Tacos (Mexico) full recipe 😋 TRY NOW

 

Here's a simple yet authentic recipe for Mexican tacos,

focusing on tacos al pastor which is one of the most beloved styles:

Ingredients:

For the Pork (Al Pastor):

1 lb pork shoulder or pork loin, thinly sliced

1/2 cup pineapple juice

2 tablespoons achiote paste (available at Latin markets or online; if unavailable, you can use chili powder mixed with a bit of cumin and oregano)

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon oregano (preferably Mexican oregano if available)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup fresh pineapple, diced

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For Assembly:

Corn tortillas (soft or hard, depending on preference)

1/2

red onion, finely chopped

Fresh cilantro, chopped

Lime wedges

Salsa verde or salsa roja (store-bought or homemade)

Optional: guacamole or avocado slices

Instructions:

Marinate the Pork:

Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, mix together pineapple juice, achiote paste, chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic, and chopped onion. Season with salt and pepper.

Marinate: Add the pork slices to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight in the refrigerator for better flavor.

Cook the Pork:

Heat Oil: In a large skillet or on a grill pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

Cook Pork: Add the marinated pork to the hot pan, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until nicely browned and cooked through.

 

If you have a vertical rotisserie or a grill, you can skewer the meat with pineapple pieces and cook it vertically, but this skillet method works well.

Add Pineapple: During the last few minutes of cooking, add the diced pineapple to the pork to caramelize slightly.

Assemble the Tacos:

Warm Tortillas: Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet, on a griddle, or directly over a gas flame until warm and pliable or slightly crispy, depending on your preference.

Build Tacos: Place some pork on each tortilla, top with fresh chopped red onion, cilantro, and a spoonful of salsa. Squeeze lime juice over the top.

Add Extras: If using,

add a slice of avocado or a dollop of guacamole.

Tips:

Tortillas: For an authentic touch, you can double up on tortillas to prevent them from breaking.

Salsa: Making your own salsa can elevate your tacos. For salsa verde, blend tomatillos, jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, and a bit of water. For salsa roja, you can use tomatoes, jalapeño, garlic, and spices.

Variation: If pork isn't your thing, you can use chicken, beef, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian option, adjusting the marinade accordingly.

Serving: Serve tacos immediately after assembling for the best texture and flavor.

Enjoy your delicious homemade tacos al pastor!