Pork Volcánes al Pastor

Ingredients for Pork Volcánes al Pastor

• 1 (2-lb.) piece skinless, boneless pork shoulder (Boston butt)

• 7 guajillo chillies, seeds removed

• 3 morita chillies, seeds removed

• 4 garlic cloves

• 80ml fresh orange juice

• 60ml fresh lime juice

• 45ml achiote (annatto) paste

• 1 tablespoon Diamond Crystal or 1 1/2 teaspoons Morton kosher salt

• 8 (6"-diameter) corn tortillas

• 60ml extra-virgin olive oil

• 350g quesillo (Oaxaca cheese), coarsely grated

• Chopped white onion, coarsely chopped coriander, and lime wedges (for serving)

Place pork shoulder on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet and freeze, uncovered, until almost completely frozen, about 2 hours. Using a very sharp knife, thinly slice pork (shoot for about 1/8" thick). Transfer to a large bowl.

Meanwhile, bring guajillo and morita chillies and 240ml water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Cover, remove from heat, and let sit 30 minutes to allow chillies to soften.

Transfer chillies and soaking liquid to a blender. Add garlic, orange juice, lime juice, achiote paste, and salt; purée until smooth. Pour over pork and toss to coat. Cover and let sit at room temperature 2 hours, or chill up to 6 hours.

Place a rack in middle of oven; preheat to 177°C. Evenly space out tortillas on a baking sheet and bake until lightly toasted and very crisp (edges will curl and pucker), 35–45 minutes.

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over high until smoking. Spread about one-fourth of pork across skillet in a single layer; cook, undisturbed, until browned underneath, about 2 minutes. Turn over and cook, undisturbed, until browned underneath and cooked through, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a platter and wipe out skillet. Working in 3 batches, repeat process with remaining pork and 45ml oil.

Increase oven temperature to 260°C. Divide pork among tostadas and top with quesillo; bake until cheese is melted, 8–10 minutes. Top with onion and coriander and serve with lime wedges.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.