Tacos al Pastor is a popular street food dish in Mexican cuisine. It is made with marinated pork that is cooked on a vertical spit (similar to shawarma), and then sliced thinly and served in a soft corn tortilla with various toppings such as diced onion, cilantro, and a tangy pineapple salsa.
The dish is believed to have originated in the early 20th century in central Mexico, when Lebanese immigrants introduced shawarma to the country. Over time, the dish evolved to incorporate local ingredients and flavors, leading to the creation of Tacos al Pastor.
The marinade used for the pork typically includes a blend of chili peppers, spices, and achiote, giving the dish its distinct red color and spicy-sweet flavor. The pork is slowly cooked on the spit, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender and juicy.
Tacos al Pastor are a staple of Mexican street food and can be found at taquerias (taco stands) and food markets throughout Mexico and the United States. They are often enjoyed as a quick and flavorful meal, and are a popular option for late-night snacking.
5 Great Taco al Pastor Recipes to Try. Some are more difficult than others than check them all out for the one that is right for you, but they are all delicious.
Traditional Tacos al Pastor: This is a challenging yet rewarding recipe. Thin slices of pork shoulder are marinated in a blend of chilies and achiote to create a bright red color. The meat is stacked onto a vertical skewer and topped with onion and pineapple, rotating in front of a vertical grill. Its easy to see this style of cooking was influenced by Lebanese immigrants, hence the similarity to shawarma and doner kebab. RECIPE
Mexican Tacos al Pastor: Get ready to spice up your Taco Tuesday (or any day, really) with our delicious tacos al pastor! Made with thin slices of marinated pork shoulder, bright red chilies and achiote, and topped with onion and pineapple, these tacos are bursting with flavor. Reminiscent of Mexican street food, our tacos al pastor will transport you to a sunny beach with every bite. Say goodbye to basic tacos and hello to the real deal! RECIPE
Tacos al Pastor: The succulent pork is marinated in a mouth-watering sauce and grilled to perfection. Served with fresh pineapple, cilantro, and chopped onions, this dish is a perfect meal any day of the week and a great option for those on a budget. While Mexican cuisine offers many types of tacos, from carne asada to fish, all tacos share a few common elements such as fresh tortillas, cilantro, onion, lime, and salt. But it’s the variation in meat and unique flavors that make tacos al Pastor a standout dish. RECIPE
Taco al Pastor: This homemade al pastor recipe is the ultimate combination of smoky, sweet and easy-to-make. Unlike other recipes on the internet, this one delivers the smoky finish and crispy edges that make al pastor so irresistible. Although the ingredients may seem a bit hard to come by, this recipe has been a staple for taco nights for a long time. It’s simple, tasty and brings you close to the authentic street-side al pastor experience. RECIPE
Sheet Pan Chicken al Pastor: This flavorful dish features tender chicken marinated in a blend of earthy, citrusy, and sweet al pastor flavors, including orange juice, achiote, and spices. Baked with juicy pineapple on a sheet pan, it’s finished off under the broiler for a perfectly crispy and caramelized texture. Enjoy as chicken al pastor tacos or as a rice bowl with your favorite toppings. Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, this recipe is sure to become a go-to for busy weeknights or weekend parties. RECIPE
