How to Make Authentic Al Pastor: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you tired of the same old taco fillings? Why not spice up your next taco night with some homemade al pastor! This popular Mexican dish is made by marinating thinly sliced pork in a mixture of spices, chilies, and pineapple. The result is a juicy, flavorful filling that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.

Making al pastor at home is easier than you might think. Although traditionally cooked on a vertical spit, you can achieve similar results with a few simple tools and ingredients. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making al pastor in the comfort of your own kitchen, so you can enjoy this delicious dish anytime you want!

How to Make Al Pastor: A Step-by-Step Guide for Mouth-Watering Tacos

Al pastor is a deliciously vibrant and juicy taco filling that has won the hearts of many. Originating from Mexico, al pastor is made by marinating pork meat in a combination of spices and pineapple, which gives the meat its distinct sweet and tangy flavor. If you’re a fan of authentic Mexican cuisine, then you’re in for a treat because in this article, we’ll teach you how to make your very own al pastor. Follow these simple steps to create a mouth-watering dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

1. Ingredients You’ll Need

To get started, you’ll need a few ingredients that will give your al pastor its unique flavor. The key ingredients include pork meat (preferably pork shoulder or leg), dried guajillo chili peppers, achiote paste, canned pineapple chunks, garlic, onion, white vinegar, salt, and black pepper.

2. Preparing the Marinade

The marinade is what gives al pastor its distinct flavor. To prepare the marinade, start by removing the seeds and stems from the guajillo chili peppers. Soak the chili peppers in hot water for about 15-20 minutes until they’re soft.

3. Blend the Marinade

Once the chili peppers are soft, drain the water and blend them with the achiote paste, pineapple chunks (with juice), garlic, onion, white vinegar, salt, and black pepper until you get a smooth paste.

4. Marinate the Pork

Cut the pork meat into thin slices and transfer it into a large container. Pour the marinade over the pork and mix until the meat is well-coated. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.

5. Preparing the Spit

Traditionally, al pastor is cooked on a vertical spit, but you can use a regular grill or oven to cook the meat evenly. If you’re using a spit, make sure it’s securely placed and adjust the heat to medium-high.

6. Skewer the Meat

After the meat has marinated, it’s time to skewer it onto the spit. Make sure the meat is evenly spaced and that there’s enough room between each slice so they cook evenly.

7. Cook the Al Pastor

Cook the al pastor on the spit for 2-3 hours, basting it occasionally with the leftover marinade. The meat should be fully cooked and have slightly charred edges.

8. Carving the Meat

Once the meat is cooked, use a sharp knife to carve off thin slices of meat from the spit. The slices should be thin enough to fit into a taco.

9. Serving the Al Pastor

Serve the al pastor with fresh tortillas, chopped white onions, cilantro leaves, and a squeeze of lime juice. You can also add your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

10. Enjoy!

Congratulations, you’ve successfully made al pastor! Enjoy your delicious tacos with friends and family as a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to perfect this recipe and make it your own. Make sure to savor the flavors in each bite and enjoy this authentic Mexican delicacy.

Choosing the Right Meat for Al Pastor

When it comes to making al pastor, the meat is undoubtedly the most crucial component. You want to choose a cut of meat that will cook well and retain its flavor while being marinated and cooked on the rotisserie. Traditionally, pork is used for making al pastor, and specifically, the cut used is pork shoulder or pork butt. Pork shoulder is a tough cut of meat with a high-fat content that makes it perfect for slow cooking methods like al pastor. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right meat for al pastor:

Freshness

When selecting pork for al pastor, make sure it’s fresh. You can determine the freshness of pork by looking at the color and smell. Fresh pork should be pinkish in color, and there shouldn’t be any foul smell.

Cut of Meat

As mentioned earlier, pork butt is the ideal cut of meat to use for al pastor. It’s a relatively cheap cut of meat, which makes it perfect for hosting large gatherings.

Marbling

Marbling refers to the fat that’s evenly distributed throughout the meat. The right amount of marbling in pork butt can play a significant role in giving al pastor the right flavor, texture, and juiciness.

Size

When selecting pork butt for al pastor, consider the size of the cut. A larger cut of meat will require more time to cook, and you want to ensure that your meat is thoroughly cooked while still retaining its juiciness and tenderness.

Bone-in or Boneless

Whether you choose bone-in or boneless pork butt depends on your personal preference. Bone-in meat will produce a more flavorful broth that can be used to serve al pastor.

Organic or Conventional

You may choose organic or conventional pork depending on your values or budget. Organic pork is raised according to strict regulations that prohibit the use of antibiotics and hormones.

Cleanliness

Ensure that the pork you select is clean and free of any debris or unwanted parts like cartilage, bone, and extra fat.

Thickness

The ideal thickness for al pastor meat is roughly 1-inch. This thickness ensures that the pork cooks evenly and quickly while adequately absorbing the marinade flavors.

Quality

When selecting meat, it’s also crucial to consider its quality. Premium meat will have consistent marbling throughout the cut, indicating that the animal had a healthy diet and was raised properly.

Source

Finally, source your pork from a reliable supplier. Consider buying from a local farm or farmer’s market if possible to keep the quality and freshness of your meat high. Happy cooking!

Preparing the Meat

Now that you have your adobo and the pineapple ready, it’s time to start preparing the meat. Traditionally, pork shoulder or butt is used for al pastor, but feel free to experiment with other cuts if you prefer. Here are the steps to prepare the meat:

1. Trim and slice the meat: First, trim any excess fat and remove the bone if necessary. Then, slice the meat into thin pieces, about ¼ inch thick. You can use a knife or a meat slicer for this step.
2. Marinate the meat: Next, place the meat slices in a large bowl or container and pour the adobo sauce over them. Make sure every piece of meat is fully coated with the sauce. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results. This will allow the meat to absorb all the flavors from the adobo and become tender.
3. Skewer the meat: After marinating, it’s time to skewer the meat. You can use metal or wooden skewers for this step. Make sure to thread each slice of meat onto the skewer, folding it in half and then in half again, so it forms a compact shape. Leave some space at the bottom for the pineapple.
4. Add the pineapple: Now it’s time to add the pineapple to the skewers. Take a slice of pineapple and cut it into small pieces and add them on top of the meat. The acidity of the pineapple will help tenderize the meat and add a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish.
5. Cook the meat: Finally, it’s time to cook the meat. Traditionally, al pastor is cooked on a vertical spit or rotisserie, but you can also use a grill or oven. If using a spit, make sure to rotate the skewers frequently to ensure even cooking. If using a grill or oven, cook the skewers on high heat, turning them every few minutes, until the meat is fully cooked and slightly charred.

Why is Pineapple Used in Al Pastor?

As we mentioned earlier, pineapple is a key ingredient in al pastor. But have you ever wondered why? There are a few reasons why pineapple is used in this dish:

So next time you make al pastor, don’t skip the pineapple! It’s an essential ingredient that brings the dish to the next level.

That’s a Wrap!

And there you have it folks! Making Al Pastor is easy and oh so delicious! It’s the perfect meal to enjoy with friends and family any day of the week. Don’t forget to cook up some rice and beans along with it to complete your tasty and authentic Mexican meal. Thanks for reading and I hope you try this recipe at home! Come back soon for more great food ideas. ¡Buen Provecho!