Tacos al pastor is a beloved Mexican dish known for its vibrant flavors and succulent meat. Traditionally made with marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, this recipe allows you to recreate this street food classic in the comfort of your own home. Here’s how to make authentic tacos al pastor from scratch.
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 4 pounds of pork shoulder, thinly sliced
- 3 dried guajillo chiles, seeds removed
- 3 dried ancho chiles, seeds removed
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from canned chipotles)
For the Tacos:
- Corn tortillas
- Fresh pineapple, diced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Onion, finely chopped
- Lime wedges
- Salsa (red or green)
Equipment
- Blender
- Grill or stovetop skillet
- Large bowl or resealable plastic bag for marinating
- Skewers (optional, for grilling)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- Soak the Chiles: In a small pot, bring water to a boil. Add the guajillo and ancho chiles and boil for about 10-15 minutes, or until soft. Drain and let cool.
- Blend the Marinade: In a blender, combine the soaked chiles, pineapple juice, white vinegar, orange juice, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, cinnamon, and adobo sauce. Blend until smooth.
- Marinate the Pork: Place the sliced pork shoulder in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring it’s well coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Pork
- Preheat the Grill: If using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat. If using a stovetop skillet, heat it over medium-high heat.
- Grill or Sear the Pork: Remove the pork from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Grill the pork for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until well-cooked and slightly charred. If using a skillet, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Rest and Chop: Once cooked, let the pork rest for a few minutes before chopping it into small, bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Prepare the Tacos
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat the corn tortillas on a hot skillet for about 30 seconds per side or until warmed and slightly charred.
- Assemble the Tacos: Place a generous amount of the chopped pork on each tortilla. Top with diced pineapple, chopped cilantro, and finely chopped onion.
- Serve with Lime and Salsa: Serve the tacos with lime wedges and your favorite salsa for extra flavor.
Tips for Authenticity
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed juices and high-quality pork make a significant difference in flavor.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer spicier tacos, add more adobo sauce or a few chipotle peppers to the marinade.
- Add Variations: Feel free to experiment with toppings like sliced radishes, avocado, or a drizzle of sour cream.
Making authentic tacos al pastor at home is a delightful culinary adventure that brings the flavors of Mexico right to your kitchen. With a few key ingredients and simple steps, you can impress your family and friends with this delicious dish. Enjoy the rich flavors and textures of homemade tacos al pastor, and savor the experience of creating this beloved Mexican street food!
