Tacos Al Pastor (Marinated, Spit-Roasted Tacos)

Ingredients for Tacos Al Pastor (Marinated, Spit-Roasted Tacos)

• 900g pork butt roast, sliced into very thin steaks

• 60ml fresh lime juice

• 3/4 teaspoons salt

• 1/4 medium onion, plus 160g chopped

• 2 large cloves garlic, unpeeled

• 1/2 bar achiote paste

• 60ml plus 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 1/2 heaping teaspoon whole cumin seed, toasted

• 2 tablespoons raw unsalted peanuts, toasted

• 1 small fresh Mexican bay leaf

• 1 (2-inch) cinnamon stick

• 2 cloves

• 2 allspice berries

• 300g chopped fresh pineapple

• 5 limes, cut into wedges

• Salsa of choice

• 1 cup chopped fresh coriander

• 1 cup chopped onion

• Lard or vegetable oil

• 24 corn tortillas

The day before you plan to eat, place the pork in a large bowl and toss with the lime juice and salt. Heat a comal or nonstick skillet to medium-high heat. Add the onion wedge and garlic, placing the garlic near the edge, away from direct heat. Cook until soft and blackened in spots, turning occasionally, about 7 minutes. Peel the garlic and place both items in a blender jar. Crumble the achiote paste into the blender and add the vinegar, cumin seed, peanuts and bay leaf along with the cinnamon stick, cloves and allspice. Blend until smooth. Pour the marinade over the meat and toss to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 24 hours.

The next day, prepare the garnishes: Chop the pineapple, slice the limes into wedges, prepare the salsa, and chop the coriander and onion.

Heat a large heavy skillet to high heat and add 1 teaspoon lard. When smoking, add one piece of marinated steak. The meat should sizzle and smoke, so make sure you have a working fan and vent on your stove. Cook until the meat starts to release its juices and lighten slightly in colour, 2 to 3 minutes, then flip and cook 2 to 3 minutes more. Both sides should have dark-brown charred spots; if they don't, raise the heat higher.

Transfer to a cutting board and repeat with the remaining steaks, scraping the pan well to remove any burned bits between frying.

Scrape out the pan once more and cook the pineapple until soft and charred in spots. Remove to a bowl.

Warm the corn tortillas on a comal or nonstick skillet and place in a dishcloth to keep warm. Chop the meat into small pieces. Serve on a platter and let guests feed themselves, passing the tortillas and garnishes.

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.