MEXICAN TACOS AL PASTOR

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Mexican Tacos Al Pastor image

Al pastor, meaning literally "shepherd style," is a traditional way to prepare pork, lamb, and goat meat that originated in northern Mexico. Historically, pigs and goats were slow-roasted whole over a mesquite fire, but over time preparation methods evolved. In Mexico city there are taquerias dedicated mostly or even exclusively to tacos al Pastor. Tacos al Pastor are made from pork meat that has been marinated in a secret recipe and then cooked in a rotisserie with pineapple on top. Similar to the roast lamb from Greek delis, taquerias stack the marinated pork al pastor into a large cylindrical heap and cook it on a vertical spit. The tacos should be very small (almost like 2 bites size) and garnished with cilantro (coriander), chopped onion and the pineapple. Add your favorite hot sauce (if desired). I haven't tried this myself, just thought it would make a good contribution to Recipezaar. Marinating time not included in preparation time.

Provided by Molly53

Categories     Mexican

Time 1h20m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

10 pasilla chiles
10 guajillo chilies
1/2 garlic head
1 1/8 cups white vinegar
1/4 teaspoon cumin
5 whole cloves
salt
1 fresh pineapple or 1 lb canned pineapple
2 lbs pork (loin works very well)
1 onion
1 bunch fresh cilantro (coriander leaves)
2 limes
12 tortillas (preferably corn)

Steps:

  • For the marinade: Seed the chiles, and chop finely.
  • Mash them together with the garlic, cloves, and cumin; add vinegar (avoid touching the chiles and vinegar with your bare hands if possible to prevent burning the skin).
  • Boil the ingredients in heavy saucepan until it thickens into a heavy paste, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  • Let cool.
  • Cut the pork meat in thin steaks or slices (normally the slices rest on top of each other while marinating and cooking).
  • Apply the paste to the meat putting one slice on top of the other (At an authentic taqueria, this would form a unit topped with pineapple for added flavor and moisture, and placed into the rotisserie and rotated constantly).
  • Cover and place in the fridge at least 6 hours (or overnight).
  • If using a rotisserie, cook the meat until well done.
  • If not using a rotisserie, drain the marinade and cut the pork in small pieces.
  • Put in a frying pan with a little oil and cook the meat with small pieces of pineapple making sure the pork is well-cooked, using care not to burn.
  • While the meat is cooking, heat the tortillas.
  • Finely chop the onion and cilantro together.
  • Cut the limes in quarters.
  • Serve the cooked meat wrapped in the hot tortillas, and garnished with the chopped cilantro, onion, pineapple, and the lime quarters.

Scelo Ntuli
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I'm not a big fan of tacos, but these were amazing! The pork was so tender and juicy, and the pineapple salsa was the perfect topping. I'll definitely be making these again.


Xikma siciid
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These tacos are so good! The pork is so tender and flavorful, and the pineapple salsa is the perfect topping. I'll definitely be making these again.


Aryanna
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I love how the pineapple salsa adds a bit of sweetness to these tacos. It's a perfect balance to the savory pork. I highly recommend this recipe!


Darakhshan Moazzam
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These tacos are the perfect party food. They're easy to make, delicious, and everyone loves them. I always get rave reviews when I make these.


Kelly Elisha
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I've tried many al pastor recipes, but this one is by far the best. The marinade is perfect and the pork is cooked to perfection. I highly recommend this recipe!


RAXMA AYAAN
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These tacos were so easy to make and they turned out so delicious! I love the flavor of the pork and the pineapple. I will definitely be making these again.


Somali Channel
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I love the combination of sweet and savory in these tacos. The pork is so tender and juicy, and the pineapple salsa is the perfect topping. I highly recommend this recipe!


Lamont Cervenka
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These tacos were a hit at my last party! Everyone loved the unique flavor of the pineapple and pork. I'll definitely be making these again for my next gathering.


Amir Hayles
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I'm not usually a fan of pork tacos, but these were amazing! The pork was so tender and flavorful, and the pineapple salsa was the perfect topping. I'll definitely be making these again.


Sunny Jan
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These tacos were so easy to make and they turned out so delicious! I love the combination of the sweet pineapple and the savory pork. I will definitely be making these again.


Cherish King
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I was a bit skeptical about the pineapple in this recipe, but I was pleasantly surprised. It added a really nice sweetness to the tacos. I'll definitely be making these again.


hugo soto
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These tacos are the perfect combination of sweet and savory. The pork is so tender and juicy, and the pineapple salsa is the perfect topping. I highly recommend this recipe!


Sadia Shabbir650
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I made these tacos for a party and they were a huge hit! Everyone raved about how delicious they were. I'll definitely be making these again for my next party.


Naba Arsalan
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My family loved these tacos! They were so easy to make and the flavor was incredible. I will definitely be making these again soon.


Naim islam joy Joy
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I've tried many al pastor recipes, but this one is by far the best. The marinade is perfect and the pork is cooked to perfection. I highly recommend this recipe!


Suraiyaakter
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These tacos were amazing! The pork was so flavorful and juicy, and the pineapple added a perfect sweetness. I'll definitely be making these again.


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