Tacos al pastor
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Jump to RecipeTacos al pastor, which translates to “shepherd’s style tacos,” is a beloved Mexican dish featuring marinated pork cooked on a spit. Served in corn tortillas with sweet caramelized pineapple, creamy Oaxaca cheese, and a sprinkle of cilantro, onion, salsa, and lime juice. All the taco fixings!
What are Tacos Al Pastor
I’m obsessed with tacos al pastor, a staple at every taco stand that stands out from the rest. Every bite reflects deep flavor, which I attribute to the toasting of spices – a crucial step that I never skip, and it makes all the difference. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
When I think about the acidity in this recipe, I know it’s the key to making this taco truly special. The juice of oranges and pineapple adds a perfect balance of sweetness to the spices and achiote. Each style of taco has its own magic but this one is genuinely unique, and I feel confident saying there’s no other taco like it!
Make Them At Home
Taquerias cook the marinated meat in a fire pit, or “trompo” in Spanish. While it would be incredible to have one at home, they can be pricey and take up a lot of space.
While we may not have the exact same equipment as taquerias, that doesn’t mean we can’t replicate their mouthwatering taste. With just a grill, some simple accessories, and a dash of creativity, you can easily recreate the authentic flavors of Tacos al Pastor.
Homemade Tortillas are Better
Now, I understand not everyone may have access to corn tortillas, or at least not homemade. If that’s the case, you can make your very own.
I have a recipe you can use; with practice and determination, you’ll be making amazing corn tortillas in no time! They will always taste better than store-bought. On top of that, you’ll elevate your taco game!
Recipe Video
Below is my easy to follow video tutorial on how to make Tacos al Pastor.
It will give you an additional in-depth knowledge and the visuals of the step-by-step process to enhance your understanding.
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Grill Temperature
When grilling, temperature control is key! I aim for a sweet spot between 400°F and 350°F, as this heat range yields those cherished charred bits that define Tacos al Pastor. However, it’s crucial to monitor the color during cooking to prevent the exterior from burning before the meat is fully cooked.
If needed, I trim the charred bits to allow for a second round of browning, relying on intuition to achieve that perfect, crispy, browned exterior. It’s all about finding that balance to ensure the meat is cooked to perfection!
Recommended tools
I fired up my trusty Weber Grill, which came with a removable center grate that perfectly accommodated its Cast Iron Griddle Accessory. The perfect fit made for perfect tacos !
To make this recipe, you’ll need a Stainless Steel Skewer for Al Pastor Tacos with a base. Its inexpensive and works like a charm!
Another trusty equipment I own is my Vitamix Blender. No straining required, makes my life easier.
I do not have a skewer so I slow-cooked the meat in the sauce for 7 hours. Most unique and delicious taco I have experienced. The sauce has so many flavors and they all get along so well. I have made salsa for years and this is a good one. I would add 1/4 tsp cumin and 1/2 tsp oregano to give it a bit more flavor. Well done.
Thank you for sharing your experience! I’m thrilled to hear you enjoyed the tacos and the sauce’s unique flavors.