Tacos al pastor (Mexico)

About

Tacos al pastor are a quintessential Mexican dish originating from the cultural fusion of Lebanese immigrants with traditional Mexican cuisine. The name "al pastor" translates to "shepherd's style," reflecting its roots in lamb shawarma, which was adapted to use pork instead. This transformation occurred in the early 20th century, particularly in Puebla and Mexico City. The dish features marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit called a trompo, similar to how shawarma is prepared. The marinated pork is typically seasoned with a blend of dried chilies, spices, pineapple juice, and achiote paste. Once cooked, the pork is shaved off the spit and served in corn tortillas with toppings like pineapple, onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Tacos al pastor have become a beloved street food not only in Mexico but also globally, offering a unique blend of Middle Eastern and Mexican flavors.