Tacos al Pastor: the King of The Studs

Ingredients for the Tacos al Pastor: Authentic Flavor in Every Bite:

• For the Marinated Steak:
  • 1 kg of pork (preferably the head of the loin or shoulder), cut into thin scallops of about 3-5 mm thick
  • 1/2 cup pasta de achiote
  • 6 chiles guajillo, deveined and seeded
  • 3 chiles pasilla, deveined and seeded
  • 2 chiles anchos, deveined and seeded
  • 4 large cloves of garlic
  • 1/2 medium white onion, chopped
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup bitter orange juice (or juice of sweet orange with a touch of lemon juice)
  • 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano mexican
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• To assemble and Serve:
  • 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored and cut into thin slices
  • 1 medium white onion, finely chopped
  • 1 bunch of fresh coriander, finely chopped
  • Lemons matches in the quarterfinals, to serve
  • Corn Tortillas small, for tacos
  • Red or green sauce of your choice (optional)

Preparation:

1. Prepara el Adobo: 

Start hydrating dried peppers. Place the chiles guajillo, pasilla and ancho in a small pot and cover with water. Brought to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until soft.

2. Licúa el Adobo: 

Drain the chiles hydrated and put them in a blender along with the pasta de achiote, garlic, onion chopped, white vinegar, the juice of bitter orange, cumin, oregano, cloves, cinnamon, salt and pepper to taste. Blend until a smooth paste and homogeneous. If necessary, add a little of the cooking water of the peppers to facilitate the blending.

3. Marina la Carne: 

In a large bowl, place the fillets of pork and pour the marinade over them. Make sure that the meat is well coated on all sides. Mix with your hands so that the marinade penetrates well. Cover the container with cling film and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, for the meat to marinate deeply and absorb all the flavors.

4. Prepara la Piña: 

While the meat is marinated, prepare the pineapple. Peel the pineapple, remove the hard heart and cut it in thin slices. Reserve.

5. Cocina la Carne (Estilo Casero): 

Traditionally, the tacos al pastor cooked in a spinning top upright. However, in order to prepare them at home, you can use a large frying pan or griddle. Heat a little vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Take the fillets of pork from the refrigerator and cooking in batches, browning on both sides until fully cooked and slightly caramelized. Don't overload the pan to ensure a good golden brown. If you prefer a method more similar to a spinning top, you can put the fillets of meat on skewers of metal and roast them in the oven in a vertical position (with care not to burn) or in a grill turntable if you have one.

6. Monta los Tacos: 

Slightly warm the corn tortillas in a skillet or griddle. Place a portion of meat marinated in each tortilla, add a few slices of pineapple, chopped onions, and fresh cilantro. Squeeze a little lemon juice to taste.

7. Sirve y Disfruta: 

Serves the tacos al pastor immediately, accompanied by red or green sauce if desired, and quarters of lemon extra. Get ready to enjoy an explosion of authentic flavor!

Nutritional information (per serving, approximate):

• Calories: 350-450 kcal
• Proteins: 25-35 g
• Fat: 15-25 g (depending on the cut of meat and the amount of oil used)
• Carbohydrates: 20-30 g
• Fiber: 3-5 g

Note: The nutritional information is approximate, and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and the portions used.

The tacos al pastor... just to hear his name conjures up images of spinning tops spinning of marinated steak, the unmistakable aroma of spices and chiles, and the crunch of the corn tortilla freshly made. Considered by many as the pinnacle of gastronomy street mexican, and undoubtedly one of its ambassadors culinary most popular globally, the tacos al pastor they are much more than just a meal; they are an experience, a tradition, and a true feast for the senses.

From the crowded streets of Mexico City to the most remote corners of the planet, the tacos al pastor have conquered the palates and hearts thanks to its unique flavor and irresistible. The magic resides in the flesh of swine, carefully marinated in a secret blend of chiles and spices which gives it a reddish color vibrant, and a deep flavor and complex. Cooking by the iconic spun vertical, where the thin slices of meat roasted slowly and fry in the fire, it is a spectacle in itself. And the final combination, with the sweetness of the pineapple, the freshness of the onion and cilantro, and the spicy touch of the sauce, all embraced by a warm corn tortilla, is simply unmatched.

Discover the fascinating world of the tacos al pastor

In addition to the authentic recipe to prepare at home, explore its historical and cultural origins, we will unveil its benefits (yes, it does!), and we will give you creative ideas for you to enjoy this delicacy mexican in all of its facets. Get ready for a culinary journey that will awaken your appetite and you'll fall in love with even more of the richness and diversity of the mexican cuisine. Don't miss to discover the reign of the taco al pastor!

A Journey in Time: the Origin and History of the Tacos al Pastor

It is believed that the tacos al pastor have their roots in the arrival of lebanese immigrants to Mexico in the late NINETEENTH century and early TWENTIETH century, particularly the state of Puebla. These immigrants brought with them the tradition of the shawarma, beef, lamb roasted on a spit vertical and cut into thin slices.

In Puebla, this cooking technique is fused with the flavours and local ingredients, giving rise to an adaptation only. Lamb meat is replaced by pork, more accessible, in Mexico, and marinate with a marinade of chiles, and mexican spices, in place of traditional species of the Middle East. Thus was born the "taco arab", the direct precursor of taco al pastor.

With time, the taco arab evolved and popularized in Mexico City in the 1960s and ' 70s, adopting the name of "taco al pastor" because of the way that it cooks the meat, which reminds the preparation of the meat of grazing. The addition of the pineapple on the tip of the spinning top, which caramelizes and adds a touch of sweet and sour to the flesh, it became a hallmark of the tacos al pastor of the capital city.

Since then, the tacos al pastor you have expanded all over Mexico and the world, becoming a symbol of mexican cuisine and a dish is a must have for any lover of good food. His story is a testament to the culinary creativity of mexico and its capacity for blending of foreign influences with local ingredients and flavors, creating dishes with unique and unforgettable.

Benefits of the Tacos al Pastor (It's Beyond the Taste!)

While the tacos al pastor they are a delight indulgent, they can also provide some benefits, in moderation, of course!

• Protein source: Pork is a good source of protein, essential for the construction and repair of tissues, as well as for various bodily functions.
• B-Complex vitamins: Pork provides B-complex vitamins, such as B12, which are important for energy metabolism and the functioning of the nervous system.
• Iron: The pig meat contains heme iron, which is more easily absorbed than iron from plant sources, and is crucial to prevent anemia and carry oxygen in the body.
• Taste and Pleasure: We do not underestimate the benefit of the pleasure of enjoying a delicious meal. The tacos al pastor they are a true feast for the senses, and enjoy your favorite foods once in a while it is important for the emotional well-being.
• Social and Cultural: Share tacos al pastor with friends and family is a social experience and deep-rooted cultural in Mexico. Enjoy this dish can strengthen bonds and celebrate the rich mexican gastronomy.

Fun facts that will Surprise you on the Tacos al Pastor

• The Top Rotary: The top portrait is the soul of the tacos al pastor. This grill swivel allows the meat to cook evenly and browned slowly, while the juices and the fat run off on the meat, bottom, keeping it juicy and flavorful. A true spectacle culinary!
• Pineapple Flying: Pineapple on the tip of the spinning top is not only decorative. To roast it slowly, the pineapple caramelizes and their juices dripping on the meat, adding a touch of sweet and sour that perfectly complements the flavor of the marinade. In addition, the taquero expert short thin slices of pineapple and throw it with accuracy on the taco at the time of serving, it's an act of skill and show!
• Each Teacher with their Marinade: There is not a unique recipe of marinade to tacos al pastor. Each taqueria jealously guards his own secret recipe, which can vary in the combination of chiles, spices, and other ingredients. This diversity is part of the charm of the tacos al pastor and makes every taqueria has its own distinctive flavor!
• Record Guinness Taquero: In 2019, Mexico City broke the Guinness record to the top of tacos al pastor largest in the world, with a height of over 7 feet and a weight of over 900 kg. A true feat taquera!
• Tacos al Pastor Vegans (Yes, they Exist!): The popularity of the tacos al pastor has transcended even the diets based on plants. Today, you can find veganize tacos al pastor made with mushrooms, seitan, jackfruit (jackfruit) and other ingredients, while maintaining the flavor and the essence of the unique dish, but without the meat!

Beyond Classical Variations Creative and Delicious Tacos al Pastor

The versatility of the tacos al pastor it is amazing. Although the traditional recipe is delicious by itself, there are many creative variations that you can explore to surprise your palate:

• Tacos Arab (The Origin Poblano): For a trip to the roots, try the tacos arab" style Puebla, the precursors of the tacos al pastor. Made with pork marinated, cooked in a spinning top, but served in a pita bread in place of corn tortilla, and salsa with chipotle and caramelized onions.
• Gringas al Pastor: If you're a fan of the cheese, the "gringas" are for you. It is tacos al pastor served in flour tortillas large, with melted cheese between the tortilla and the meat. An explosion of flavor and melted cheese!
• Volcanoes to the Pastor: For lovers of the crunchy, the "volcanoes" are corn tortillas toasted until they are crispy, covered in melted cheese and tacos al pastor. A base of crunchy that contrasts deliciously with the softness of the meat!
• Crusts of Cheese to the Pastor: Another variant to the quesoadictos. To form a crust of cheese crispy on the plate, on which are placed the tacos al pastor and other ingredients. The result is a taco with a base of cheese are irresistible!
• Tacos al Pastor Seafood: For the adventurous culinary, dare to try tacos al pastor with seafood like shrimp or fish. Is marinated seafood with marinade to the pastor and cooked on the grill or on the grill. A combination of amazing and delicious!
• Tacos al Pastor Vegans (you Infinite Possibilities!): As mentioned, vegan options are becoming more popular and creative. From mushrooms marinated al pastor until jackfruit marinated, passing cauliflower roast with adobo, the options are endless to enjoy tacos al pastor no meat.

Serving suggestions and Pair the Tacos al Pastor: The Complete Experience

To get the most out of your tacos al pastor, consider these suggestions to serve and wine pairing:

• Sauces: Accompanies your tacos al pastor with a variety of sauces: sauce red spicy, green sauce tatemada, chipotle sauce marinated sauce, pineapple habanero... let's experiment and find your favorite combinations!
• Fittings: Serves your tacos al pastor with garnishes classics such as radishes, sliced cucumber, in julian, red onion pickled or cebollitas cambray roasted.
• Drinks: For pairing, the options are many. Mexican beers lager or amber, fresh waters of jamaica or horchata, cola, mexican, or even a margarita classic, we have it all combines to perfection with the tacos al pastor!
• For a Complete Meal: If you want to convert your tacos al pastor in a more substantial meal, accompany them with mexican rice, refried beans, or a salad of fresh cactus.

Key tips to Succeed with your Tacos al Pastor Caseros

Prepare tacos al pastor in the home may seem challenging, but with these tips, you'll become a master taquero!

• The Quality of the Meat is Key: Uses pork of good quality, preferably head of spine or palette, and that you have a good balance of fat and lean meat. Cut the fillets the finest possible for it to be cooked quickly and to tender.
• Don't Skimp on the Marinating: The marinade is the soul of the tacos al pastor. Don't skip any ingredients of the marinade and marinate the meat for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to soak up all the flavors.
• Control the Fire: When cooking the meat in the frying pan or iron, make sure not to overload and cooking in batches so that they brown evenly. Do not cook too much meat so that it's not dry.
• The Tortilla Is Perfect: Used corn tortillas good quality, preferably freshly made or tortilleria. Slightly warm the tortillas before you mount the dowels so that they are flexible and hot.
• Fresh Ingredients: The freshness of the pineapple, onion and cilantro is crucial to the final flavor of the tacos al pastor. Uses fresh ingredients and good quality to get the best results.

Conclusion: we Dare to be Crowned as the King or Queen of the Tacos al Pastor!

The tacos al pastor they are a lot more than a recipe, they are a symbol of the rich gastronomic culture mexican, an explosion of flavor in each bite, and an experience that transports you to the vibrant streets of Mexico. Now that you have the prescription, the history, the secrets and the creative ideas, there's no excuse to not prepare them at home and delight your friends and family with this delicacy!

Dare to experiment in the kitchen, playing with the variations, create your own marinade secret, and share your creations taqueras with the world. Please leave us your feedback and photos of your tacos al pastor homemade! Are you ready to be crowned as the king or queen of the tacos al pastor? ¡Buen provecho!