Taco al Pastor
**Taco al Pastor Recipe:**
**Ingredients:**
For the Marinade:
- 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder, thinly sliced
- 3 dried guajillo chilies, seeds removed
- 3 dried ancho chilies, seeds removed
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Cooking and Assembly:
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh pineapple slices, chopped (optional)
- Small corn tortillas
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Chopped white onion
- Sliced radishes
- Lime wedges
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Marinade:**
- In a bowl, combine the dried guajillo and ancho chilies with hot water. Let them soak for about 15-20 minutes until softened.
- Drain the chilies and transfer them to a blender. Add pineapple juice, white vinegar, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth, creating a flavorful marinade.
2. **Marinate the Pork:**
- Place the thinly sliced pork shoulder in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag.
- Pour the marinade over the pork and make sure each slice is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
3. **Cook the Al Pastor:**
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a vertical rotisserie, thread the marinated pork slices onto the rotisserie skewer.
- If grilling directly, you can use skewers or a grill basket to cook the pork. Grill the pork until it's cooked through and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes per side.
4. **Assemble the Tacos:**
- Warm the corn tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet until pliable.
- To assemble each taco, place a couple of slices of the grilled al pastor pork onto a warm tortilla.
- Top with chopped white onion, fresh cilantro leaves, sliced radishes, and a drizzle of fresh lime juice.
- Add chopped fresh pineapple if desired.
5. **Serve:**
- Serve the tacos immediately with extra lime wedges on the side.
Enjoy your homemade and delicious taco al pastor! This recipe combines the rich flavors of marinated pork with the sweetness of pineapple and the freshness of the taco toppings. Feel free to customize the toppings and adjust the marinade to your taste preferences.
**Ingredients:**
For the Marinade:
- 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder, thinly sliced
- 3 dried guajillo chilies, seeds removed
- 3 dried ancho chilies, seeds removed
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Cooking and Assembly:
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh pineapple slices, chopped (optional)
- Small corn tortillas
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Chopped white onion
- Sliced radishes
- Lime wedges
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Marinade:**
- In a bowl, combine the dried guajillo and ancho chilies with hot water. Let them soak for about 15-20 minutes until softened.
- Drain the chilies and transfer them to a blender. Add pineapple juice, white vinegar, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth, creating a flavorful marinade.
2. **Marinate the Pork:**
- Place the thinly sliced pork shoulder in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag.
- Pour the marinade over the pork and make sure each slice is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
3. **Cook the Al Pastor:**
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a vertical rotisserie, thread the marinated pork slices onto the rotisserie skewer.
- If grilling directly, you can use skewers or a grill basket to cook the pork. Grill the pork until it's cooked through and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes per side.
4. **Assemble the Tacos:**
- Warm the corn tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet until pliable.
- To assemble each taco, place a couple of slices of the grilled al pastor pork onto a warm tortilla.
- Top with chopped white onion, fresh cilantro leaves, sliced radishes, and a drizzle of fresh lime juice.
- Add chopped fresh pineapple if desired.
5. **Serve:**
- Serve the tacos immediately with extra lime wedges on the side.
Enjoy your homemade and delicious taco al pastor! This recipe combines the rich flavors of marinated pork with the sweetness of pineapple and the freshness of the taco toppings. Feel free to customize the toppings and adjust the marinade to your taste preferences.
