzatziki sauce, for serving Tzatziki sauce, for serving
• Sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions, for garnish Sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 15g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
• Carbohydrates: 25g (Sugars: 2g)
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
2. 2.
   Add the thinly sliced pork shoulder to the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. 3.
   Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Remove the marinated pork from the refrigerator and thread the slices onto skewers.
5. 5.
   Grill the pork skewers for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and slightly charred.
6. 6.
   While the pork is grilling, warm the pita breads on the grill for a minute on each side.
7. 7.
   Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the skewers and transfer to a serving plate.
8. 8.
   To assemble the Greek-style Tacos al Pastor, place a generous amount of grilled pork onto each warm pita bread. Top with tzatziki sauce, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions.
9. 9.
   Fold the pita bread over the filling, creating a taco shape.
10. 10.
    Serve immediately and enjoy the fusion of Greek and Mexican flavors!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork shoulder — For best results, choose a well-marbled cut of pork shoulder to ensure tenderness and flavor.
• Tzatziki sauce — If you prefer a thicker consistency, strain the yogurt before making the tzatziki sauce.
• Pita bread — Warm the pita bread on the grill or stovetop for a few seconds on each side to make it more pliable and enhance its flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smoky flavor, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika to the marinade.
• If you don't have access to a grill, you can cook the marinated pork in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Customize your toppings by adding crumbled feta cheese or Kalamata olives for an extra Greek touch.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top of the tacos.
• Leftover grilled pork can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and used in salads or sandwiches.

Serving advice

Serve the Greek-style Tacos al Pastor as a main course for a casual lunch or dinner. Accompany them with a side of Greek salad or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the assembled tacos on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or mint, to add a pop of color and freshness.