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Best choice of meat for preparing pastor-style tacos

Unveiling the Meat Secret Behind Tasty Tacos al Pastor: Which Meat Type Guarantees the Most Delectable Flavor and a Juicy Texture!

Question: What cut of meat is ideal for crafting pastor-style tacos?
Question: What cut of meat is ideal for crafting pastor-style tacos?

Best choice of meat for preparing pastor-style tacos

Pastor tacos, a staple of Mexican cuisine, are a culinary creation that has its roots in the Middle East. Originating from shawarma, a popular meat dish, these tasty treats are now a favourite among food lovers worldwide.

The key ingredient for pastor tacos is pork, a far cry from the lamb, turkey, chicken, beef, or combinations thereof, commonly used in shawarma due to religious reasons in the Middle East. In Mexican cuisine, the pork is marinated in a sauce of spices and dried chiles before being cooked on a rotating spit, known as a trompo.

The choice of meat for pastor tacos can make all the difference. If the trompo's platter is full of broth, it's likely that you're dealing with a fatty cut like jowl. On the other hand, if the platter does not release any juice, it could be ham meat. Ham, being one of the driest pieces, requires marinating and baking to add flavour. Jowl, on the other hand, is a soft, economical option.

The city of Puebla, Mexico, is where the incorporation of onion, cilantro, pineapple, and chili in pastor tacos took place, with the arrival of Lebanese culinary traditions. These additional ingredients, along with salsas, are now an essential part of the pastor taco experience.

The method of cooking a trompo, as Shawarma's name translates from Arabic, contributes to the unique flavour and texture of pastor tacos. The rotating spit allows the meat to be cooked evenly, sealing in the juices and ensuring a delicious, tender result.

The recipe for pastor tacos has been evolved from the original shawarma recipe to be served in small corn tortillas, a staple of Mexican cuisine. This adaptation has made pastor tacos a beloved dish, enjoyed not just in Mexico, but across the globe.

For an unforgettable tasting experience, it's worth noting the advice from specialized blog Don Canijo: observe the platter on which the trompo rests to choose the meat for your pastor tacos.

So, the next time you're craving something flavourful and exciting, give pastor tacos a try. You might just discover a new favourite!

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