
Welcome to Global Bites, a series that explores the world's most beloved and iconic dishes. Each issue, we'll dive deep into a country's food culture, history, and recipes to discover the secrets behind the dishes that have captured the hearts and palates of people all over the globe. In this issue, we'll be taking a closer look at one of Mexico's most famous street foods - Tacos al Pastor.
Tacos al Pastor is a dish that's beloved across Mexico and has become a popular staple in Mexican cuisine around the world. The dish's origins can be traced back to the early 20th century when Lebanese immigrants arrived in Mexico and introduced shawarma, a traditional Middle Eastern dish. Over time, the locals added their own spin to the recipe, and Tacos al Pastor was born.
The dish is made by marinating thin slices of pork in a combination of spices, chiles, and pineapple, then roasting the meat on a spit until it's crispy and charred. The meat is then sliced thinly and served on small tortillas with a range of toppings, including onions, cilantro, and lime. It's a dish that's perfect for a quick snack on the go or a full meal with family and friends.
Tacos al Pastor has a special place in Mexican culture and is often associated with street vendors and small, family-owned taquerias. In fact, it's not uncommon to see a line of people waiting patiently for their turn to savor this mouth-watering dish. The dish has also become a symbol of Mexican cuisine and is now enjoyed around the world, from New York City to Tokyo.
Now, let's get started on making our own Tacos al Pastor. Here are the ingredients you'll need:
- 2 lbs. pork shoulder, thinly sliced
- 1 cup chopped fresh pineapple
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 2 Tbsp. achiote paste
- 1 Tbsp. dried oregano
- 1 Tbsp. ground cumin
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
Instructions:
- In a blender or food processor, combine the pineapple, vinegar, achiote paste, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, garlic, onion, and chipotle peppers. Puree until the mixture is smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine the pork and the marinade. Toss until the pork is fully coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
- Preheat your grill or broiler to high heat.
- Thread the pork onto skewers or a spit and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is crispy and charred.
- Remove the meat from the skewers or spit and thinly slice.
- To assemble the tacos, warm the tortillas on a griddle or in the microwave. Add a few slices of the pork to each tortilla, then top with chopped onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Enjoy your homemade Tacos al Pastor!
We hope you enjoyed learning about the history and culture behind this iconic dish. Be sure to check out our next issue, where we'll be exploring the vibrant food culture of Saudi Arabia and sharing a recipe for one of the country's most popular dishes.
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