Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup achiote paste
- 2 tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh pineapple
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 12-16 corn tortillas
- Lime wedges, for serving
Special equipment needed:
- Instant Pot
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, white vinegar, achiote paste, chipotle in adobo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add pork cubes to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Turn on the Instant Pot and select the sauté function. Once hot, add the marinated pork and cook for 5-7 minutes or until browned on all sides.
4. Add chopped pineapple and cilantro to the Instant Pot and stir to combine.
5. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 25 minutes.
6. Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
7. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pork and pineapple mixture to a serving bowl.
8. Warm the tortillas in the microwave or on a griddle.
9. Serve the pork and pineapple mixture on the warm tortillas with lime wedges on the side.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Marinating time: 2 hours or overnight
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Temperature:
Manual high pressure on Instant Pot
Serving size:
Makes 12-16 tacos
Nutritional information:
Calories: 250
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 18g
Sodium: 390mg
Sugar: 4g
Fiber: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pork shoulder can be substituted with chicken or beef.
- Achiote paste can be substituted with paprika or chili powder.
- Chipotle in adobo sauce can be substituted with hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
- Fresh pineapple can be substituted with canned pineapple.
Variations:
- Add sliced onions and bell peppers to the Instant Pot for a fajita-style taco.
- Use the pork and pineapple mixture as a filling for quesadillas or burritos.
- Top the tacos with sliced avocado or guacamole.
Tips and tricks:
- For a more intense flavor, marinate the pork overnight.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the pork and pineapple mixture to a serving bowl to avoid excess liquid.
- Warm the tortillas in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or on a griddle for 30 seconds on each side.
Storage instructions:
Leftover pork and pineapple mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the pork and pineapple mixture in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the tacos on a platter with lime wedges and a bowl of salsa or guacamole on the side.
Garnishes:
Top the tacos with chopped fresh cilantro, diced onions, or crumbled queso fresco.
Pairings:
Serve the tacos with a side of Mexican rice and black beans.
Suggested side dishes:
- Mexican rice
- Black beans
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Cucumber and tomato salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pork is not browned enough, increase the sauté time.
- If the pork is tough, increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes.
- If the pork is too dry, add more pineapple juice or chicken broth to the Instant Pot before cooking.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the pork is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Refrigerate leftover pork and pineapple mixture within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Taco al Pastor is a popular Mexican street food that originated in Central Mexico in the 1920s. It is a fusion of Lebanese shawarma and Mexican flavors, featuring marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit and served on a tortilla with pineapple, cilantro, and onion.
Flavor profiles:
The pork is marinated in a blend of pineapple juice, achiote paste, and chipotle in adobo sauce, giving it a sweet and smoky flavor with a hint of spice. The addition of fresh pineapple and cilantro adds a bright and refreshing taste to the tacos.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side for a burst of citrus flavor.
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Region: Mexican