Taste of Mexico: Homemade Tacos Al Pastor

Mexico is famous for its vibrant and flavorful cuisine, and one dish that captures the essence of Mexican street food is Tacos Al Pastor. These mouthwatering tacos are a fusion of Lebanese and Mexican culinary traditions, featuring marinated and spit-roasted pork garnished with pineapple and fresh salsa. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to create your own homemade Tacos Al Pastor, allowing you to savor the taste of Mexico right in your kitchen.

**Ingredients**:

*For the Al Pastor Marinade*:
- 1/2 cup of achiote paste
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup of white vinegar
- 1/4 cup of orange juice
- 1/4 cup of pineapple juice
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2-3 pounds of boneless pork shoulder, thinly sliced

*For Tacos and Garnish*:
- Corn tortillas
- Sliced fresh pineapple
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Diced white onion
- Salsa of your choice (salsa verde or salsa roja)
- Lime wedges

**Instructions**:

**For the Al Pastor Marinade**:

1. In a bowl, combine achiote paste, minced garlic, white vinegar, orange juice, pineapple juice, ground cumin, ground paprika, dried oregano, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.

2. Thinly slice the pork shoulder and add it to the marinade, ensuring the meat is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

**For Making Tacos Al Pastor**:

1. Preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat.

2. Thread the marinated pork slices onto a skewer or spit, layering them with slices of fresh pineapple.

3. Grill or broil the pork until it's cooked through and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes per side.

4. Remove the pork from the skewer and chop it into smaller pieces.

5. Warm the corn tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet.

6. Assemble your Tacos Al Pastor by placing the grilled pork and pineapple on the tortillas. Top with chopped fresh cilantro, diced white onion, and salsa of your choice.

7. Serve your homemade Tacos Al Pastor with lime wedges for squeezing, and enjoy the vibrant and savory flavors of Mexico.

Now, you can savor the taste of Mexico with your homemade Tacos Al Pastor. These fusion tacos are a delightful representation of Mexican street food and are perfect for enjoying a fiesta right in your own kitchen. ¡Buen provecho!