Al Pastor Pork Tacos

  

So, what exactly is "Al Pastor"?  The name itself translates to "Shepherd Style" and though the flavours are quintessentially Mexican, the style of cooking comes from the Lebanese immigrants who would use the local spices when they cooked "Shawarma" on a vertical spit-roast.

Though Lamb is the traditional meat for Shawarma, it was found that Boneless Pork Shoulder was the best meat for these spices as it best keeps its tenderness when sliced thin and slow-roasted.

It does take some prep but it is SO worth it!

This recipe makes enough for 10 - 12 Tacos.

Ingredients:

  • 1 kg Pork Shoulder Roast (or Pork Loin Roast)
  • 1 bottle WD Al Pastor Grilling Sauce
  • 1 fresh Pineapple (from frozen works well too! Just be sure to let it thaw.)

Directions:

  1. Cut the Pork Shoulder Roast into 1 cm thick slices and and put into a bowl with ½ bottle of sauce and marinate for at least 1 hour to overnight.
  2. Line the bottom of a greased loaf pan with fresh pineapple rings (or thawed pineapple), then layer pork slices to form a tightly packed block, top with another layer of pineapple.
  3. Barbeque (or roast in the oven) at 375℉ until internal temperature reads 160℉. Once cooked through, let it cool to room temperature.  Once cooled, remove from pan, tightly wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
  4. To serve, slice loaf into 1 cm strips and reheat in a frying pan with more sauce and serve on warm tortillas with all your favourite taco toppings.