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Professionals’ Guide for How to Make Pastor

Avery Wiseman

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Discover the authentic way to make delicious Mexican pork pastor with our professional guide. Perfect for tacos, this recipe features a rich marinade and step-by-step instructions for grilling or using a rotisserie.

Ingredients

For the Marinade

3 lbs pork shoulder, thinly sliced
3 dried guajillo chilies
2 dried ancho chilies
1 dried chipotle chili
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup pineapple juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp smoked paprika
2 tbsp achiote paste
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp black pepper

For the Tacos

Corn tortillas
Fresh pineapple, thinly sliced
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Onion, finely chopped
Lime wedges
Salsa of your choice

Equipment

Grill or rotisserie
Skewers (if using a grill)
Food processor or blender
Sharp knife
Cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade

Toast the Chilies: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the guajillo, ancho, and chipotle chilies until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
Rehydrate the Chilies: Remove the stems and seeds from the toasted chilies. Soak them in hot water for about 20 minutes until they are soft.
Blend the Marinade: In a food processor or blender, combine the rehydrated chilies, orange juice, white vinegar, pineapple juice, garlic, onion, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, smoked paprika, achiote paste, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.

2. Marinate the Pork

Slice the Pork: Thinly slice the pork shoulder against the grain into pieces about 1/4 inch thick.
Coat the Pork: In a large bowl, combine the pork slices with the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

3. Cook the Pastor

Prepare the Grill or Rotisserie: If using a grill, set it up for indirect cooking and preheat to medium-high. If using a rotisserie, preheat according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Skewer the Pork (if using a grill): Thread the marinated pork slices onto skewers, alternating with thin slices of pineapple.
Grill the Pork: Place the skewers on the grill, away from direct heat, and cook for about 30-40 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pork is cooked through and slightly charred.
Rotisserie Method: If using a rotisserie, stack the marinated pork and pineapple on the spit. Cook until the pork is tender and slightly charred, about 1.5 to 2 hours.

4. Assemble the Tacos

Warm the Tortillas: On the grill or in a skillet, warm the corn tortillas until pliable.
Slice the Pork: Once cooked, remove the pork and pineapple from the skewers or spit. Thinly slice the pork and pineapple.
Assemble the Tacos: Place a generous amount of pork and pineapple onto each tortilla. Top with chopped cilantro, onion, and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve with your favorite salsa on the side.

Tips for Success

Marination Time: Marinate the pork for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
Thin Slices: Ensure the pork is sliced thinly to cook evenly and absorb the marinade better.
Even Cooking: If using skewers, ensure they are not too crowded to allow even cooking.
Grill Maintenance: Keep the grill lid closed as much as possible to maintain a consistent temperature.
Pineapple Slices: Fresh pineapple adds a crucial element to the pastor. Its sweetness balances the savory and spicy flavors of the pork.

Making pastor at home can be a rewarding culinary experience, offering the rich flavors of this traditional Mexican dish. By following this guide, you can achieve an authentic taste that will impress family and friends. Enjoy your homemade pastor tacos with a side of salsa and a refreshing beverage!