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Chunk Steak

Tacos al Pastor

Tacos al Pastor is a traditional Mexican street food celebrated for its rich, flavorful, and aromatic profile. Originating from the influence of Lebanese immigrants in Mexico, this dish is a fusion of Middle Eastern and Mexican culinary traditions.

Tacos al Pastor

Servings

4
Servings

Prep

10 mins

Cooking

10 mins

Product

Chunk Steak

Method

Pan-seared
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INGREDIENTS

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  • 4 Chunk Steaks (4oz)
  • 2 whole ancho chiles, seeds and stems removed
  • 2 whole pasilla or guajillo chiles, seeds and stems removed
  • 1/2 cup plant-based “chicken” stock
  • 1 tsp dried Mexican oregano
  • 1 tsp dried ground cumin seed
  • 1 Tbsp achiote powder or paste
  • 1 chipotle chile packed in adobo sauce, plus 2 tsps sauce from can
  • 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 2 1/2 tsps sea salt
  • 2 tsps sugar
  • 1 cup of ½-inch pineapple cubes pan seared to caramelize. 
  • ½ cup cilantro leaves

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chiles

  • Place the ancho and pasilla or guajillo chiles in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, turning occasionally, until the chiles are puffed, pliable, lightly browned in spots, and very aromatic (about 5 minutes).
  • Add the plant-based chicken stock to the skillet (it should boil immediately). Pour the contents into a small bowl, cover loosely, and set aside.

2. Make the Sauce

  • Wipe out the skillet and return it to medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil and heat until shimmering.
  • Add the cumin, oregano, and achiote to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until aromatic but not browned (about 30 seconds).
  • Add the chipotle chile and adobo sauce, and cook until aromatic (about 30 seconds longer).
  • Add the vinegar, salt, and sugar, then remove the skillet from heat.

3. Blend the Sauce

  • Transfer the contents of the skillet into a blender, along with the garlic and the soaked chiles with their liquid.
  • Blend on high speed until completely smooth (about 1 minute), scraping down the sides as necessary. Set the sauce aside to cool slightly.

4. Cook the Chunk Steaks

  • Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add enough oil to coat the pan.
  • When the oil is shimmering, place the Chunk steaks in the pan. Cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side, until nicely browned.
  • Once both sides are browned, add 1/3 cup of the al pastor sauce to the pan. If the sauce seems too dry, add a little water to loosen it.
  • Cook for 1 minute on high heat, allowing the steaks to absorb the sauce.

5. Assemble the Tacos

  • Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
  • Place the cooked Chunk steak slices in the tortillas.
  • Top with the caramelized pineapple cubes and fresh cilantro leaves.

6. Serve and Enjoy‍

  • Serve the tacos immediately while hot. Enjoy the rich, flavorful taste of Tacos al Pastor with a plant-based twist!