Thai-style Tacos al Pastor

Ingredients

While the original Tacos al Pastor features marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, this Thai-inspired version incorporates Thai spices and flavors. The marinade includes ingredients like lemongrass, ginger, and Thai chili peppers, giving the dish a distinct Thai twist. Additionally, the traditional pineapple is grilled and seasoned with Thai spices for an extra burst of flavor. 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 vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons lime juice 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 stalk lemongrass, finely chopped 1 stalk lemongrass, finely chopped
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
• 2 Thai chili peppers, finely chopped 2 Thai chili peppers, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 pineapple, peeled and sliced 1/2 pineapple, peeled and sliced
• 8 small tortillas 8 small tortillas
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving) Lime wedges (for serving)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 15g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
• Carbohydrates: 25g (Sugars: 10g)
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the vegetable oil, soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, lemongrass, grated ginger, chopped Thai chili peppers, ground coriander, ground cumin, turmeric, 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 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. 3.
   Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated pork slices for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and slightly charred. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. 4.
   Grill the pineapple slices for 1-2 minutes on each side until they have grill marks. Remove from heat and chop into small pieces.
5. 5.
   Warm the tortillas on the grill for a few seconds on each side.
6. 6.
   To assemble the tacos, place a few slices of grilled pork on each tortilla. Top with chopped grilled pineapple and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — Remove the tough outer layers before finely chopping the tender inner part for a more delicate flavor.
• Thai chili peppers — Adjust the amount according to your spice preference. For milder tacos, remove the seeds and membranes.
• Pineapple — Make sure to grill the pineapple until it develops a slight caramelized char for a sweet and smoky taste.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the pork with tofu or tempeh marinated in the same Thai-inspired marinade.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of Thai chili peppers or remove the seeds and membranes.
• Serve the tacos with a side of Thai sweet chili sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
• Experiment with different toppings such as shredded cabbage, sliced cucumbers, or Thai basil leaves for added freshness.
• If you don't have a grill, you can cook the pork and pineapple on a stovetop grill pan or in a regular frying pan.

Serving advice

Serve the Thai-style Tacos al Pastor with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos. This adds a refreshing citrusy element that balances the flavors. Accompany the tacos with a side of Thai jasmine rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the tacos on a platter, garnishing them with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. The vibrant colors of the grilled pork, pineapple, and cilantro will make the dish visually appealing. Serve the lime wedges alongside the tacos for an inviting presentation.