When it comes to Mexican cuisine, Tacos are an essential classic. Among the many variations of the taco, the Tacos Al Pastor is a true festive feast, thanks to its unique flavour and preparation. Now, let’s step into this festive foodie moment and make an authentic Shepherd’s Taco with a mouth-watering Pineapple Salsa.
Shepherd’s Taco Specialities
Shepherd’s Taco originates from Mexico and evolved from the Shawarma brought by Lebanese immigrants. Its signature feature is marinated pork skewered on a spear and rotisseried, the meat sizzling over the flames to create a crispy exterior and juicy interior. The sliced meat is often served with a sweet and sour pineapple salsa, a distinctive sweet-to-spicy flavour that has made Shepherd’s Tacos immensely popular around the world.
Preparation Ingredients
Shepherd’s Taco Ingredients:
- Fresh pork shank: 500g
- Paprika: 1 tbsp
- Garlic powder: 1 tsp.
- Coarse salt: 1 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Red wine vinegar: 2 tbsp
- Pineapple juice: 1/2 cup
- Mexican soft corn tortillas: amount
Pineapple Salsa Ingredients:
- Fresh pineapple: 1/2, diced
- Onion: 1/2, chopped
- Fresh Cilantro: chopped
- Chilli: moderate amount (adjust to taste), chopped
- Lime Juice: 2 tbsp
- Salt.
Preparation steps
Making of Shepherd’s Taco
- Thinly slice the pork thighs and marinate well in red chilli powder, garlic powder, coarse salt, black pepper, red wine vinegar and pineapple juice for at least 4 hours in the fridge, preferably overnight.
- Remove the meat from the marinade and sear on a grill or in a pan over medium heat until browned on both sides and cooked through.
- cut the browned meat into bite-sized pieces and place on a soft Mexican tortilla.
Making Pineapple Salsa
- combine diced fresh pineapple, finely chopped onion, chopped cilantro and chilli.
- add lime juice and a good pinch of salt to taste and mix well.
To assemble and enjoy
- take a tortilla and place a generous amount of pan roasted pork chunks on it.
- Top with a During the lively holiday season, there’s nothing like a colourful and flavourful Mexican dish to light up the party. Tacos Al Pastor is just such a dish, known around the world for its combination of traditional Mexican flavours with an exotic twist. The pork in this dish is carefully marinated and served with homemade pineapple salsa, making every bite the ultimate temptation for the taste buds. Now, let’s get started on this festive dish.
The Uniqueness of Shepherd’s Taco
Inspired by the Lebanese shawarma, shepherd’s taco is a classic Mexican street food. It features marinated pork skewered and grilled like shawarma, then sliced into tortillas with fresh toppings such as pineapple, onion, and cilantro, a combination of sweet, sour, and spicy flavours that instantly explode on the tongue.
Ingredients
- Pork shoulder or leg: 500g, thinly sliced
- Chilli powder, smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon each.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Adobo sauce: 3 tablespoons
- Pineapple juice: 100ml
- Tortillas: to taste
Pineapple Salsa Ingredients:
- Fresh pineapple: 200g, cut into small cubes
- Fresh chilli: 1, seeded and chopped
- Red onion: half, chopped
- Lime: 1, juiced
- Cilantro: a little, finely chopped
- Salt, to taste.
Steps for preparation
1. Marinate the pork
- Place the pork slices in a large bowl and add the chilli powder, smoked paprika, minced garlic, salt, black pepper and adobo sauce.
- Pour in the pineapple juice and mix well to completely coat the pork slices with the seasoning.
- Cover with cling film and marinate in the fridge for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
2. To prepare the pineapple salsa
- Place the diced pineapple, chopped chilli and red onion in a bowl.
- add fresh lime juice and cilantro; sprinkle with salt to taste.
- Toss gently to fully incorporate all ingredients.
3. Grilled Shepherd’s Taco
- Remove the slices of pork from the marinade and arrange on a baking sheet.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C and cook on the middle shelf, turning once, until both sides are golden brown and the pork is cooked through.
