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Easy Al Pastor Burritos: A Delicious and Simple Mexican Delight

Al Pastor, a beloved Mexican dish, blends the culinary traditions of Lebanese immigrants with rich Mexican flavours. Originating from the practice of shawarma, this dish features marinated pork, typically cooked on a vertical spit, and is celebrated for its tantalising combination of spices and the sweetness of pineapple. While Al Pastor is often enjoyed in tacos, transforming it into a burrito offers a delightful twist that is both easy to prepare and perfect for a quick meal. In this article, we’ll guide you through creating your very own Easy Al Pastor Burritos at home.

Ingredients

For the Al Pastor Filling:

• 500g pork shoulder or pork loin, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from canned chipotles)
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon pineapple juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup diced pineapple (fresh or canned)
• Fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped, for garnish

For the Burritos:

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup cooked rice (preferably Mexican-style)
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your choice)
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Salsa or hot sauce, for added flavour (optional)

Method

1. Marinate the Pork: In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced pork shoulder with the chopped onion, minced garlic, adobo sauce, cumin, oregano, paprika, white vinegar, and pineapple juice. Season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly and allow the mixture to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, overnight in the refrigerator for maximum flavour.

2. Cook the Pork: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated pork mixture. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pork is cooked through and caramelised. In the last couple of minutes of cooking, stir in the diced pineapple until heated through. This step adds a wonderful sweetness and complement to the flavours.

3. Assemble the Burritos: Warm the flour tortillas slightly in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable. Lay each tortilla flat and begin layering: first add a scoop of cooked rice, followed by a generous portion of the Al Pastor pork and pineapple mix, a handful of black beans, and a sprinkle of cheese. Don’t overfill; approximately ¼ of the filling per burrito works well.

4. Wrap the Burritos: To wrap, fold in the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll it up from the bottom, tucking it tightly as you go. Ensure that the filling is well covered and the burrito is secure.

5. Serve: For an extra touch, you can place the burritos seam-side down in a dry skillet over medium heat and toast them for a few minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Serve with lime wedges and your choice of salsa or hot sauce for that extra kick.

Conclusion

Easy Al Pastor Burritos are a fantastic way to experience the vibrant flavours of Mexican cuisine, all wrapped up in a convenient package. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep, these burritos are sure to please family and friends alike. So gather your ingredients and enjoy a delightful cooking experience that brings the taste of Mexico right to your kitchen. With their satisfying textures and bold flavours, these burritos are a must-try for any fan of Mexican food!

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