Macanese-style Pork Tacos

Ingredients

In this Macanese adaptation of tacos al pastor, we incorporate Macanese spices and flavors to create a unique fusion dish. The traditional Mexican marinade is enhanced with Macanese spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, giving the pork a distinct aroma and flavor. Additionally, we use Macanese-style sauces and condiments to complement the tacos, adding a touch of Macanese culinary tradition to the 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
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato ketchup 2 tablespoons tomato ketchup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground star anise 1/2 teaspoon ground star anise
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 small flour tortillas 8 small flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded lettuce 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup diced pineapple 1/2 cup diced pineapple
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup diced red onion 1/4 cup diced red onion
• Lime wedges, for serving Lime wedges, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 8g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, tomato ketchup, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground star anise, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
2. 2.
   Add the sliced pork to the marinade and toss until the pork is evenly coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for enhanced flavor.
3. 3.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
4. 4.
   Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
5. 5.
   To assemble the tacos, place a spoonful of the cooked pork onto each tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, diced pineapple, chopped cilantro, and diced red onion.
6. 6.
   Serve the Macanese-style Pork Tacos with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork shoulder — For best results, choose a well-marbled pork shoulder as it will result in tender and juicy meat.
• Hoisin sauce — Look for a brand that is free from artificial additives and preservatives.
• Pineapple — Use fresh pineapple for a burst of sweetness, or canned pineapple if fresh is not available.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the marinade.
• For a smoky flavor, grill the marinated pork instead of pan-frying it.
• Customize your tacos by adding sliced avocado, pickled jalapenos, or a dollop of sour cream.

Serving advice

Serve the Macanese-style Pork Tacos with a side of steamed rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Garnish with additional cilantro and diced red onion for added freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the tacos on a platter, garnishing them with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and a few lime wedges. Serve them alongside a colorful salad or a bowl of steamed rice to create an enticing presentation.