Tacos al Pastor Recipe: How to Make the Iconic Mexican Street Food at Home

Tacos al Pastor is a classic Mexican dish that features thin slices of marinated pork that are grilled on a vertical spit (known as a trompo) and then served in a warm tortilla with a variety of fresh toppings. The dish is thought to have originated in central Mexico, where Lebanese immigrants brought the technique of spit-roasting meat to the country. Today, Tacos al Pastor can be found all over Mexico, as well as in many Mexican communities around the world.

Here’s a recipe for Tacos al Pastor

Tacos al Pastor Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder, sliced into thin strips
• 1 large pineapple, peeled and chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 10 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 dried guajillo chili peppers, soaked in boiling water for 30 minutes
• 1 can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup honey
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 12 small corn tortillas
• Toppings of your choice (such as cilantro, chopped onion, diced pineapple, lime wedges, etc.)

Tacos al Pastor Instructions

1. In a blender, combine the pineapple, onion, garlic, guajillo chili peppers, chipotle peppers, apple cider vinegar, orange juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
2. Place the sliced pork in a large bowl and pour the marinade over it. Mix well to ensure that all of the pork is evenly coated.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours.
4. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Skewer the marinated pork slices onto a vertical spit and grill, turning occasionally, until the pork is slightly charred and cooked through, about 10-15 minutes.
5. While the pork is cooking, warm the tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet over medium heat.
6. To assemble the tacos, place a few slices of grilled pork in each warm tortilla. Top with your desired toppings and serve immediately.

The cooking time for Tacos al Pastor

Approximately 10-15 minutes, making it a quick and easy dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue. The key to this dish is the marinade, which infuses the pork with a delicious blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Whether you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine or just looking for a new twist on the traditional taco, Tacos al Pastor is a dish that is sure to impress.

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