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September 20, 2024
Al pastor is a traditional Mexican dish that is typically made by marinating pork in a mixture of spices, chiles, and vinegar, and then slowly cooking it on a vertical spit called a trompo. However, if you don’t have access to a trompo or simply prefer to cook al pastor on the stove, you can still achieve delicious results.
When cooking al pastor on the stove, it usually takes about 1-2 hours to cook the marinated pork until it is tender and flavorful. The cooking time can vary depending on the size and thickness of the pork pieces, as well as the heat level on your stove. It’s important to cook the pork low and slow to ensure that it is cooked through and develops a rich, caramelized crust on the outside.
Tip: For the best results, marinate the pork overnight or for at least a few hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. This will make the al pastor more flavorful and tender.
During the cooking process, it’s important to periodically check the pork and stir it to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. You can also baste the pork with the marinade to keep it moist and add extra flavor. Once the pork is cooked to your desired doneness, you can serve it in tacos, burritos, or as a filling for other Mexican dishes.
In conclusion, cooking al pastor on the stove is a convenient alternative to using a vertical spit. With a cooking time of 1-2 hours and a little patience, you can enjoy tender, flavorful al pastor right in your own kitchen.
About al pastor
Al pastor is a popular Mexican dish that originated in central Mexico and is now enjoyed around the world. It is known for its flavorful and tender meat, which is typically made from pork.
The name “al pastor” means “in the style of the shepherd” in Spanish, reflecting its origins as a spit-grilled meat dish similar to the Middle Eastern shawarma. The dish was brought to Mexico by Lebanese immigrants in the early 20th century, who adapted their traditional method of cooking meat on a vertical rotisserie to use pork instead of lamb or beef.
To make al pastor, the meat is marinated in a mixture of various spices, such as achiote paste, garlic, and vinegar, along with pineapple juice for added flavor and tenderness. It is then slowly cooked on a vertical rotisserie, called a trompo, until the outside is charred and the inside is juicy and tender.
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| – Pork | 1. Mix the spices and marinate the meat for at least 2 hours. |
| – Achiote paste | 2. Preheat the stove to medium heat. |
| – Garlic | 3. Cook the meat on a hot skillet for 10-15 minutes on each side. |
| – Vinegar | 4. Serve the al pastor with warm tortillas, diced onions, and cilantro. |
| – Pineapple juice |
Traditionally, al pastor is served on warm tortillas with diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. It can also be enjoyed in tacos, burritos, or quesadillas, and is often topped with salsa or guacamole for added flavor.
While al pastor traditionally requires a vertical rotisserie, it is possible to cook it on a stove or grill using a skillet or griddle. This cooking method may take slightly longer, but the result is still delicious and flavorful.
Whether you enjoy al pastor at a Mexican restaurant or make it at home, this flavorful and aromatic dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds and transport you to the streets of Mexico.
Cooking al pastor on stove
Cooking al pastor on the stove is a great way to enjoy this flavorful Mexican dish without having to use a grill. While traditionally cooked on a vertical spit called a trompo, cooking al pastor on the stove can still result in tender and delicious meat with a smoky and spicy flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of pork shoulder, thinly sliced
- 1 cup of pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup of orange juice
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of achiote paste
- 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon of ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon of paprika
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- Tortillas, for serving
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine pineapple juice, orange juice, minced garlic, achiote paste, dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
- Add the thinly sliced pork shoulder to the marinade, making sure it is well coated. Cover the bowl and let the meat marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated pork slices to the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them.
- Cook the pork slices for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your pan.
- Once cooked, remove the pork slices from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Warm up tortillas on a separate pan or in the oven, then serve the al pastor with the tortillas and your favorite toppings such as diced onions, chopped cilantro, and salsa.
Enjoy your homemade al pastor tacos cooked on the stove!
Preparation
Before cooking al pastor on the stove, you will need to gather the necessary ingredients and prepare them accordingly. Here is a step-by-step guide for preparing al pastor on the stove:
- First, gather the following ingredients:
- Pork shoulder, thinly sliced
- Pineapple, sliced
- Onion, sliced
- Cilantro, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Chipotle peppers, chopped
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Oregano
- Vinegar
- Salt
- Pepper
- Tortillas
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced pork shoulder with the minced garlic, chipotle peppers, paprika, cumin, oregano, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure that the pork is coated evenly with the marinade. Let the pork marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight for better flavor.
- Heat a stove over medium heat and add a bit of oil to the pan.
- Once the oil is hot, add the marinated pork slices to the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the pork is cooked through and nicely browned. Make sure to not overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking.
- While the pork is cooking, warm up the tortillas on a separate pan or directly over the stove flame.
- Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
- Using the same pan, add the sliced onions and cook until they become soft and translucent.
- Return the cooked pork to the pan with the onions and add the sliced pineapple. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Finally, remove the pan from the heat and garnish the al pastor with freshly chopped cilantro.
- Serve the al pastor in warm tortillas and enjoy!
By following these steps, you can prepare delicious al pastor on the stove in no time. It’s a perfect dish for gatherings or a tasty weeknight dinner.
Marinating the meat
Marinating the meat is a crucial step in preparing al pastor. It adds flavor and tenderizes the meat, ensuring a delicious and juicy final result.
To marinate the meat for al pastor, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds of pork shoulder, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons of achiote paste
- 1/4 cup of pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup of orange juice
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Start by combining the achiote paste, pineapple juice, orange juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix well until the ingredients are fully combined.
Place the thinly sliced pork shoulder in a large resealable bag or a glass dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, making sure it is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
During the marinating process, it is recommended to turn the meat occasionally to ensure that each slice gets evenly coated in the marinade. This will result in a more flavorful and tender final dish.
Once the meat has marinated for the desired time, it is ready to be cooked. Remove the meat from the marinade and discard any excess liquid. The marinated pork is now ready to be cooked on the stove or on a grill, depending on your preference.
By marinating the meat properly, you can ensure that your al pastor will have a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor that will be enjoyed by all.
Slicing the meat
Once the al pastor meat has finished cooking on the stove, it is time to slice it. This step is crucial in achieving the signature texture and taste of al pastor.
To slice the meat, you will need a sharp knife and a cutting board. Place the cooked meat on the cutting board, and using the knife, slice it into thin strips. The strips should be about 1/4 inch thick.
It is important to slice the meat against the grain to ensure tenderness. This means cutting perpendicular to the natural fibers of the meat. Slicing against the grain helps to break down the muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
Once the meat is sliced, it can be used in various dishes, such as tacos, burritos, or quesadillas. The thin strips of al pastor meat are perfect for filling tacos and adding a burst of flavor to each bite.
Slicing the meat is the final step in the al pastor cooking process. It is what transforms the marinated pork into the delicious, tender, and flavorful meat that al pastor is known for.
Q&A
How long does al pastor take to cook on the stove?
The cooking time for al pastor on the stove can vary, but it generally takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to cook.
What is al pastor and how do you cook it on the stove?
Al pastor is a popular Mexican dish made with marinated pork. To cook it on the stove, you would need to slice the marinated pork into thin strips and cook them in a pan or skillet over medium heat for about 1 to 1.5 hours, until the pork is fully cooked and tender.
Is it possible to cook al pastor on the stove in less than an hour?
While the traditional cooking time for al pastor on the stove is about 1 to 1.5 hours, it is possible to cook it in less time if you slice the pork into thinner strips and increase the heat. However, keep in mind that cooking it for a shorter time may result in a less tender and flavorful dish.
