Al pastor is one of the most beloved Mexican dishes, known for its vibrant flavors, tender pork, and that perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy notes. If you’ve ever wondered how to cook al pastor yourself, you’re in the right place! This article will walk you through the process of making this iconic dish at home, from marinating the pork to serving up mouthwatering tacos.
What Is Al Pastor?
Al pastor is a style of pork preparation that originated in Mexico City in the 1960s, inspired by Middle Eastern shawarma brought by Lebanese immigrants. Traditionally, the pork is marinated in a blend of chilies, spices, and pineapple juice, then cooked on a vertical spit called a “trompo.” The meat is sliced thinly and cooked until tender with crispy edges, often served with pineapple, onions, cilantro, and corn tortillas.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make al pastor at home, gather the following:
– Pork shoulder, thinly sliced (about 2-3 pounds)
– Dried guajillo and ancho chilies (soaked and deseeded)
– Garlic cloves
– Onion
– Pineapple (fresh and juice)
– Achiote paste (for color and flavor)
– Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
– Spices: cumin, Mexican oregano, black pepper, allspice, and optional chipotle chilies for heat
– Orange and lime juice
– Salt and pepper
– Vegetable or olive oil
– Corn tortillas, cilantro, and raw onions for serving
This combination of ingredients creates the signature smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor of al pastor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Al Pastor
1. Prepare the Marinade
Start by soaking your dried chilies in hot water until they soften, then remove the seeds. Blend the chilies with garlic, onion, pineapple juice, orange and lime juice, vinegar, achiote paste, and spices until you get a smooth, vibrant red marinade. This mixture is the heart of al pastor’s flavor.
2. Marinate the Pork
Slice the pork shoulder as thinly as possible to maximize flavor absorption. Toss the pork slices in the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. For best results, cover and refrigerate the pork for at least 12 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
3. Cook the Pork
Traditionally, al pastor is cooked on a vertical spit, but at home, you can achieve similar results using an oven broiler or a grill:
– Oven Method: Lay the marinated pork slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Broil at a high temperature (around 500°F) until the edges are crispy and the pork is cooked through. Don’t forget to roast pineapple slices alongside the meat for that authentic touch.
– Skillet Method: Heat a little oil in a pan and sear the pork slices in batches. Cook mostly on one side to get a nice char, which mimics the spit-roasted texture.
If you have a rotisserie or grill, you can stack the pork slices and pineapple on a spit and cook slowly over low heat until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
4. Prepare Toppings and Serve
Warm your corn tortillas on a skillet or griddle. Chop fresh cilantro and raw onions, and slice some pineapple. Serve the cooked pork on the tortillas topped with pineapple, onions, cilantro, and your favorite salsa or lime wedges. For an extra touch, add radishes or a drizzle of sour cream.
Tips for Perfect Al Pastor
– Thin slices are key: The thinner the pork slices, the more surface area to absorb the marinade and get crispy edges.
– Marinate overnight: Patience pays off with deeper flavors.
– Use fresh pineapple: It adds sweetness and helps tenderize the meat.
– Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches to get a good sear.
– Adjust spice levels: Add chipotle or chile de árbol for more heat if you like it spicy.
Why Make Al Pastor at Home?
Making al pastor at home lets you control the ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking. It’s a fun cooking project that brings the vibrant street food experience right to your kitchen. Plus, homemade al pastor tastes incredible and is perfect for taco nights with family and friends.
Enjoy the process and savor every bite of your delicious, homemade al pastor tacos!
Al pastor is a flavorful celebration of Mexican culinary tradition that’s surprisingly easy to recreate at home with the right ingredients and a little patience. Give it a try and enjoy authentic tacos bursting with smoky, sweet, and spicy goodness.