Al Pastor Recipe

Al Pastor, a beloved Mexican dish with roots tracing back to Lebanese immigrants, has become a staple of street food culture across Mexico and beyond. Known for its succulent marinated pork, cooked on a vertical spit, and served with fresh toppings, Al Pastor tacos are a flavorful delight that you can recreate at home with this authentic recipe.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs pork shoulder, thinly sliced or diced
• 3-4 dried guajillo chilies, stemmed and seeded
• 2 dried ancho chilies, stemmed and seeded
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 tbsp achiote paste
• 1 tbsp Mexican oregano
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 fresh pineapple, sliced (for grilling)
• Corn tortillas, warmed
• Chopped cilantro, diced onion, lime wedges, and salsa verde for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade:

• Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast the dried chilies until fragrant, about 2 minutes per side.
• Transfer the toasted chilies to a bowl, cover with hot water, and let soak for 15-20 minutes until softened.
• Drain the chilies and transfer them to a blender. Add garlic, pineapple juice, white vinegar, orange juice, achiote paste, Mexican oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.

1. Marinate the Pork:

• Place the sliced pork shoulder in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the pork, making sure it is well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

1. Prepare the Grill (or Oven):

• If using a grill, preheat to medium-high heat. If using an oven, preheat to 400°F (200°C). If using a vertical spit, stack the marinated pork slices with slices of pineapple in between.

1. Cooking Method:

• Grill Method: Thread the marinated pork onto skewers or place directly on the grill, along with slices of pineapple. Grill for about 5-7 minutes per side, until the pork is cooked through and slightly charred.
• Oven Method: Place the marinated pork and pineapple slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking.

1. Assemble the Tacos:

• Once cooked, remove the pork from the skewers (if using) and chop into smaller pieces. Serve the Al Pastor pork on warmed corn tortillas.
• Top with chopped cilantro, diced onion, a squeeze of lime juice, and salsa verde. Serve immediately and enjoy the authentic flavors of Al Pastor tacos!

Tips:

• For an even more authentic touch, consider using a vertical spit or “trompo” for cooking the pork.
• Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or fewer dried chilies to the marinade.
• Serve with traditional garnishes like fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime for added freshness.

Bringing the vibrant flavors of Mexican street food into your kitchen, this Al Pastor recipe promises a culinary adventure that your taste buds won’t soon forget. Whether enjoyed as tacos, in burritos, or even as a standalone dish, Al Pastor is sure to become a favorite in your home cooking repertoire.