HOW TO PREPARE TASCOS AL PASTOR.

Tacos al Pastor is a popular Mexican dish that features marinated pork traditionally cooked on a vertical rotisserie, similar to shawarma or döner kebab. The pork is typically flavored with a combination of dried chilies, spices, and pineapple, giving it a sweet and spicy flavor.

Here’s a basic recipe for Tacos al Pastor:

Ingredients:
For the Marinade:

5 dried guajillo chilies, seeds removed
2 dried ancho chilies, seeds removed
1 cup of pineapple juice
1/4 cup white vinegar
3 cloves garlic
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 tablespoons achiote paste (optional, but gives a unique flavor and color)
For the Tacos:

2 lbs boneless pork shoulder, thinly sliced
1/2 pineapple, cut into thin slices
Corn tortillas
Chopped onion, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges for serving
Instructions:
Prepare the Marinade:

Place the dried chilies in a bowl and cover them with boiling water. Allow them to soak for about 20-30 minutes until they become soft.
In a blender, combine the soaked chilies, pineapple juice, vinegar, garlic, salt, and other spices. Blend until you get a smooth, thick paste.
Marinate the Pork:

In a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, add the pork slices and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the pork is well-coated.
Refrigerate and marinate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Cook the Pork:

If you don’t have a vertical rotisserie (which is the traditional method), you can use a grill or stovetop pan. Preheat your grill or pan over medium-high heat.
Remove the pork from the marinade and shake off the excess.
If using a grill, place pineapple slices on the grill first for a few minutes until they are charred and softened. Remove them and then grill the pork slices until they are cooked through and slightly charred.
If using a stovetop, cook the pineapple slices first until charred, remove them, and then cook the pork slices.
Serve:

Slice the cooked pork into thin strips. Serve on warmed corn tortillas with a slice of grilled pineapple, chopped onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Enjoy your Tacos al Pastor! Remember, the key is the marinade, so let the pork marinate as long as possible to allow the flavors to meld.