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Authentic Beef Al Pastor Recipe: Mexican Street Food Flavor

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Experience the vibrant flavors of a Mexican taqueria with this Authentic Beef Al Pastor recipe. Tender beef marinated in a rich blend of spices and fresh pineapple creates a deliciously unforgettable dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2–2.5 pounds of thinly sliced beef (sirloin or top round)
  • 4–5 dried Guajillo chiles
  • 2–3 dried Ancho chiles
  • Achiote paste
  • 1 cup of fresh pineapple chunks (for marinade and more for cooking and serving)
  • 1/4 cup of white vinegar
  • Juice of one orange or lime
  • Half a small onion
  • A few cloves of garlic
  • Cumin
  • Mexican oregano
  • A pinch of ground cloves
  • A tiny dash of cinnamon
  • Brown sugar or piloncillo (optional, about 1 tablespoon)

Instructions

  1. De-stem and deseed the dried Guajillo and Ancho chiles.
  2. Place the cleaned chiles in a heatproof bowl and cover them with boiling hot water. Let them soak for about 15-20 minutes until soft and pliable. Drain and reserve about a quarter cup of the soaking liquid.
  3. In a blender, combine the rehydrated chiles, achiote paste, fresh pineapple chunks, white vinegar, orange juice, onion, garlic cloves, cumin, Mexican oregano, ground cloves, and cinnamon. Blend on high speed until smooth, adding reserved soaking liquid if necessary to thin out the marinade.
  4. Place the thinly sliced beef into a large, non-reactive bowl or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the beef, ensuring every piece is coated. Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
  5. To cook, heat a large cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil and cook the marinated beef in batches for 3-5 minutes until cooked through and caramelized.
  6. Alternatively, skewer the beef onto a metal skewer with a slice of pineapple on top and roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30-45 minutes, turning occasionally.
  7. While the beef is cooking, dice some fresh pineapple and cook in a separate pan until caramelized.
  8. Once the beef is cooked, chop it into small pieces and serve in warm corn tortillas topped with cooked pineapple, diced onion, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Nutrition

Keywords: Marinate the beef for at least 8 hours for maximum tenderness and flavor. Use fresh pineapple for the best results, and don't overcrowd the pan while cooking to achieve that signature char.

Find it online: https://homebitesia.com/authentic-beef-al-pastor-recipe-mexican-street-food-flavor/