Tex Mex Tacos Al Pastor

Submitted by Molly53

"Al pastor, meaning literally "shepherd style," is a traditional way to prepare pork, lamb, and goat meat that originated in northern Mexico. Historically, pigs and goats were slow-roasted whole over a mesquite fire, but over time preparation methods evolved. In Mexico city there are taquerias dedicated mostly or even exclusively to tacos al Pastor. Tacos al Pastor are made from pork meat that has been marinated in a secret recipe and then cooked in a rotisserie with pineapple on top. Similar to the roast lamb from Greek delis, taquerias stack the marinated pork al pastor into a large cylindrical heap and cook it on a vertical spit. Be bold with the spice, remembering that this recipe is TexMex. I haven't tried this myself, just thought it would make a good contribution to Recipezaar. Marinating time not included in preparation time."

 

• Ready In: 25mins
• Ingredients: 15
• Serves: 6

ingredients

• 4.92 ml garlic granules, (more to taste)
• 59.14 ml cider vinegar
• 4.92 ml dried oregano
• 4.92 ml guajillo chili powder
• 4.92 ml fresh ground black pepper
• 0.61 ml ground cumin
• salt
• 473.18 ml fresh orange juice
• 907.18 g boneless pork loin, thinly sliced
• 22.18 ml achiote paste (rehydrate peppers to soft, peel, seed and mash or puree)
• 1 pineapple, peeled,cored,cut into long,thick strips
• 12 corn tortillas, warmed
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• picante sauce, for garnish

directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the garlic, vinegar, oregano, guajillo chile powder, black pepper, cumin, salt, orange juice and achiote paste.
2. Add the pork slices and turn to coat both sides.
3. Marinate at least 1 hour, but not more than 3 hours.
4. Heat the grill.
5. Place the meat over a hot fire and cook, turning once and basting with any leftover marinade during cooking, until crisp.
6. At the same time, grill the pineapple strips turning as needed until lightly browned.
7. Both the pork and pineapple should take no longer than about 5 minutes.
8. To assemble; chop the grilled pork into 1/4 inch pieces.
9. Cut the pineapple into 1/2 inch pieces.
10. Place the pork on the warmed tortillas and top with the onion, cilantro and pineapple pieces.
11. Serve the Picante Sauce on the side.