Grilled Pork Tacos al Pastor

Grilled Pork Tacos al Pastor

Al Pastor is a really popular way to prepare pork, famous in San Francisco’s Mission District. It’s a marinated roast pork. They make the most incredible tacos and burritos. This is inspired by those flavors.

Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
25 mins
Additional Time:
8 hrs 30 mins
Total Time:
9 hrs 25 mins
Yield:
16 servings
Servings:
16

Ingredients

  • 3 dried guajillo chilies, seeds discarded
  • 2 dried pasilla chiles, seeds discarded
  • 1 cup boiling water, or as needed to cover
  • 2 pork tenderloins, membranes (silver skin) removed
  • ¾ cup pineapple juice
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon ground dried chipotle pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste (Optional)
  • 1 pinch ground cumin, or to taste
  • 1 pinch dried oregano, or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, or as needed
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 16 (6 inch) corn tortillas
  • 16 slices Monterey Jack cheese, divided
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage, divided
  • ½ cup roasted tomato salsa, divided
  • 1 large jalapeno pepper, thinly sliced – or to taste

Directions

Step 1
Place dried guajillo and pasilla chiles into a bowl and pour in boiling water to cover. Let chiles stand 30 minutes to soften.

Step 2
Cut pork tenderloins in half crosswise and in half again lengthwise again to make 8 long strips.

Step 3
Drain water from chiles and pour in pineapple juice and vinegar. Add garlic cloves, chipotle pepper, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, cumin, and oregano. Transfer chile mixture to a blender and blend to make a smooth marinade.

Step 4
Place pork into a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over pork; knead bag several times to coat pork. Squeeze out excess air and seal the bag. Refrigerate overnight.

Step 5
Preheat outdoor grill (preferably charcoal) for high heat and lightly oil the grate.

Step 6
Remove pork from bag and drain and discard marinade; transfer pork to a platter. Drizzle meat with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and season with salt. Use tongs to gently stir pork pieces to coat lightly with oil.

Step 7
Cook pork strips on preheated grill until meat shows good grill marks and is lightly pink in the center, 7 to 8 minutes per side. An instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the center of the largest piece should read at least 145 degrees F (65 degrees C). Transfer pork to a fresh platter.

Step 8
Drizzle a nonstick skillet with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil and place over medium heat. Lay a tortilla into the hot oil and place 1 slice of Monterey Jack cheese into center of the tortilla. Cook until tortilla is hot, lightly browned on the bottom, and cheese has melted, 1 to 2 minutes. Repeat with remaining tortillas and cheese slices. Transfer each tortilla to a plate.

Step 9
Slice pork strips across the grain into pieces about 1/4 inch thick. Divide shredded cabbage onto each tortilla and top each with about 6 slices of pork, 1 tablespoon roasted tomato salsa, and a few slices of jalapeno pepper. Fold taco over fillings to eat.

Cook’s Notes:

If you can't get the dried chile peppers, you can use dried ground chiles. Just be sure to use one with a name, such as ancho, instead of using generic chili powder.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

256
Calories
13g
Fat
15g
Carbs
19g
Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 16
Calories 256
% Daily Value *
Total Fat13g 17%
Saturated Fat7g 34%
Cholesterol57mg 19%
Sodium310mg 13%
Total Carbohydrate15g 6%
Dietary Fiber2g 9%
Total Sugars2g
Protein19g
Vitamin C6mg 28%
Calcium247mg 19%
Iron1mg 7%
Potassium304mg 6%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

**Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient.If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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