History of the Al Pastor Taco

The al pastor taco is a beloved Mexican dish that has become increasingly popular in recent years, both in Mexico and abroad. This flavorful taco is typically made with pork that has been marinated in a blend of spices, chilies, and pineapple, then grilled and served on a tortilla with onions, cilantro, and salsa. In this post, we’ll explore the fascinating history of the al pastor taco.

The origins of al pastor can be traced back to Middle Eastern cuisine. In the 19th century, Lebanese immigrants brought the technique of spit-roasting meat with them to Mexico. They used lamb as their meat of choice and seasoned it with Middle Eastern spices such as cumin and cinnamon.

Over time, Mexicans began to adapt the technique and ingredients to suit their own tastes. They replaced the lamb with pork, a meat that was more readily available and affordable in Mexico. They also added Mexican flavors such as chili and oregano to the marinade.

Here at Frida’s Cocina, we make our marinade completely from scratch. The marinade includes many ingredients such as guajillo chiles, dried chipotle chiles, achiote, citrus and a rich blend of spices, among others.

Coming soon: a complete recipe video of how we prepare our al pastor meat!

The introduction of the vertical spit in the 20th century revolutionized the way al pastor was prepared. Instead of cooking the meat on a horizontal spit, which required constant attention, the vertical spit allowed the meat to be cooked slowly and evenly, without the need for constant rotation. In Mexico, the spit is referred to as “trompo” or spinning top.

This made the process of making al pastor tacos more efficient and allowed it to become a popular street food. Vendors would set up their vertical spit in the street and slice off thin pieces of meat to serve in a taco with onions, cilantro, and pineapple.

Today, al pastor is one of the most popular types of tacos in Mexico and is enjoyed around the world. The marinade and cooking technique have been adapted to suit different tastes, with some versions being spicier or sweeter than others.

The history of the al pastor taco is a testament to the rich cultural exchange that has taken place between different countries and cuisines over the years. From its Middle Eastern roots to its adaptation by Mexican street vendors, al pastor has become a beloved dish that brings people together over a shared love of delicious food. Whether enjoyed on the streets of Mexico or at a Texas Hill Country taco truck (wink-wink), al pastor is a must-try dish for anyone who loves tacos and wants to experience the flavors of Mexican cuisine.