Teresa's Recipes
Tacos al Pastor
Tacos al Pastor are a mouthwatering Mexican street food that celebrates the vibrant fusion of marinated pork, sweet pineapple, and zesty cilantro and lime. Originating from the Lebanese shawarma brought to Mexico in the early 20th century, this dish has transformed into a beloved culinary staple. Picture a bustling street market, where the enticing aroma of sizzling pork fills the air, inviting you to indulge in these flavorful tacos. Each bite offers a delightful explosion of flavors that perfectly balances savory, sweet, and tangy notes, making them an ideal choice for casual gatherings or lively dinners with friends and family.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs, thinly sliced Pork shoulder
- 1/4 cup Achiote paste
- 1/2 cup Pineapple juice
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- 12 Corn tortillas
- 1 cup, diced Fresh pineapple
- 1, diced Onion
- 1/2 cup, chopped Cilantro
- for serving Lime wedges
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 6
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus marination time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 30g
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Sugar: 6g
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the achiote paste, pineapple juice, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper to create a rich marinade.
- Add the thinly sliced pork shoulder to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight for deeper flavor absorption.
- Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated pork onto skewers, discarding any excess marinade.
- Grill the pork skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pork is fully cooked and has a lovely char.
- While the pork is grilling, warm the corn tortillas on a separate grill or in a dry skillet until soft and pliable.
- Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the skewers and chop it into small, bite-sized pieces.
- To assemble the tacos, place a generous spoonful of the chopped pork onto each warm tortilla.
- Top each taco with diced fresh pineapple, chopped cilantro, and diced onion.
- Serve the tacos al pastor with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
- Enjoy the vibrant explosion of flavors in every delicious bite!
Tips
- For a spicier kick, add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.
- You can substitute pork with chicken or shrimp for different variations.
- Consider adding sliced radishes or avocado for added texture and flavor.