Tacos al Pastor is a traditional Mexican dish made with marinated pork, served on small tortillas with pineapple, onions, and cilantro. It is a beloved dish that originated in Central Mexico and has become popular worldwide. To make it, you will need ingredients including pork shoulder, dried guajillo and ancho peppers, garlic, vinegar, achiote paste, oregano, cumin, salt, sugar, pineapple, orange juice, olive oil, and corn tortillas. The dish involves marinating the pork, cooking it on a skewer, and serving it on toasted tortillas with toppings. With this recipe, you can easily make Tacos al Pastor at home and impress your guests with your culinary skills.
Tacos al Pastor: A Traditional Mexican Dish with an Unforgettable Taste
Introduction
Tacos al Pastor is a traditional and beloved Mexican dish that originated in Central Mexico. The dish has an unforgettable taste, and it has become popular worldwide. The dish consists of marinated pork meat cooked on a vertical spit, then thinly sliced and served on small tortillas with pineapple, onions, and cilantro. If you’re looking to learn how to make this mouthwatering dish at home, then you’ve come to the right place.
Ingredients
To make Tacos al Pastor, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound pork shoulder
- 2 dried guajillo peppers
- 2 dried ancho peppers
- 6 cloves of garlic, peeled
- 1/3 cup white vinegar
- 2 tbsp achiote paste
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 fresh pineapple, sliced into small pieces
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Corn tortillas
Instructions
Step 1: Marinating the Pork
1. Remove any excess fat from the pork shoulder and slice it into thin halves.
2. Remove the stem and seeds from the guajillo and ancho peppers.
3. Place the peppers in a bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them sit for 10 minutes until they are soft.
4. Place the garlic, white vinegar, achiote paste, oregano, cumin, salt, and sugar in a blender. Drain the peppers and add them to the blender.
5. Add the pineapple juice, orange juice, and olive oil to the blender. Blend until smooth.
6. Place the pork in a large bowl or resealable bag and pour the marinade over it. Make sure the pork is fully coated with the marinade.
7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or seal the bag, then refrigerate it for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Step 2: Cooking the Pork
1. Preheat your grill or oven to 350°F.
2. Thread the pork slices onto a large skewer, leaving about 1/2 inch between each slice.
3. If using a grill, cook the pork over indirect heat for about 1 hour, or until cooked through, turning the skewer occasionally. If using an oven, place the skewer on a baking sheet and bake for about 1 hour or until cooked through.
4. Once fully cooked, remove the pork from the skewer and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing it into thin pieces.
Step 3: Assembling the Tacos
1. Toast your corn tortillas on a dry skillet or griddle until slightly browned and warmed through.
2. Place a few slices of the cooked pork on each tortilla.
3. Top each taco with a few pieces of fresh pineapple, chopped onion, and cilantro.
4. Serve the tacos with a squeeze of lime and hot sauce if desired.
Conclusion
Tacos al Pastor is a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican dish that is perfect for any occasion. With this step-by-step guide and recipe, you can easily make Tacos al Pastor at home and impress your guests with your culinary skills. So the next time you’re craving some authentic Mexican food, give this recipe a try, and your taste buds will thank you.