The Best Al Pastor Recipe Slow Cooker: A Flavorful And Easy-To-Follow Recipe
If you're a fan of Mexican cuisine, then you must have tried al pastor at some point. This dish is a classic Mexican dish that originated in the central region of Mexico. Al pastor is a dish made of pork that is marinated in a blend of spices, chilies, and pineapple. Traditionally, it is cooked on a spit and served with tortillas, onions, cilantro, and pineapple.
Description
Al pastor is a perfect dish for any occasion, whether it's a family gathering or a party with friends. Making al pastor at home might seem intimidating, but with a slow cooker, it's easy and hassle-free. This recipe will give you the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors that will leave you craving for more.
Prep Time
The prep time for this recipe is minimal, about 15-20 minutes. Most of the time, you'll spend prepping the ingredients, such as chopping the onions, garlic, and pineapple.
Cook Time
The cook time for this recipe is 6-8 hours on low heat in a slow cooker. The slow cooker will help the pork absorb all the flavors from the marinade, making it tender and juicy.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds of pork shoulder, sliced into thin strips
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 5 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of fresh pineapple, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup of orange juice
- 1/4 cup of lime juice
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
Equipment
You'll need the following equipment:
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Method
- In a large bowl, mix together the onion, garlic, pineapple, cumin, oregano, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the pork to the bowl and mix well, making sure that the marinade covers all the meat.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Transfer the pork and marinade to the slow cooker.
- Add the apple cider vinegar, orange juice, lime juice, and olive oil to the slow cooker and stir well.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or until the pork is tender.
- Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with a fork.
- Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir well to coat it with the sauce.
- Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes on low heat.
- Once done, serve the al pastor with tortillas, onions, cilantro, and pineapple.
Notes
If you want a spicier al pastor, you can add more chili powder or cayenne pepper to the marinade. You can also adjust the sweetness by adding more or less pineapple. For a more authentic al pastor, you can cook it on a spit or grill.
Nutrition Info
Here's the nutrition information for this recipe:
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 3g
Recipes FAQ
1. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat in the microwave or on the stove.
2. Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes, you can use other cuts of pork, such as pork loin or tenderloin. However, the pork shoulder is the best cut for al pastor because it has more fat and flavor.
3. Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the al pastor on the stovetop or in the oven. However, using a slow cooker will give you the best results.
Recipe Tips
- Make sure to marinate the pork for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
- Use a pork shoulder with some fat for a more tender and flavorful al pastor.
- If you don't have fresh pineapple, you can use canned pineapple.
- Top the al pastor with chopped onions, cilantro, and extra pineapple for added flavor and texture.
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