Tacos al Pastor with a Moroccan Twist

Ingredients

While the original Tacos al Pastor features marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, our Moroccan adaptation infuses the meat with aromatic Moroccan spices such as cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. Additionally, we incorporate traditional Moroccan ingredients like preserved lemons and harissa to add a tangy and spicy kick to the dish. The tacos are served with a refreshing mint yogurt sauce, providing a cooling contrast to the bold 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 Moroccan spice blend (cumin, coriander, cinnamon) 2 tablespoons Moroccan spice blend (cumin, coriander, cinnamon)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon harissa paste 1 tablespoon harissa paste
• 2 tablespoons preserved lemon, finely chopped 2 tablespoons preserved lemon, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 small corn tortillas 8 small corn tortillas
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated: 5g)
• Carbohydrates: 20g (Sugars: 1g)
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the olive oil, Moroccan spice blend, minced garlic, harissa paste, preserved lemon, salt, and pepper.
2. 2.
   Add the sliced pork shoulder to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. 3.
   Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated pork slices for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until nicely charred and cooked through.
4. 4.
   Warm the corn tortillas on the grill for a few seconds on each side.
5. 5.
   Assemble the tacos by placing a few slices of the grilled pork on each tortilla. Top with fresh cilantro and serve with mint yogurt sauce on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Preserved lemon — Rinse the preserved lemon under cold water before finely chopping it to remove excess saltiness.
• Harissa paste — Adjust the amount of harissa paste according to your spice preference. Add more for extra heat or reduce for a milder flavor.
• Moroccan spice blend — You can either purchase a pre-made Moroccan spice blend or make your own by combining equal parts ground cumin, coriander, and cinnamon.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian option, substitute the pork with grilled eggplant or tofu marinated in the Moroccan spice blend.
• If you can't find preserved lemons, you can substitute with fresh lemon zest for a similar citrusy flavor.
• Serve the tacos with a side of Moroccan couscous salad for a complete meal.
• Experiment with different toppings such as pickled onions, pomegranate seeds, or sliced almonds for added texture and flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, drizzle some extra harissa sauce over the tacos before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Moroccan-inspired Tacos al Pastor on a platter, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves. Accompany them with warm tortillas, mint yogurt sauce, and a side of Moroccan couscous salad. Encourage your guests to assemble their own tacos, allowing them to customize their flavors and enjoy the vibrant combination of Moroccan and Mexican cuisines.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled pork slices on the tortillas, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Drizzle the mint yogurt sauce over the tacos, creating an enticing visual contrast. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color. Serve the tacos on a vibrant Moroccan-inspired platter to enhance the visual appeal and transport your guests to the exotic flavors of Morocco.