18 Mexican Pork Pastor Recipe Taste The Magic Today!

The History of Mexican Pork Pastor

The origins of Mexican pork pastor can be traced back to the 16th century when Spanish conquistadors arrived in Mexico. They brought with them a method of cooking meat on a vertical spit, known as "shwarma" in the Middle East. As the Spanish settled in Mexico, they adapted this cooking technique to use the local ingredients and flavors, resulting in the birth of pastor-style meats. Initially, pork pastor was made with lamb, but over time, pork became the preferred meat due to its affordability and availability. The dish was typically served on special occasions and celebrations, but it soon became a popular street food and can now be found in almost every Mexican city.

The Ingredients of Mexican Pork Pastor

The key ingredient in Mexican pork pastor is, of course, pork. The most commonly used cut is pork shoulder, also known as pork butt, as it has a good amount of fat that keeps the meat moist and flavorful when cooked. The pork is then marinated in a mixture of achiote paste, guajillo chili peppers, and other spices such as cumin, oregano, and garlic. The marinade gives the pork its distinctive red color and adds a rich and tangy flavor to the meat. To achieve the tender and juicy texture of Mexican pork pastor, it is essential to cook it on a vertical spit or rotisserie. This method allows the meat to cook evenly and baste in its own juices, resulting in a flavorful and succulent dish.

The Recipe for Mexican Pork Pastor

Now that we have learned about the history and ingredients of Mexican pork pastor, let's dive into the recipe. Ingredients: - 4 lbs of pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch cubes - 1/4 cup of achiote paste - 4 guajillo chili peppers, stemmed and seeded - 1 tablespoon of cumin - 1 tablespoon of dried oregano - 4 cloves of garlic, minced - 1/4 cup of white vinegar - 1/4 cup of orange juice - Salt and pepper to taste - Tortillas, onions, cilantro, and lime wedges for serving Instructions: 1. In a blender, combine the achiote paste, guajillo chili peppers, cumin, oregano, garlic, vinegar, and orange juice. Blend until smooth. 2. In a large bowl, place the pork cubes and pour the marinade over them. Mix well, ensuring that all the pork pieces are coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. 3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a vertical spit, thread the marinated pork cubes onto the spit, making sure they are tightly packed together. 4. Cook the pork for about 2 hours, rotating regularly to ensure even cooking. If using a rotisserie, place the pork on the spit and cook for about 2 hours. 5. Once the pork is cooked through and has a nice char on the outside, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes. 6. Serve the Mexican pork pastor on warm tortillas with diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. In conclusion, Mexican pork pastor is a delicious and versatile dish that has a rich history and a unique blend of flavors. With this recipe, you can bring the authentic taste of Mexico to your own kitchen. So next time you're craving some flavorful and tender pork, give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family with your newfound culinary skills.