Soulful Tacos al Pastor

Ingredients

While the original Tacos al Pastor features traditional Mexican ingredients and flavors, this soul food adaptation incorporates elements of Southern cuisine. We enhance the marinade with a hint of smoky barbecue sauce and add a touch of sweetness with molasses. The tacos are served with a side of tangy coleslaw, adding a refreshing twist to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Tacos al pastor, so you can check it out.

• 2 pounds (900g) pork shoulder, thinly sliced 2 pounds (900g) pork shoulder, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (240ml) pineapple juice 1 cup (240ml) pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup (60ml) apple cider vinegar 1/4 cup (60ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) barbecue sauce 1/4 cup (60ml) barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) molasses 2 tablespoons (30ml) molasses
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) chili powder 1 tablespoon (15ml) chili powder
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) smoked paprika 1 teaspoon (5ml) smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) cumin 1 teaspoon (5ml) cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) oregano 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) salt 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) salt
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) black pepper 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) cayenne pepper (optional) 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) cayenne pepper (optional)
• 12 small corn tortillas 12 small corn tortillas
• 1 cup (235ml) coleslaw 1 cup (235ml) coleslaw
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving Lime wedges, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 20g (Saturated: 6g)
• Carbohydrates: 35g (Sugars: 10g)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, barbecue sauce, molasses, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if desired).
2. 2.
   Add the thinly sliced pork shoulder to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
3. 3.
   Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the marinated pork from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature.
4. 4.
   Grill the pork slices for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
5. 5.
   Warm the corn tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds per side.
6. 6.
   To assemble the tacos, place a few slices of grilled pork on each tortilla. Top with a spoonful of coleslaw and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pineapple juice — Use freshly squeezed juice for the best flavor.
• Pork shoulder — Trim excess fat before slicing for a leaner version.
• Coleslaw — Opt for a vinegar-based dressing for a tangy kick.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smokier flavor, consider adding a dash of liquid smoke to the marinade.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the marinade.
• Serve the tacos with a side of black-eyed peas or collard greens for a complete soul food experience.
• If you don't have a grill, you can cook the marinated pork in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Customize your tacos by adding sliced avocado, diced onions, or hot sauce for an extra kick.

Serving advice

Serve the Soulful Tacos al Pastor with a side of tangy coleslaw and lime wedges. Encourage your guests to squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos for a burst of citrus flavor. These tacos are best enjoyed with friends and family, so gather around and savor the soulful goodness together.

Presentation advice

Arrange the tacos on a platter, garnishing them with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color. Serve the coleslaw in a separate bowl alongside the tacos. For an extra touch, place lime wedges on the platter for guests to squeeze over their tacos.