How To Season Al Pastor For Tacos

Delicious Al Pastor Tacos: The Secret to Perfect Seasoning

Al Pastor is a popular Mexican dish that features marinated pork cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The key to making mouthwatering Al Pastor tacos lies in the seasoning. With the right combination of spices and flavors, you can create a tantalizing dish that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. Here’s how to season Al Pastor for tacos like a pro:

Choosing the Right Cut of Meat

Before we dive into the seasoning, it’s important to start with the right cut of meat. Traditionally, Al Pastor is made with thinly sliced pork, such as pork shoulder or pork butt. The marbling in these cuts adds flavor and juiciness to the final dish. If you prefer a leaner option, you can also use pork loin, but keep in mind that it may not be as succulent as fattier cuts.

Creating the Marinade

The marinade is the heart and soul of Al Pastor. It infuses the meat with a rich blend of spices and aromatics, resulting in a flavor-packed filling for your tacos. Here’s a basic recipe for a classic Al Pastor marinade:

• 3 dried guajillo chilies, stemmed and seeded
• 3 dried ancho chilies, stemmed and seeded
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 4 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste

To prepare the marinade, start by toasting the dried chilies in a dry skillet until they become fragrant. Then, soak the chilies in hot water for about 20 minutes to soften them. Once softened, blend the chilies with the pineapple juice, vinegar, garlic, onion, and spices until smooth. The resulting marinade should be thick and vibrant in color, with a tantalizing aroma that promises a flavor explosion.

Seasoning the Meat

Once you have your marinade ready, it’s time to season the meat. Take your thinly sliced pork and place it in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring that it is well-coated on all sides. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate the meat for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This allows the flavors of the marinade to penetrate the pork, resulting in a tender and flavorful filling for your tacos.

Cooking the Al Pastor

After the meat has marinated sufficiently, it’s time to cook the Al Pastor. Traditionally, Al Pastor is cooked on a vertical rotisserie, allowing the meat to baste in its own juices as it rotates and cooks to perfection. If you don’t have a rotisserie, you can achieve similar results by grilling the meat on a barbecue or roasting it in the oven. Whichever method you choose, the key is to cook the pork until it is tender and slightly charred, with caramelized edges that add a delightful crunch to your tacos.

Serving and Enjoying

Once the Al Pastor is cooked to perfection, it’s time to assemble your tacos. Warm up some corn tortillas, pile on the flavorful pork, and top it off with diced onions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. The result is a tantalizing taco that bursts with the vibrant flavors of Mexico, offering a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes that will leave your taste buds craving for more.

Now that you know the secrets to seasoning Al Pastor for tacos, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking. With the right blend of spices and a little bit of patience, you can create a truly unforgettable dish that will have your friends and family coming back for seconds.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to unleash your inner chef and whip up a batch of delicious Al Pastor tacos that will transport you to the streets of Mexico with every bite.