Sichuan-style Tacos al Pastor

Ingredients

While the original Tacos al Pastor is known for its marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, the Sichuan-style adaptation infuses the dish with the distinct flavors of Sichuan cuisine. We incorporate Sichuan peppercorns, chili bean paste, and other traditional Sichuan spices to create a spicy and aromatic twist on this beloved Mexican 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 Sichuan peppercorns 2 tablespoons Sichuan peppercorns
• 2 tablespoons chili bean paste 2 tablespoons chili bean paste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 12 small tortillas 12 small tortillas
• 1 cup pineapple chunks 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated: 5g)
• Carbohydrates: 30g (Sugars: 10g)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a dry pan over medium heat, toast the Sichuan peppercorns until fragrant. Grind them into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder.
2. 2.
   In a bowl, combine the ground Sichuan peppercorns, chili bean paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, five-spice powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and vegetable oil. Mix well to create a marinade.
3. 3.
   Place the sliced pork shoulder in a large bowl and pour the marinade over it. Ensure the pork is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
4. 4.
   Preheat the grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the marinated pork from the refrigerator and thread the slices onto skewers.
5. 5.
   Grill the pork skewers for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and slightly charred.
6. 6.
   Warm the tortillas on the grill for a few seconds on each side.
7. 7.
   Assemble the tacos by placing a few slices of grilled pork on each tortilla. Top with pineapple chunks, sliced red onion, and fresh cilantro.
8. 8.
   Serve the Sichuan-style Tacos al Pastor hot and enjoy the fusion of flavors!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork shoulder — For tender and juicy pork, make sure to slice it thinly against the grain.
• Sichuan peppercorns — Toasting the peppercorns before grinding them enhances their flavor and aroma.
• Chili bean paste — Adjust the amount according to your spice preference. Add more for extra heat.
• Pineapple chunks — Grilling the pineapple adds a smoky sweetness to the tacos.
• Tortillas — If you prefer a crispier texture, lightly toast the tortillas on the grill before assembling the tacos.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra Sichuan kick, sprinkle some additional ground Sichuan peppercorns on top of the tacos before serving.
• If you can't find chili bean paste, you can substitute it with a combination of chili paste and fermented black beans for a similar flavor profile.
• Experiment with different toppings such as pickled vegetables or sliced cucumbers to add freshness and crunch to the tacos.
• If you don't have a grill, you can cook the marinated pork in a hot skillet or bake it in the oven until cooked through.
• Leftover Sichuan-style pork can be used in stir-fries or noodle dishes for a flavorful twist.

Serving advice

Serve the Sichuan-style Tacos al Pastor with a side of steamed rice or Sichuan-style fried rice for a complete meal. Offer additional toppings such as sliced jalapenos, lime wedges, and hot sauce for those who enjoy extra heat.

Presentation advice

Arrange the tacos on a platter, garnish with fresh cilantro, and place a lime wedge on the side for an attractive presentation. Serve them family-style, allowing everyone to assemble their own tacos according to their preferences.