Mexican Tacos Al Pastor: The Shepherd-Style Tacos Of Mexico

Tacos Al Pastor is a mouthwatering and beloved Mexican dish that has its roots in both Mexican and Middle Eastern culinary traditions. Originating in the 1960s in central Mexico, specifically, the city of Puebla, Tacos Al Pastor has a rich and fascinating history. The name "Al Pastor" translates to "in the style of the shepherd," highlighting the influence of Lebanese immigrants who brought the technique of spit-roasting meat to Mexico.

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This technique, similar to Middle Eastern shawarma, involved stacking marinated pork on a vertical spit called a trompo. The meat is then slow-cooked and thinly sliced, resulting in succulent, flavourful pork. The marinade for Tacos Al Pastor typically includes achiote paste, citrus juices (such as pineapple or orange), vinegar, garlic, onions, and various spices, infusing the meat with a tantalising combination of sweet, tangy, and savoury flavours. This fusion of culinary traditions and flavours has made Tacos Al Pastor an iconic and versatile dish enjoyed by people around the world.

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In the traditional preparation of Tacos Al Pastor, the meat is marinated and cooked using a distinctive method that contributes to its unique flavour profile. The primary meat used is thinly sliced pork, typically taken from the shoulder or a blend of different cuts. The meat is marinated in a flavorful mixture consisting of achiote paste, vinegar, citrus juices (such as pineapple or orange), garlic, onions, oregano, cumin, and other spices. This marinade imparts a vibrant red colour and infuses the meat with a tangy and slightly sweet taste.

Once marinated, the pork is stacked onto a vertical spit called a trompo, which is reminiscent of the Middle Eastern shawarma method. The trompo allows the meat to slowly cook and develop a crispy exterior while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. As the outer layer of meat cooks, thin slices are shaved off, resulting in tender and succulent pieces that are then served on warm tortillas.

Street Food Origins

Tacos Al Pastor has deep roots in Mexican street food culture, representing the evolution and popularisation of a humble yet delicious culinary tradition. Street vendors played a significant role in shaping the flavour and style of Tacos Al Pastor. In the 1960s and 1970s, Lebanese immigrants introduced the technique of vertical spit-roasting to Mexico, adapting it to local tastes and ingredients. As the technique spread, street vendors began serving Tacos Al Pastor, taking inspiration from the vibrant street food scene and adapting the dish to suit the preferences of their customers.

Mexico City, in particular, played a crucial role in the popularisation of Tacos Al Pastor. The bustling streets became a haven for these flavorful tacos, and their affordability and deliciousness attracted locals and visitors alike. The influence of street vendors is evident in the condiments and garnishes offered, such as fresh cilantro, diced onions, lime wedges, and various salsas, allowing diners to personalise their tacos.

Over time, Tacos Al Pastor became synonymous with Mexican street food culture, spreading to other regions of Mexico. Street vendors' creativity and innovation led to regional variations and subtle nuances in the marinades and toppings, reflecting the diverse culinary landscape of Mexico. Today, Tacos Al Pastor remains a quintessential street food, capturing the essence of Mexican flavours and the lively atmosphere of the streets.

Regional Variations

1. Tacos de Canasta: This variation, popular in Mexico City and other regions, involves steaming the tacos in a basket, and giving them their name ("canasta" means basket). The fillings typically include marinated pork, potatoes, beans, and various salsas. These tacos have a soft and slightly chewy texture, and they are often served in large quantities at festive events or sold by street vendors.

2. Tacos de Trompo: Originating in the northern state of Nuevo León, Tacos de Trompo is influenced by Lebanese flavours. The pork is marinated with achiote and other spices, then stacked onto a vertical spit called a trompo and slowly cooked. The meat is thinly sliced and served on tortillas, typically topped with onions, cilantro, and pineapple for a perfect balance of savoury and sweet flavours. These tacos are known for their vibrant red colour and robust taste.

Accompaniments and Salsas

When it comes to accompaniments and salsas for Tacos Al Pastor, there are several traditional toppings and garnishes that enhance the flavours of the taco. Common toppings include finely diced onions, fresh cilantro leaves, and a squeeze of lime juice, which add a refreshing and aromatic element. Additionally, a popular and essential component is pineapple, either diced or grilled, which provides a touch of sweetness that balances the savoury and tangy flavours of the marinated pork.

As for salsas and condiments, a variety of options can be enjoyed with Tacos Al Pastor. Salsa roja, a spicy red chilli sauce, is a classic choice that adds heat and depth of flavour. Salsa verde, made with tomatillos and fresh herbs, offers a vibrant and tangy counterpart. Other condiments like guacamole, pickled onions, and radishes provide contrasting textures and flavours that further elevate the overall taste.

5 Tips To Make The Perfect Tacos Al Pastor

1. Marination: Allow ample time for the pork to marinate, preferably overnight, to ensure maximum flavour absorption. The marinade should include key ingredients like achiote paste, vinegar, citrus juices, and spices. This step is crucial for achieving the signature taste of Tacos Al Pastor.

2. Vertical Spit: If possible, cook the marinated pork on a vertical spit, known as a trompo. This method allows for even cooking and the development of a deliciously crisp exterior while keeping the meat tender and juicy on the inside.

3. Pineapple Infusion: Incorporate pineapple into the cooking process by grilling pineapple slices alongside the pork or adding them directly to the spit. This adds a delightful touch of sweetness that complements the savoury flavours of the meat.

4. Thin Slicing: When it's time to serve, thinly slice the cooked pork against the grain. This ensures tender and succulent meat in each taco, making it easier to bite into and enhancing the overall texture of the dish.

5. Proper Tortillas: Use high-quality corn tortillas that are freshly made or warmed before serving. This ensures a soft and pliable base for the taco, allowing it to hold the fillings without falling apart and adding an authentic touch to the overall experience.

Recipe For Tacos Al Pastor

                                              Video Credits: Guga Foods/YouTube

Ingredients:

1.5 lbs (680g) boneless pork shoulder, thinly sliced

1/4 cup achiote paste

3 tablespoons of pineapple juice

3 tablespoons of orange juice

2 tablespoons of white vinegar

2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

3 cloves of garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon of salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Corn tortillas

Diced pineapple, for serving

Chopped cilantro, for serving

Diced onions, for serving

Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions:

In a bowl, combine the achiote paste, pineapple juice, orange juice, white vinegar, vegetable oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form a marinade.

Place the thinly sliced pork shoulder into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring that all the slices are coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, lightly grease it with oil.

Remove the marinated pork from the refrigerator and thread the slices onto skewers or a vertical spit, if you have one. If using skewers, make sure to thread them lengthwise through the slices to secure them.

Grill the pork for about 10–12 minutes, rotating occasionally, until the edges are slightly charred and the pork is cooked through. Remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes.

While the pork is resting, warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or on the grill for a minute or two on each side until soft and pliable.

Slice the cooked pork into bite-sized pieces. Assemble the tacos by placing some pork on each tortilla. Top with diced pineapple, chopped cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Serve the Tacos Al Pastor immediately and enjoy the delicious flavours.

Note: Feel free to customise your tacos with additional toppings or salsas according to your preference.

Enjoy your homemade Tacos Al Pastor!