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Test Kitchen Approved

Tacos Al Pastor

Time: 4 hours 25 minutes

Yield: 12 servings

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About

Tacos Al Pastor are actually a unique fusion of Mexican and Lebanese cuisines, and are essentially shawarma tacos. The pork is juicy and marinated in a bright and spicy sauce that must be tasted to be believed. Served alongside caramelized and charred pineapples, Tacos Al Pastor is a refreshing and hearty dish that will make you fall in love with tacos all over again!

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Ingredients

  • For the filling:
  • 1 (2-3 pound) pork butt or loin, boneless
  • 1 large pineapple, peeled and cored, divided
  • 1 white onion, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
  • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo
  • 2 tablespoons ancho chili powder
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
  • For serving:
  • 12 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1 small red onion, diced
  • 2 large limes, cut into wedges

Directions

Step 1 -Slice the pork into thin slices.

Step 2 -Place the pork slices into a large mixing bowl.

Step 3 -Cut the cored pineapple into large wide spears about 2-inches wide.

Step 4 -Dice about 1 cup of the pineapple, setting the remaining spears aside.

Step 5 -Using a blender, blend together the onion, the diced pineapple, the orange juice, the white vinegar, the chipotle, the chile powder, the garlic, the salt, and the oregano, pureeing until you’ve achieved a smooth texture.

Step 6 -Pour the mixture over the pork slices, ensuring everything is covered.

Step 7 -Place the pork in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.

Step 8 -Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 9 -Sear each pork slice until fully cooked, about 2-4 minutes per slice.

Step 10 -Lightly sear the pineapple spears until barely charred, about 2 minutes.

Step 11 -Chop the cooked pork and dice the charred pineapple.

Step 12 -Serve in tortillas topped with the fresh cilantro, the red onions, and the lime wedges.

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