Al pastor is a popular Mexican dish that is made by marinating pork meat with spices and then slow-cooking it on a spit or in a vertical rotisserie. This dish is typically served as a filling for tacos, burritos, or tortas and is accompanied by onions, cilantro, and pineapple.
History: Al pastor is believed to have originated in Central Mexico, where it was adapted from the Lebanese dish shawarma, which was brought to the region by immigrants from the Middle East. The name “al pastor” means “shepherd style” in Spanish, which is a reference to the way the meat is cooked on a vertical spit that resembles a shepherd’s staff.
Recipe: Ingredients:
- 1 lb. pork shoulder, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. ground cumin
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 2 tbsp. white vinegar
- 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced fresh pineapple
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Tortillas, for serving
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix together garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cinnamon, cloves, salt, vinegar, and oil.
- Add sliced pork to the bowl and toss to coat.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated pork onto skewers and grill until cooked through and slightly charred, about 8-10 minutes per side.
- Remove the pork from the skewers and chop into small pieces.
- In a separate pan, sauté the onions and pineapple until softened.
- Add the chopped pork to the pan with the onions and pineapple, along with the pineapple juice and cilantro. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve the al pastor mixture in warm tortillas with additional toppings of your choice, such as diced onions, cilantro, and lime wedges.
Variations: Al pastor can be made with various meats, such as chicken or beef, instead of pork. Additionally, different types of spices can be used in the marinade, such as chipotle powder, garlic powder, or achiote paste. Some people also like to add diced tomatoes or tomatillos to the mixture for additional flavor.
Conclusion: Al pastor is a delicious and flavorful dish that has a unique history and a wide variety of variations. Whether you make it with pork or another type of meat, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering or meal. With a little bit of preparation and some patience, you can enjoy this classic Mexican dish in the comfort of your own home.
