Tacos al Pastor with a Nouvelle Cuisine Twist

Ingredients

While staying true to the essence of Tacos al Pastor, this Nouvelle Cuisine rendition focuses on enhancing the visual appeal and refining the flavor profiles. The presentation is more elegant, and the flavors are subtly layered to create a harmonious balance on the palate. 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 thin rounds 1 pineapple, peeled and sliced into thin rounds
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons achiote paste 2 tablespoons achiote paste
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 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: 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 3g)
• Carbohydrates: 30g (Sugars: 10g)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the achiote paste, white vinegar, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form a marinade.
2. 2.
   Add the sliced pork tenderloin to the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated. Allow the pork to marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the pineapple slices with olive oil and grill them until lightly charred, about 2 minutes per side. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. 4.
   In the same grill or grill pan, cook the marinated pork slices until they are cooked through and slightly charred, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. 5.
   Warm the corn tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet until pliable.
6. 6.
   To assemble the tacos, place a few slices of grilled pork on each tortilla. Top with a grilled pineapple slice, some thinly sliced red onion, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
7. 7.
   Serve the tacos al pastor with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos.

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 and color.
• Pineapple — Grilling the pineapple adds a delightful smoky sweetness to the dish. Make sure to slice it thinly to ensure even cooking.
• Corn tortillas — To prevent the tortillas from drying out, keep them warm by wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel while you assemble the tacos.
• Lime wedges — Squeezing fresh lime juice over the tacos just before serving adds a bright and tangy element to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of elegance, garnish the tacos with edible flowers or microgreens.
• Experiment with different toppings such as pickled red onions, avocado slices, or a drizzle of chipotle aioli for added complexity.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of achiote paste in the marinade.
• To save time, you can use pre-marinated pork tenderloin or substitute it with chicken or tofu for a different twist.
• If you don't have access to a grill, you can cook the pork and pineapple slices in a hot skillet or under the broiler.

Serving advice

Serve the Tacos al Pastor with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal. Offer additional toppings such as salsa verde, guacamole, and sour cream for guests to customize their tacos according to their preferences.

Presentation advice

Arrange the tacos on a platter, garnishing them with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a few lime wedges. Consider serving them on individual small plates or a wooden board for an elegant and visually appealing presentation.