Tacos al pastor is a classic and beloved Mexican dish made with marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit and sliced thin. To make the tacos al pastor, marinate pork strips in achiote paste, white vinegar, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper for at least three hours, fry it in the oven until crispy, then assemble it on a corn tortilla with sliced onions, chopped cilantro, and fresh pineapple. The recipe yields enough for 20-24 tacos, perfect for sharing with guests or enjoying as leftovers.

Tacos al Pastor: A Guide to Perfecting the Mexican Classic

Introduction

When it comes to Mexican cuisine, there are few dishes that are as iconic and beloved as tacos al pastor. This classic dish, made with marinated pork that’s cooked on a vertical spit and sliced thin, is a favorite among Mexicans and non-Mexicans alike. If you’re interested in learning how to make tacos al pastor from scratch, you’re in luck. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process, from marinating the meat to assembling the tacos themselves.

Ingredients

Before you get started with this recipe, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:

• 3 lbs of pork shoulder, cut into thin strips
• 1/2 cup of white vinegar
• 1/2 cup of achiote paste
• 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
• 5 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp of dried oregano
• 1 tbsp of cumin
• 1 tbsp of salt
• 1/2 tbsp of black pepper
• 1 large white onion, sliced
• 2 pineapple rings, sliced into thin pieces
• 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
• 20-24 corn tortillas
• Lime wedges, for serving

Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you’ve got your ingredients together, it’s time to start making tacos al pastor. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you along the way:

Step 1: Create the Marinade

The first step in making tacos al pastor is to create the marinade. In a large bowl, combine the white vinegar, achiote paste, vegetable oil, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir the ingredients together until everything is well combined.

Step 2: Marinate the Pork

Once the marinade is ready, it’s time to add the pork. Place the thin strips of pork into the bowl with the marinade, and use your hands to massage the marinade into the meat until it is fully coated. Once the pork is coated in the marinade, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 3 hours (or overnight).

Step 3: Cook the Pork

When you’re ready to cook the pork, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Remove the pork from the marinade and shake off any excess marinade. Then, place the pork on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake it for 30-40 minutes, or until it is cooked through and crispy.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

While the pork is cooking, you can start to assemble your tacos. Heat up your corn tortillas on a dry skillet over medium-high heat for about 1 minute on each side until they are warmed through and slightly crispy. Once the pork is done, slice it into thin strips.

Place some slices of pork on each tortilla, then top it with some sliced onions, chopped cilantro, and a few pieces of fresh pineapple. Squeeze a lime wedge over the top of each taco, and enjoy!

Conclusion

Tacos al pastor are a classic Mexican dish that are easy to make at home once you know the steps. By marinating the pork in a flavorful blend of spices and vinegar, and baking it until it’s crispy, you’ll be able to recreate the taste of an authentic taco stand in your own kitchen. Follow this recipe and enjoy the delicious taste of tacos al pastor today!