aurora
Tasty Apprentice
Check out my Al Pastor Recipe for Tacos. This homemade version of pork & pineapple tacos is prepared with grilled tenderloin to get the result similar to traditionally used rotisserie, very quick in preparation and absolutely delicious. The taco meat recipe includes the use of chipotle paste. However, if you have any traditional Mexican dried chilies like guajillo or ancho chilies, you can incorporate them into the marinade by rehydrating them, removing the seeds, and blending them into a paste.
Ingredients for Al Pastor:
* 1 lbs Pork tenderloin - (450g) thinly sliced
* 2 slices Pineapple - finely chopped
* 1 Onion, medium size - cut in half and sliced
* 1 Red bell pepper - sliced
* 5 Garlic cloves - minced
* 2 tsp Chipotle paste - (Instead you can use traditional Mexican dried chilies like guajillo or ancho chilies, rehydrate and use in the marinade)
* 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
* ½ tsp Salt
Ingredients for Al Pastor spice blend:
* 1 tbsp Paprika
* 1 tbsp Ground cumin
* 1 tsp Epazote - (optional)
* 1 tsp Oregano
* ½ tsp Black pepper
* 1 tsp Annatto seeds - (you can use achiote paste to marinate pork instead)
* 2 Cloves
To serve:
* 12 Small corn taco tortillas
* Salsa
* Guacamole
* Pickled Red Jalapeño & Pineapple
* 1 handful Fresh coriander - (cilantro)
* Cheese - Choose: Oaxaca, Cheddar, Queso Fresco, Mozzarella.
Instructions:
* 1 lbs Pork tenderloin - (450g) thinly sliced
* 2 slices Pineapple - finely chopped
* 1 Onion, medium size - cut in half and sliced
* 1 Red bell pepper - sliced
* 5 Garlic cloves - minced
* 2 tsp Chipotle paste - (Instead you can use traditional Mexican dried chilies like guajillo or ancho chilies, rehydrate and use in the marinade)
* 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
* ½ tsp Salt
Ingredients for Al Pastor spice blend:
* 1 tbsp Paprika
* 1 tbsp Ground cumin
* 1 tsp Epazote - (optional)
* 1 tsp Oregano
* ½ tsp Black pepper
* 1 tsp Annatto seeds - (you can use achiote paste to marinate pork instead)
* 2 Cloves
To serve:
* 12 Small corn taco tortillas
* Salsa
* Guacamole
* Pickled Red Jalapeño & Pineapple
* 1 handful Fresh coriander - (cilantro)
* Cheese - Choose: Oaxaca, Cheddar, Queso Fresco, Mozzarella.
Instructions:
- In a spice grinder, combine paprika, cumin, epazote (if using), oregano, black pepper, annatto seeds, and cloves. Grind into a fine powder.
- In a large bowl, combine the spice blend, minced garlic, half of the vegetable oil, chopped pineapple and salt. Add the thinly sliced pork tenderloin and toss until the pork is well-coated with the marinade. (While refrigerating overnight will enhance the flavour, it's not a necessary step.).
- Preheat your grill to 460°F (240°C). Place the marinated pork on a tray and grill for about 12-15 minutes or until the pork is cooked through and has a slightly charred exterior. Go to another step while waiting for pork.
- In a large skillet, heat the remaining vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion and red bell pepper until they are soft and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Then add a splash of water, cover with a lid, reduce the heat to medium, and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add grilled pork to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Add 2 tsp of chipotle paste to the mixture, tossing everything together well to ensure the flavours meld. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Warm the taco tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side or until they are soft and pliable. To serve, place a few slices of pork and vegetable mixture on each tortilla. Top with your choice of salsa, guacamole, pickled red jalapeño & pineapple, fresh coriander, and cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Al Pastor tacos!
Can't wait to try them!
Can almost taste the juicy, marinated pork and those charred pineapple chunks! 
Thanks for bringing a taste of Mexico to my kitchen!
