![]() ![]() Cover, remove from heat, and let sit 30 minutes to let chiles soften. Inspired by a dish at one of Mexico City’s most beloved restaurants Contramar, Martinez also developed a fish tacos al pastor recipe that’s perfect for an alfresco summer meal.Įditor’s note: This recipe was originally published October 8, 2015.īring guajillo chiles, chiles de árbol, and 2 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. those crispy bits we’re all after) while keeping the meat tender and juicy.Īl pastor means “in the style of the shepherd” and isn’t confined to pork tacos. Grill the pork over low heat to help it develop a deep char and caramelization (a.k.a. But first, marinate thin slices of pork shoulder (about ¾" thick) in a bath of fresh pineapple, onion, dried chiles, and more for up to 12 hours. Over time tacos al pastor, which are made with pork and served on corn tortillas, grew from this tradition.įor this recipe no vertical spit is required-a grill will do fine. ![]() Initially, the dish was made with lamb and called tacos árabes or Arabic tacos. In the early 20th century, a large wave of Lebanese immigrants arrived in Mexico, bringing with them a technique for spit-roasting meat and recipes for shawarma. The dish may be a signature of Mexican cuisine, but its roots started in the Middle East. “Every grillmaster, taqueria owner, and food cart cook has their version of this classic that fills the streets with the smell of spicy grilled pork with charred pineapple and onion.” Taqueria Al Pastor is not only a dream-come-true addition to the this part of Bushwick, it's well worth whatever L train nonsense the MTA throws at you to get here from points farther away.“Tacos al pastor are an institution in Mexico,” writes recipe developer and former BA editor Rick Martinez. Drinks include housemade Horchata and bottles of Jarritos. The Volcane distinguishes itself by its super-crisp tortilla, the Gringas is prepared here almost like a sandwich (and, as such, is the messiest of the options), and the Quesadilla delivers the requisite amount of gooey melted cheese. The Tacos, overflowing with amazingness, are the best in NYC right now, and the Burrito I had, fat with rice and beans in addition to the meat and salsa, was also stellar. You can get all four primary fillings (and either tortilla type) in any of the six available formats. Limes and sliced radishes are also up here for your pleasure, but the balance among and heft of the ingredients are already pretty perfect. Want more flavor? Spoon on some of the smoky tomatillo sauce from the ornate crock on the counter. Fillings are piled on with a generous hand, including the creamy guacamole, and the red salsa really packs a punch. The tortillas, which come in either corn or flour, are delicious as well, and served just-off-the-grill warm. And the joint's vegetarian option, the Opuntia cactus known as nopal, was also superb, cooked firm and tangy and bright. The namesake spit-grilled pork, the griddled carne asada, and the well-seasoned pollo were all so tender, juicy, and exploding with flavor that I have to believe you will be as happy as I was feasting there. It's difficult to overstate just how good everything is at Taqueria Al Pastor. Even though everything is made to order, including the tortillas, your feast will be ready within minutes. You order at the register, where a staffer will be happy to efficiently explain the difference between, say, Volcanes and Gringas, and then you bring your ticket to the kitchen station, about three steps away. There are only about a dozen stools scattered before a narrow, wrap-around counter, but this is food that begs to be eaten in a hurry, and seat turnover is high. ![]() There's still work to be done-most notably, the place needs a sign-but I love the energy and attention to detail in the design. A vegetable-centric mural awaits inside, as well as a crazy amount of colorful Mexican tiles bordering the ordering counter and open kitchen. Another window, this one overlooking the eastern entrance of the Dekalb L station, displays a collection of impressively dramatic cacti. The taco truck mural, framing one of several smallish windows on the facade, is clever and inviting, the faux "awning" a nice touch. Bringing plenty of personality and tons of terrific food to the corner of Wyckoff and Stanhope in Bushwick, this vibrant Mexican spot is an instant neighborhood treasure from several local restauranteurs. Right off the bat, as soon as you see the eye-catching exterior, you get the idea that Taqueria Al Pastor is run by people who care about what they're doing. Our latest installment of Quick Bites brings us to Bushwick's excellent new taco spot. ![]()
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