Tacos al pastor | Easy style tacos pastor recipe

Tacos recipe, mexican tacos recipe

Tacos al Pastor is a beloved Mexican dish renowned for its succulent marinated pork, vibrant flavors, and aromatic spices. Originating from the central region of Mexico, this dish is deeply rooted in history and tradition. In this detailed guide, we will explore the art of cooking Tacos al Pastor, from preparing the marinade and marinating the meat to cooking it to perfection and assembling the tacos. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey as we delve into the rich flavors and techniques that make Tacos al Pastor a true delight for food enthusiasts.

Ingredients

To prepare Tacos al Pastor, you will need the following ingredients:

For the marinade:

• 3dried guajillo chili peppers
• 3 dried ancho chili peppers
• 1 chipotle chili pepper (optional for additional spiciness)
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 1 tablespoon achiote paste
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the tacos:

• 2 pounds pork shoulder, thinly sliced
• 1 medium-sized onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup finely diced pineapple
• Corn tortillas
• Lime wedges, for serving

Marinade Preparation

1. Begin by removing the stems and seeds from the dried guajillo, ancho, and chipotle chili peppers. Toast the chili peppers in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they become fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
2. Place the toasted chili peppers in a bowl and cover them with boiling water. Let them soak for about 15 minutes until they soften.
3. Drain the soaked chili peppers and transfer them to a blender. Add pineapple juice, orange juice, white vinegar, garlic, achiote paste, ground cumin, dried oregano, ground cloves, salt, and black pepper.
4. Blend the mixture until smooth and well combined. If needed, add a small amount of water to achieve a pourable consistency.
5. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Pour the blended marinade into the skillet and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to enhance the flavors.
6. Remove the marinade from the heat and let it cool completely.

      

Meat Marination and Cooking

1. Place the thinly sliced pork shoulder in a large bowl and pour the cooled marinade over it, ensuring that all the meat is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
2. After marinating, preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat.
3. If using a grill: Thread the marinated pork slices onto skewers, stacking them tightly together. This technique mimics the traditional method of cooking Tacos al Pastor on a vertical rotisserie. Grill the skewers for approximately 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pork is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges.
4. If using an oven: Preheat your broiler to high. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the marinated pork slices on the wire rack, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Broil the pork for approximately 10-15