Peruvian-style Tacos al Pastor

Ingredients

While the original Mexican Tacos al Pastor typically use achiote paste and pineapple, our Peruvian-style version incorporates Peruvian spices like aji amarillo and rocoto peppers for a slightly spicier kick. Additionally, we substitute the pineapple with a tangy Peruvian fruit called lucuma, adding a distinct flavor 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 aji amarillo paste 2 tablespoons aji amarillo paste
• 1 tablespoon rocoto pepper paste 1 tablespoon rocoto pepper paste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 8 small corn tortillas 8 small corn tortillas
• 1 cup thinly sliced red onion 1 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup lucuma puree (substitute with pineapple puree if unavailable) 1/4 cup lucuma puree (substitute with pineapple puree if unavailable)

Nutrition

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

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine aji amarillo paste, rocoto pepper paste, soy sauce, white vinegar, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
2. 2.
   Add the thinly sliced pork shoulder to the marinade and toss until the pork is evenly coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
3. 3.
   Heat 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 corn 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 sliced red onion, chopped cilantro, and a drizzle of lucuma puree.
6. 6.
   Serve the Peruvian-style Tacos al Pastor immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Aji Amarillo Paste — Aji amarillo is a Peruvian yellow chili pepper with a unique flavor. If you can't find the paste, you can use fresh aji amarillo peppers. Remove the seeds and ribs before blending them into a paste.
• Rocoto Pepper Paste — Rocoto peppers are spicy Peruvian peppers. If you prefer a milder taste, remove the seeds and ribs before using them. Be cautious when handling rocoto peppers as they can be very hot.
• Lucuma Puree — Lucuma is a Peruvian fruit with a sweet and maple-like flavor. If you can't find lucuma, you can substitute it with pineapple puree for a more traditional twist.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra smoky flavor, grill the marinated pork instead of cooking it in a skillet.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a few drops of Peruvian hot sauce or sprinkle some finely chopped rocoto peppers on top of the tacos.
• Serve the tacos with a side of Peruvian salsa criolla, a refreshing onion and tomato salad.
• If you can't find corn tortillas, you can use flour tortillas as a substitute.
• To make the dish more filling, serve the tacos with a side of Peruvian-style rice and beans.

Serving advice

Serve the Peruvian-style Tacos al Pastor on a platter, garnished with additional cilantro leaves and a squeeze of lime juice. Accompany them with a side of Peruvian salsa criolla and a bowl of lucuma or pineapple puree for dipping.

Presentation advice

Arrange the tacos neatly on a serving platter, ensuring that the vibrant colors of the pork, red onions, and cilantro are visible. Drizzle the lucuma or pineapple puree over the tacos in an artistic manner, creating an appetizing visual appeal.