Al pastor pork, a popular Mexican dish, is a staple of Mexican cuisine. The name “al pastor” translates to “shepherd’s style,” which refers to the traditional method of cooking marinated pork on a vertical spit. However, with the help of a slow cooker, you can easily recreate this delicious dish in the comfort of your own home. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making slow cooker al pastor pork, a recipe that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Understanding Al Pastor Pork
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a closer look at what makes al pastor pork so unique. This dish originated in Mexico, where it is typically made with marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, called a “trompo.” The pork is stacked in a cylindrical shape and cooked as it rotates, creating a crispy exterior and a juicy interior. The marinade, which is a combination of chili powder, vinegar, garlic, and pineapple, gives the pork its distinctive flavor.
The Importance of Marinade
The marinade is a crucial component of al pastor pork. It’s what gives the dish its flavor and helps to tenderize the meat. A good marinade should have a balance of acidity, sweetness, and spice. For our slow cooker al pastor pork recipe, we will be using a combination of chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, garlic, and pineapple juice.
Choosing the Right Cut of Meat
When it comes to choosing the right cut of meat for al pastor pork, you want to select a cut that is tender and has a good balance of fat and lean meat. Pork shoulder or pork butt is an excellent choice, as it is tender and has a good amount of fat, which will help to keep the meat moist during the cooking process.
Slow Cooker Al Pastor Pork Recipe
Now that we have a better understanding of what makes al pastor pork so unique, let’s move on to the recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds pork shoulder or pork butt
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh onion
- 2 dried arbol chilies, stemmed and seeded
- 2 lime wedges, for serving
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine chili powder, brown sugar, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the pork, making sure to coat it evenly.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork until it’s browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the pork to the slow cooker and add the garlic, pineapple juice, orange juice, cilantro, onion, and arbol chilies.
- Cook the pork on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
- After 8 hours, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
- Strain the cooking liquid and discard the solids.
- Add the strained cooking liquid back to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Serve the pork hot, garnished with lime wedges, cilantro, and onion.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to help you make the most of your slow cooker al pastor pork:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add more arbol chilies or use hot sauce to taste.
- To add some crunch to your dish, top the pork with toasted pepitas or chopped fresh cilantro.
- Serve the pork with your favorite toppings, such as diced onion, sour cream, or salsa.
Serving Suggestions
Slow cooker al pastor pork is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Serve the pork in a taco shell with your favorite toppings, such as diced onion, sour cream, and salsa.
- Use the pork to make a delicious sandwich, topped with coleslaw and pickles.
- Serve the pork with a side of Mexican street corn, roasted vegetables, or refried beans.
Conclusion
Slow cooker al pastor pork is a delicious and easy Mexican-inspired dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With its tender and flavorful meat, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. By following the recipe and tips outlined in this article, you’ll be able to create a delicious and authentic al pastor pork dish that will transport your taste buds to the streets of Mexico.
What is Al Pastor and how does it relate to this recipe?
Al Pastor is a popular Mexican dish that originated in Mexico City. The name “Al Pastor” translates to “shepherd-style” in English, which refers to the traditional method of cooking marinated pork on a vertical spit. This recipe adapts the flavors and techniques of Al Pastor to a slow cooker, making it easier to prepare and cook.
In this recipe, we use a combination of spices, chilies, and pineapple to give the pork a flavor profile similar to traditional Al Pastor. The slow cooker allows the pork to cook slowly and absorb all the flavors, resulting in tender and juicy meat that’s perfect for tacos, sandwiches, or salads.
What type of pork is best for this recipe?
For this recipe, it’s best to use a pork shoulder or pork butt. These cuts of meat are perfect for slow cooking because they are tender and have a good amount of fat, which helps to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
You can also use other cuts of pork, such as pork loin or pork tenderloin, but they may not be as tender and juicy as pork shoulder or pork butt. If you do choose to use a leaner cut of pork, make sure to adjust the cooking time and add more liquid to the slow cooker to prevent the meat from drying out.
Can I make this recipe in a Dutch oven or oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this recipe in a Dutch oven or oven instead of a slow cooker. To do this, brown the pork and cook the onions and garlic in a Dutch oven on the stovetop, then add the remaining ingredients and cover the pot. Transfer the pot to the oven and cook at 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Keep in mind that cooking the pork in a Dutch oven or oven will result in a slightly different texture and flavor than cooking it in a slow cooker. The pork may be more caramelized and crispy on the outside, but it may not be as tender and fall-apart as it would be when cooked in a slow cooker.
How do I serve Slow Cooker Al Pastor Pork?
Slow Cooker Al Pastor Pork is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. You can serve it in tacos with your favorite toppings, such as diced onions, cilantro, and salsa. You can also serve it on a bun as a sandwich, or on top of a salad or rice bowl.
Another option is to serve the pork with some warm tortillas, diced onions, and salsa, and let everyone assemble their own tacos or burritos. You can also use the pork in other dishes, such as quesadillas, grilled cheese sandwiches, or as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it?
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it. To refrigerate, cook the pork and let it cool, then refrigerate it for up to 3 days. To freeze, cook the pork and let it cool, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw the pork overnight in the refrigerator or thaw it quickly by submerging the container in cold water. Reheat the pork in the slow cooker or on the stovetop until it’s hot and tender.
What are some variations I can make to this recipe?
There are many variations you can make to this recipe to suit your tastes. One option is to add some diced bell peppers or zucchini to the slow cooker with the onions and garlic. You can also add some diced jalapenos or serrano peppers to give the pork an extra kick of heat.
Another option is to use different types of chilies or spices to give the pork a unique flavor. For example, you can use chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to give the pork a smoky heat, or use ground cumin and coriander to give it a more traditional Mexican flavor.
Is this recipe spicy, and can I make it milder or spicier?
This recipe has a moderate level of heat, thanks to the diced jalapenos and chili powder. However, you can adjust the level of heat to suit your tastes. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of jalapenos or omit them altogether. You can also use milder peppers, such as Anaheim or Poblano peppers, to add flavor without heat.
If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add more jalapenos or use hotter peppers, such as habanero or ghost peppers. You can also add some diced serrano peppers or hot sauce, such as sriracha or hot sauce, to give the pork an extra kick of heat.