Al pastor Mexican chicken gyro 750 g

Origin and Name of Al Pastor

"Al Pastor" is a traditional Mexican dish originating from the Lebanese immigration to Mexico City in the 1920s and 1930s. The dish is based on the traditional Lebanese shawarma recipe, but modified using Mexican ingredients and flavors. "Al Pastor" means "the shepherd" in Spanish and refers to the way the meat is cooked on a vertical spit, reminiscent of the gyro or souvlaki technique.

Characteristics of Al Pastor

1. Marinating : The meat (usually pork, but also chicken) is marinated in a mixture of dry peppers, ground spices, vinegar, and pineapple juice. This gives Al Pastor its characteristic taste, which is a balance of sweet and spicy.
2. Spit Cooking : Traditionally, meat is cooked on a vertical spit, where it is simmered as it rotates, allowing it to cook evenly and become crispy on the outside.
3. Serving : The meat is thinly sliced ​​and usually served in tortillas with chopped onion, cilantro, and pieces of fresh pineapple, creating the famous tacos al pastor.

How to Cook Al Pastor (Chicken)

• Oven Roasting : Alternatively, you can roast the marinated chicken in an oven at 180-200°C for about 30-40 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C.
• Pan-Frying : You can pan-fry the marinated chicken over medium-high heat until it becomes crispy and reaches the desired temperature.
• Grilling : Marinated chicken can also be grilled, imparting a smoky flavor.

Temperature and Duration of Maintenance

• Storage in the refrigerator : Marinated chicken can be kept in the refrigerator for 1-2 days at a temperature of 2-4°C.
• Freezing : Can be frozen at -18°C for up to 3 months. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator before use.
• Cooked Chicken : Cooked chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

  
  

• Variations of Al Pastor

  • Tacos al Pastor : The most common form of Al Pastor is tacos, where grilled meat is served in small tortillas with chunks of pineapple, onion, cilantro, and often a spicy sauce.
  • Gringas : Another popular variation is gringas, which are tacos al pastor with melted cheese on a flour tortilla, often baked until crispy.
  • Tortas al Pastor : Al Pastor can also be served on a Mexican bun (bolillo) as a sandwich, along with the classic side dishes of tacos.

  
  

• Modern Diffusion and Recognition

  • International Popularity : Al Pastor has become popular not only in Mexico but also around the world, especially in the US, where Latin American communities have made it mainstream. It is now commonly available in Mexican restaurants and cantinas in many countries.
  • Culinary Innovations : In some restaurants, Al Pastor experiments in new ways, such as adding exotic spices or using other types of meat, such as fish or seafood, while maintaining the marinating and grilling technique.

  
  

• Nutritional and Health Side

  • Benefits : Al Pastor chicken is generally considered a healthier choice compared to pork, as it contains less fat and calories. Using fresh pineapple not only adds flavor but also provides vitamin C and digestive enzymes that aid in digestion.
  • Potential Problems : However, as mentioned, marinated meat can be high in sodium, which can be a problem for people with high blood pressure or other cardiovascular conditions. It is important to watch consumption and adjust salt levels when preparing.

  
  

• Choices of Side Dishes and Combinations

  • Sides : Traditional sides include black beans, rice, guacamole, and hot sauces like salsa verde or salsa roja.
  • Drinks : Al Pastor is often paired with cool drinks like beer, margaritas, or even Mexican sodas like horchata.

Ingredients : chicken meat 70%, liquid seasoning 30% [vegetables (maize, beans, paprika), water, salt, rapeseed oil, spices, cognac vinegar, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, modified starch, sugar, spice extracts, caramel, milk protein , lactose .