A Delicious Fusion of Flavor: Grilled Pork Tacos al Pastor
Grilled Pork Tacos al Pastor are a staple in Mexican cuisine, known for their bold flavors and mouth-watering appeal. This dish traces its roots back to the Middle Eastern shawarma brought by Lebanese immigrants to Mexico in the early 20th century. Over time, the Mexicans adapted the shawarma technique, using pork instead of lamb and adding local spices and pineapple for a unique twist.
The key to Tacos al Pastor lies in the marinade. A perfect blend of achiote paste, guajillo chilies, garlic, and various spices creates a vibrant red sauce that infuses the pork with incredible flavor. The addition of pineapple not only tenderizes the meat but also adds a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory spices.
Grilling the marinated pork on a vertical spit, similar to a shawarma or gyro, allows the juices to caramelize and intensify the flavors. While a vertical spit may not be practical for home cooking, grilling on a barbecue or even a stovetop grill pan works beautifully to achieve that coveted char and smoky flavor.
Serving Grilled Pork Tacos al Pastor is an art in itself. Traditionally, the pork is thinly sliced and served on small corn tortillas, topped with diced onions, fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and a slice of grilled pineapple. These simple yet flavorful toppings complement the rich and spicy pork perfectly.
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, a family dinner, or just craving a taste of Mexico, Grilled Pork Tacos al Pastor are a versatile and crowd-pleasing option. With our detailed recipe and tips, you’ll master the art of making these delicious tacos in no time. So, fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy a taste of Mexico right in your own backyard!
Grilled Pork Tacos al Pastor
Description
Grilled Pork Tacos al Pastor offer a delightful blend of marinated pork, pineapple, and traditional Mexican spices, grilled to perfection. This easy-to-follow recipe brings the authentic flavors of Mexican street food to your kitchen, making it perfect for family dinners, summer barbecues, or any occasion where you want to impress with a delicious and vibrant dish.
Main Ingredients
Marinade:
Tacos:
Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinade the Pork:
In a blender, combine guajillo chilies, garlic, pineapple juice, white vinegar, orange juice, achiote paste, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.- Pour the marinade over the sliced pork, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Prepare the Grill:
Preheat your grill to 200°C.- If using a stovetop grill pan, preheat over medium-high heat.
Grill the Pork and Pineapple:
Remove the pork from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off.- Grill the pork slices for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are cooked through and have a nice char.
- Grill the pineapple slices for about 2 minutes on each side until caramelized.
Combine the Tacos:
Warm the corn tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side.- Thinly slice the grilled pork.
- Place a portion of pork on each tortilla.
- Top with diced onions, chopped cilantro, and a slice of grilled pineapple.
- Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15g24%
- Saturated Fat 5g25%
- Cholesterol 80mg27%
- Sodium 600mg25%
- Potassium 500mg15%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 5g20%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 25g50%
- Vitamin A 800 IU
- Vitamin C 20 mg
- Calcium 50 mg
- Iron 3 mg
- Vitamin D 2 IU
- Vitamin E 1 IU
- Vitamin K 10 mcg
- Thiamin 0.3 mg
- Riboflavin 0.2 mg
- Niacin 4 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.5 mg
- Folate 20 mcg
- Vitamin B12 1 mcg
- Biotin 2 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg
- Phosphorus 200 mg
- Iodine 0.1 mcg
- Magnesium 0.1 mg
- Zinc 2 mg
- Selenium 10 mcg
- Copper 0.1 mg
- Manganese 0.2 mg
- Chromium 1 mcg
- Molybdenum 2 mcg
- Chloride 1 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Use fresh pineapple for the best flavor and texture.
- Ensure the pork is thinly sliced for even cooking and better marinade absorption.
- If guajillo chilies are unavailable, substitute with ancho chilies or another mild chili.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes if using for grilling to prevent burning.
- The marinade can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer chilies to the marinade.
- For an extra smoky flavor, add a handful of soaked wood chips to the grill.
Tips & Tricks
- Marinate Overnight: For the most flavorful pork, marinate the meat overnight.
- Use a Grill Pan: If you don't have a BBQ, a grill pan on the stovetop works perfectly.
- Serve Immediately: Tacos al Pastor are best enjoyed hot off the grill.
- Double the Recipe: Easily double the recipe for larger gatherings.
- Keep Tortillas Warm: Wrap the tortillas in a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm and pliable.
- Experiment with Toppings: Add your favorite toppings like pickled jalapenos or radishes for extra crunch.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and freshness.
- Rest the Meat: Allow the grilled pork to rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain juices.
- Pineapple Alternatives: If pineapple is not available, mango can be a sweet substitute.
- Slice Thinly: Thin slices ensure the pork cooks quickly and evenly.
Serving Suggestions
- With Salsa: Serve with a side of salsa verde or salsa roja for added flavor.
- Rice and Beans: Pair with Mexican rice and black beans for a complete meal.
- Fresh Salads: A crisp green salad with a citrus dressing complements the tacos perfectly.
- Grilled Veggies: Add some grilled vegetables like bell peppers and onions as a side dish.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole makes a delicious addition to these tacos.
- Mexican Street Corn: Elote (Mexican street corn) is a great side for Tacos al Pastor.
- Refreshing Beverages: Serve with a cold Mexican beer, horchata, or a margarita.
- Taco Bar: Set up a taco bar with various toppings and let guests customize their tacos.
- Family Style: Serve everything on a large platter for a communal dining experience.
- Tostadas: For a twist, serve the pork on tostadas instead of tortillas.
Dietary Restrictions
- This dish contains pork and is not suitable for vegetarian, vegan, or pescetarian diets. It is also not gluten-free as it uses corn tortillas.
