Tacos al Pastor - Haute Cuisine Style

Ingredients

While staying true to the essence of Tacos al Pastor, this haute cuisine adaptation introduces refined techniques and premium ingredients to elevate the dish. The presentation is more elegant, the flavors are intensified, and the overall experience is elevated to match the standards of haute cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Tacos al pastor, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) pork tenderloin, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) pork tenderloin, thinly sliced
• 1 pineapple, peeled and sliced into rings 1 pineapple, peeled and sliced into rings
• 1 white onion, finely chopped 1 white onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
• 2 tablespoons achiote paste 2 tablespoons achiote paste
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 small corn tortillas 12 small corn tortillas
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving Lime wedges, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated: 3g)
• Carbohydrates: 30g (Sugars: 10g)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, minced chipotle peppers, achiote paste, dried oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika, white vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form a marinade.
2. 2.
   Add the thinly sliced pork tenderloin to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated pork slices for 2-3 minutes on each side until cooked through and slightly charred. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
4. 4.
   Meanwhile, grill the pineapple rings for 1-2 minutes on each side until lightly caramelized. Remove from heat and chop into small pieces.
5. 5.
   Warm the corn tortillas on the grill or stovetop until soft and pliable.
6. 6.
   To assemble the tacos, place a few slices of grilled pork on each tortilla. Top with chopped grilled pineapple, finely chopped onion, and fresh cilantro. Squeeze a lime wedge over each taco.
7. 7.
   Serve the haute cuisine Tacos al Pastor immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork tenderloin — For tender and juicy results, make sure to slice the pork tenderloin thinly against the grain.
• 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 profile.
• Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce — Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers according to your desired level of spiciness.
• Corn tortillas — To prevent them from drying out, keep the tortillas warm by wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel while you assemble the tacos.
• Grilled pineapple — The caramelized sweetness of grilled pineapple adds a delightful contrast to the savory flavors. Make sure to grill it just until lightly golden for the perfect balance.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of luxury, consider garnishing the tacos with edible flowers or microgreens.
• If you prefer a smokier flavor, you can add a small amount of liquid smoke to the marinade.
• Experiment with different toppings such as pickled red onions, avocado slices, or crumbled queso fresco to add your own twist to these haute cuisine tacos.
• If you don't have access to a grill, you can achieve similar results by using a grill pan or broiling the pork and pineapple in the oven.
• To save time, you can marinate the pork overnight, allowing the flavors to develop even further.

Serving advice

Serve these haute cuisine Tacos al Pastor as a main course for a sophisticated dinner party or as an impressive dish for a special occasion. Accompany them with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the tacos on a beautiful platter, garnishing them with fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges. Consider serving them on individual plates for an elegant presentation. The vibrant colors of the grilled pork, pineapple, and garnishes will make these tacos a feast for the eyes.