Tacos al Pastor
Prep: 20 min
Cook: 25 min
Medium
Ingredients
500 g pork shoulder (thinly sliced)
3 chipotle peppers (canned)
2 tbsp achiote paste
1 pineapple slice
1 onion (quartered)
3 garlic cloves
2 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp cumin
Small corn tortillas, cilantro, salsa
The Story
Tacos al Pastor is a fusion born when Lebanese and Syrian immigrants who arrived in Mexico in the early 20th century blended their shawarma tradition with Mexican ingredients. "Al pastor" means "shepherd style" in Spanish. Born on the street food scene of Puebla and Mexico City, this recipe is now considered Mexico's national taco.
Instructions
- Blend chipotle, achiote, garlic, lime, cumin and onion into a smooth marinade.
- Marinate pork slices for 4–8 hours.
- Cook in a very hot skillet or griddle, 3–4 min each side.
- Chop finely. Load onto warm tortillas.
- Top with fresh pineapple, cilantro, diced onion and salsa.