Al pastor has to be among my all-time favorite Central American live fire dishes! And, I’m here to officially share my long-time top-secret recipe for live fire al pastor-inspired kabobs! These sweet, smoky, and spicy skewers will transport your taste buds straight to Puebla and Mexico City. The best part? You can now make them from the comfort of your own backyard!

First things first, let’s talk about why this al pastor kabob from LFR Collaborator, Chef Cory Walby of Saturday Night Test Kitchen, is so darn special. This classic Mexican dish is made by combining marinated and seasoned pork with juicy chunks of pineapple. Traditionally, it’s cooked on a rotating skewer or vertical rotisserie until the flavors meld together in a mouth-watering fusion of savory and sweet.

Now, for the kabobs. This is a simplified version of the traditional dish that’s perfect for a midweek family meal, but with a little added flair. We’re using both sirloin steaks and pork belly, because why settle for just one cut of pork? The sirloin is an economical option that cooks quickly and takes well to the marinade. Pork belly is the ultimate flavor bomb – though it takes a bit longer to cook. Trust me, it’s worth the wait.

HOW THE HECK TO PREPARE LIVE FIRE AL PASTOR-INSPIRED KABOBS:

To make these kabobs, start by marinating your pork in a blend of traditional Mexican spices and let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour (if you can wait that long). Then, skewer the pork with fresh pineapple chunks and grill over an open flame until the meat is juicy and charred to perfection. If you’re feeling fancy, throw on some sliced onions and bell peppers to round out the flavors.

Serve these bad boys up with a side of fresh guac and tortillas, and you’ll have a fiesta on your hands in no time. So the next time you’re in the mood for something spicy, smoky, and downright delicious, grab some skewers and let the live fire do the work. You won’t regret it.

HISTORY OF AL PASTOR:

The history of al pastor tacos is as rich as the flavor of this beloved dish. Legend has it that Lebanese immigrants brought their traditional shawarma recipe to Mexico.  Locals then evolved it into the iconic al pastor meat, marinated in spices and cooked on a vertical spit. The meat is thinly sliced onto a tortilla and topped with cilantro, onions, and pineapple – a true fiesta for the taste buds. Whether you’re on a mountain top or in the city, al pastor tacos are the perfect fuel for any adventure. So grab a taco and let the flavors transport you to a world of deliciousness!

KEY INGREDIENTS USED IN THIS RECIPE:

Guajillo Peppers – These dried peppers pack a smoky heat and add depth to the marinade, making it the perfect flavor bomb.

Ancho Pepper – This pepper brings a sweet, earthy flavor to the marinade, rounding out the spice with a hint of fruity notes.

Chipotle Peppers in Adobo – These little guys add a punch of smoky heat and lend a rich, tangy flavor to the marinade.

Garlic Cloves – Garlic adds a savory kick to the marinade, balancing out the sweetness of the pineapple juice.

White Onion – This pungent veggie adds a pop of flavor and a touch of sweetness to the marinade.

Orange Juice – This sweet citrus juice brings a bright and fruity note to the marinade, creating a perfect balance of sweet and heat.

Pineapple Juice – This tropical juice tenderizes the meat and gives it that signature al pastor sweetness.

Dried Oregano – This herb is a staple in Mexican cuisine and adds a fragrant and slightly bitter note to the marinade.

Fresh Thyme – This herb brings a slightly floral and earthy flavor to the marinade, lending an added layer of complexity.

Smoked Paprika – This spice brings a smoky flavor to the marinade, creating an added layer of depth.

Whole Cloves – These little guys pack a ton of flavor and add a spicy-sweet note to the marinade, rounding out the flavor profile.

WHAT SIDE DISHES COULD BE SERVED ALONGSIDE AL PASTOR-INSPIRED KABOBS

1. Grilled Pineapple Salsa – This sweet and tangy salsa is the perfect accompaniment to your smoky and spicy kabobs.
2. Mexican Street Corn – better pairing than grilled corn on the cob smothered in spicy mayo and crumbled cotija cheese?
3. Black Bean Salad – This fresh and zesty salad is packed with flavor and is a great way to add some healthy protein to your meal.
4. Cilantro Lime Rice – This fragrant and flavorful rice is the perfect side dish to soak up all the delicious juices from your kabobs.
5. Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges – These smoky and sweet wedges are the perfect complement to the spicy heat of your kabobs.

TOP 5 MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT AL PASTOR-INSPIRED KABOBS?

1. What is an al pastor kabob? Mexican-inspired twist on classic Middle Eastern kabobs, featuring juicy marinated pork cooked over an open flame. The meat is typically seasoned with a blend of dried chiles, spices, and citrus, and served on skewers with fresh pineapple, onion, and cilantro. It’s a delicious and unique way to enjoy kabobs, and perfect for outdoor cooking over a live fire.
2. What makes al pastor kabobs unique? Al pastor kabobs are a unique fusion of two culinary traditions. Mexican and Middle Eastern influences result in a flavorful combination of spices and textures. The blend of dried chiles and citrus in the marinade give the pork a smoky, tangy flavor, while the juicy chunks of fresh pineapple add a burst of sweetness to every bite. It’s a fresh and vibrant twist on classic kabobs, and always a crowd-pleaser.
3. How do I make al pastor kabobs at home? READ THIS BLOG POST!!
4. Can al pastor kabobs be made with other meats? Pork is traditional, but it’s possible to substitute with chicken, beef, or even tofu. However, be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein used.
5. What are some tips for cooking perfect al pastor kabobs? Use high-quality, fresh ingredients and marinate the pork for at least 2-3 hours before grilling. When skewering the pork and pineapple, be sure to leave enough space between each piece to allow for even cooking. Grill the kabobs over a hot fire, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and slightly charred. And don’t forget to serve with plenty of fresh cilantro, lime, and salsa for a truly authentic and delicious experience.

WHAT ARE THE BEST BEVERAGE PAIRINGS FOR LIVE FIRE AL PASTOR-INSPIRED KABOBS

Craft Beer:

1. Pilsner Urquell – Light and crisp, its subtle bitterness perfectly complements the smoky flavor of the kabobs.
2. Stone Delicious IPA – The citrusy and spicy hop notes perfectly balance the sweetness of the pineapple in the marinade.
3. Allagash White – The Belgian-style wheat beer’s notes of coriander and orange peel cut through the richness of the pork.
4. Corona or Modelo Especial – Ad a lime. No further explanation needed.

Cocktail:

1. Mezcal Margarita – The smokiness of the mezcal echoes the kabobs while the lime juice adds a refreshing tang.
2. Pineapple Jalapeno Martini – The sweet and spicy flavors of the cocktail perfectly complement those of the marinade.
3. Spicy Paloma – The grapefruit soda and lime juice cut through the richness of the pork while the spicy jalapeno adds a delicious kick.

Wine:

1. Gewurztraminer – The floral and spicy notes of the wine perfectly balance the sweetness of the pineapple in the marinade.
2. Pinot Noir – The light and fruity red wine complements the smoky and spicy flavors of the kabobs.
3. Rosé – The refreshing and crisp wine cuts through the richness of the pork.

Remember, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to pairing food and drinks. The most important thing is to trust your palate and have fun experimenting with different combinations. Cheers to good food and good company!

SUBSCRIBE TO AND FOLLOW LIVE FIRE REPUBLIC ACROSS SOCIAL, WEB AND OUR ADVENTURE CULINARY SERIES ON YOUTUBE!

If you’re a lover of live fire cooking and all things outdoor adventure, connect with us at Live Fire Republic! Trust me, you won’t regret joining our community of like-minded, flame-kissed foodies. So come on, let’s light the fire and start cooking up some epic meals together!