If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine, you have probably heard of Al Pastor meat. This flavorful dish features marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, similar to the way shawarma is prepared. However, not everyone has access to a spit and the necessary equipment to make Al Pastor at home. That’s where the stove comes in. Cooking Al Pastor meat on the stove is a convenient and delicious alternative.

So, how long does it take to cook Al Pastor meat on the stove? The cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the meat slices and the heat setting of your stove. Generally, it takes about 15-20 minutes to cook Al Pastor meat on the stove. It’s important to cook the meat thoroughly to ensure it is safe to eat, but be careful not to overcook it and make it dry and tough.

To achieve the best results, it’s recommended to marinate the pork overnight in a flavorful blend of spices, pineapple juice, and vinegar. This marinade not only adds incredible flavor to the meat but also helps to tenderize it. Once the meat is marinated and ready to be cooked, heat a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and cook the slices of pork for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and nicely browned.

Tip: If you want to add an authentic touch to your Al Pastor meat, try using a cast-iron skillet. This type of skillet retains heat well and helps to achieve a nice sear on the meat, giving it a delicious charred flavor.

Al Pastor meat is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from tacos and burritos to salads and bowls. Once you have mastered cooking Al Pastor meat on the stove, you’ll have a flavorful and convenient protein option to add to your favorite Mexican-inspired meals.

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So, if you’re craving the taste of Al Pastor meat but don’t have access to a spit, don’t worry! With a stove and a skillet, you can still enjoy this delicious and traditional Mexican dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.

How to Cook Al Pastor Meat on Stove

Al pastor meat is a delicious Mexican dish that is traditionally grilled on a vertical spit. However, if you don’t have a grill or prefer to cook indoors, you can easily make al pastor meat on the stove. Here’s how:

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds of pork shoulder, thinly sliced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons of achiote paste
  • 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon of cumin
  • 1 tablespoon of paprika
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/4 cup of white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup of pineapple juice
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the achiote paste, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, vinegar, pineapple juice, and vegetable oil to make a marinade.
  2. Add the thinly sliced pork shoulder to the marinade and toss to coat. Let the meat marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for more flavor.
  3. In a large skillet or frying pan, heat some vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
  4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
  5. Add the marinated pork slices to the pan and cook for about 7-10 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and slightly charred.
  6. Once cooked, remove the al pastor meat from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
  7. Serve the al pastor meat on warm tortillas with your favorite toppings, such as diced pineapple, chopped onions, cilantro, and salsa.
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Enjoy your homemade al pastor meat cooked on the stove!

Preparing the marinade

Before cooking the al pastor meat on the stove, it’s important to prepare the marinade to infuse the meat with delicious flavors. Here’s how you can make the marinade:

  1. In a blender, combine 3 cloves of garlic, 1 small onion (diced), 2 tablespoons of achiote paste, 2 tablespoons of white vinegar, 1 tablespoon of dried oregano, 1 tablespoon of ground cumin, 1 tablespoon of paprika, 1 tablespoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 cup of pineapple juice.
  2. Blend the mixture until smooth and well combined.
  3. In a large bowl, place the meat (typically pork shoulder or pork loin) and pour the marinade over it.
  4. Toss the meat in the marinade, making sure it’s evenly coated.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the meat marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

The marinade will help tenderize the meat and infuse it with the flavors of the spices, pineapple, and achiote paste. Once the al pastor meat has marinated, you can proceed to cook it on the stove following your desired recipe or method.

Marinating the meat

In order to achieve the rich and flavorful taste of al pastor meat, marinating the meat is essential. This step allows the meat to soak up the flavors from the marinade and tenderize, resulting in a delicious final dish.

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Ingredients for the marinade:

3 cloves of garlic, minced
1/4 cup of pineapple juice
1/4 cup of orange juice
2 tablespoons of achiote paste
2 tablespoons of white vinegar
1 tablespoon of dried oregano
1 teaspoon of ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
Salt and pepper to taste

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, pineapple juice, orange juice, achiote paste, white vinegar, dried oregano, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

2. Place the meat (pork or chicken) in a large Ziploc bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, making sure it is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.

3. Marinate the meat in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This will allow the flavors to seep into the meat and enhance its taste.

4. Every few hours, flip the meat in the marinade to ensure even distribution of the flavors.

Once the meat has marinated for the desired time, it is ready to be cooked. The marinated meat can be cooked on a stove, grill, or in the oven, depending on your preference and the available equipment.

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Heating the skillet

To cook al pastor meat on the stove, you will need to heat a skillet. This step is essential to ensure that the meat cooks evenly and develops a nice crust.

Here are some steps to heat the skillet properly:

  1. Place the skillet on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high.
  2. Allow the skillet to heat for a few minutes until it becomes hot. You can test the heat by flicking a few drops of water onto the skillet. If the water evaporates immediately, the skillet is ready.
  3. Once the skillet is hot, you can add a small amount of oil to prevent the meat from sticking to the pan. Swirl the oil around to coat the bottom of the skillet evenly.
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Now that the skillet is properly heated, you can proceed to cook your al pastor meat. The hot skillet will help sear the meat and enhance its flavor. Remember to adjust the heat as necessary to prevent the meat from burning.

Cooking the al pastor meat

To cook al pastor meat on the stove, follow these steps:

1. Marinating the meat:

Start by marinating the meat in a mixture of pineapple juice, orange juice, achiote paste, garlic, dried oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. You can also add diced onions and chipotle peppers for an extra kick of flavor. Place the marinated meat in a sealed container or plastic bag and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best results.

2. Heating the skillet:

Heat a skillet or a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is heated, add a small amount of oil to prevent the meat from sticking. You can also use a grill pan if you want to achieve the characteristic grill marks on the meat.

3. Cooking the meat:

Add the marinated al pastor meat to the heated skillet. Cook the meat for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it is fully cooked and nicely caramelized. You can use tongs to flip the meat and ensure even cooking on all sides.

4. Resting and slicing the meat:

Once the al pastor meat is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. This will help the juices redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful meat. After resting, slice the meat against the grain into thin strips.

5. Serving the al pastor meat:

You can serve the cooked al pastor meat in tacos, tortas, or over rice. It pairs well with fresh cilantro, diced onions, pineapple chunks, and a squeeze of lime juice. Enjoy!

Serving and enjoying

Once the al pastor meat is cooked to perfection on the stove, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious dish. Here are a few tips on how to serve your al pastor:

1. Tortillas:

Traditionally, al pastor meat is served in small corn tortillas. Warm up the tortillas on a dry skillet or in the oven for a few minutes before serving. This will make them soft and pliable, perfect for wrapping around the flavorful meat.

2. Toppings:

Al pastor tacos are typically topped with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and pineapple chunks. These toppings add a burst of freshness and sweetness that complements the savory meat perfectly. You can also add some lime juice or salsa for an extra kick of flavor.

Remember to have your toppings prepared and ready beforehand, so you can assemble your tacos quickly and easily once the meat is done.

3. Sides:

Al pastor tacos are often served with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans. These classic sides help balance out the flavors and make for a complete and satisfying meal. You can also serve some guacamole or a fresh salad on the side for added freshness.

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Don’t forget to serve your al pastor tacos with your favorite hot sauce, if you like some extra heat!

Now that you have your al pastor meat cooked and your tacos assembled, it’s time to sit down and enjoy this culinary delight. Take a bite of the tender and flavorful meat wrapped in warm tortillas, topped with fresh ingredients, and let the explosion of flavors transport you to the streets of Mexico.

Enjoy!

Q&A

What is al pastor meat?

Al pastor meat is a traditional Mexican dish made with marinated pork that is typically cooked on a vertical spit or grill. It is known for its rich and flavorful taste, with a combination of spices and pineapple giving it a unique and delicious flavor.

Can al pastor meat be cooked on the stove?

Yes, al pastor meat can be cooked on the stove. While it is traditionally cooked on a vertical spit or grill, you can still achieve similar flavors and textures by cooking it on a frying pan or skillet. It may require a longer cooking time and frequent flipping to ensure even cooking.

How long does it take to cook al pastor meat on the stove?

The cooking time for al pastor meat on the stove can vary depending on the thickness of the meat and the temperature of the stove. Generally, it can take about 20-30 minutes to cook the meat thoroughly on medium to high heat. However, it is important to check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer to ensure it is fully cooked.

What temperature should I cook al pastor meat on the stove?

The recommended temperature to cook al pastor meat on the stove is medium to high heat. This allows the meat to cook evenly and develop a nice sear on the outside while ensuring the inside is fully cooked. It is important to adjust the heat as needed during the cooking process to avoid burning or undercooking the meat.

Can I marinate the al pastor meat before cooking on the stove?

Yes, marinating the al pastor meat before cooking on the stove is highly recommended. The marinade helps to infuse the meat with flavors and tenderize it. You can marinate the meat for at least 4 hours, but overnight marination is ideal for the best results. Make sure to discard any excess marinade and pat the meat dry before cooking to prevent excessive smoking or steaming on the stove.

How long should I cook al pastor meat on the stove?

When cooking al pastor meat on the stove, it is generally recommended to cook it for about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the thickness of the meat slices. It’s important to cook the meat until it is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

What is the recommended cooking time for al pastor meat on the stovetop?

The recommended cooking time for al pastor meat on the stovetop is usually around 30 minutes to an hour. Make sure to cook the meat until it is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to eat.