How to Make Al Pastor Big Green Egg

Are you ready to learn how to make mouthwatering al pastor on your Big Green Egg? Look no further!

In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of:

• Selecting the perfect cut of meat
• Preparing a delicious marinade
• Marinating the meat to perfection
• Setting up your Big Green Egg
• Cooking and serving the most delectable al pastor you’ve ever tasted.

Get ready to impress your friends and family with your grilling skills!

Selecting the Perfect Cut of Meat

You’ll want to make sure you’re selecting the perfect cut of meat for your al pastor on the Big Green Egg. The right cut of meat can make all the difference in achieving that delicious, tender, and flavorful result.

When it comes to al pastor, there are different cooking methods and alternative cuts you can consider.

One popular cooking method for al pastor is spit-roasting, which involves skewering marinated meat and cooking it slowly over an open flame. For this method, you’ll want to choose a cut that can withstand the long cooking time without drying out. Pork shoulder, also known as Boston butt, is a great choice. It has enough fat marbling to keep the meat moist and tender throughout the cooking process.

If you prefer a quicker cooking method, grilling is an excellent option. For grilling al pastor, you can use alternative cuts like pork tenderloin or boneless pork chops. These cuts are leaner and cook faster, making them perfect for a weeknight meal.

No matter which cooking method or cut you choose, remember to slice the meat thinly against the grain before serving. This will ensure a tender and enjoyable eating experience.

Preparing the Marinade

Once the meat has marinated for at least 2 hours, it’s time to start grilling. The marinade is the key to achieving that authentic and delicious al pastor flavor. Here’s how you can prepare the perfect marinade:

1. Start with a base of pineapple: Pineapple not only adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the marinade but also helps tenderize the meat. Fresh pineapple juice works best, but you can also use canned pineapple if that’s what you have on hand.

2. Experiment with different variations: While the traditional al pastor marinade includes ingredients like achiote paste, garlic, and various spices, feel free to experiment with different flavors. You can add chipotle peppers for a smoky kick, or even incorporate orange juice for a citrusy twist.

3. Don’t forget the acidity: Apart from the pineapple, it’s essential to include some acidic ingredients in the marinade. Lime juice or vinegar helps break down the proteins in the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.

4. Blend it all together: To ensure that the flavors are well incorporated, it’s best to blend all the ingredients together in a food processor or blender. This will create a smooth and uniform marinade that will coat the meat evenly.

Marinating the Meat

After blending all the ingredients together, it’s time to let the meat marinate for at least 2 hours. Proper marinating techniques are crucial to enhancing the flavor of your al pastor. Marinating allows the meat to absorb the flavors of the marinade, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.

To marinate the meat, start by placing it in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, making sure it is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and tenderize it.

During the marinating process, it’s important to turn the meat occasionally to ensure even distribution of the marinade. This helps to enhance the flavor and ensures that every bite is packed with deliciousness.

When marinating, make sure to use a marinade that complements the flavors of al pastor, such as a combination of pineapple juice, vinegar, spices, and herbs. The acidity in the marinade helps to break down the proteins in the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.

Setting Up the Big Green Egg

To get started with your setup, make sure you have all the necessary tools and ingredients within reach. Here are the steps to set up your Big Green Egg for grilling the perfect al pastor:

1. Gather your tools: You’ll need a Big Green Egg grill, charcoal, fire starters, a temperature control device (such as a thermometer or vent), and tongs for handling the meat.

2. Prepare the charcoal: Fill the firebox of the Big Green Egg with charcoal, leaving enough space for airflow.

3. Start the fire: Use fire starters to ignite the charcoal. Let it burn until the coals are covered in white ash, indicating they’re ready for grilling.

4. Control the temperature: Use the temperature control device to regulate the heat inside the grill. For al pastor, you’ll want a medium-high heat around 400-450°F (204-232°C).

By following these grilling techniques and maintaining temperature control, you’ll be able to achieve the perfect char and smoky flavor for your al pastor.

Stay tuned for the next step: preparing the marinade!

Cooking and Serving the Al Pastor

Now that the grill is hot and ready, it’s time to start cooking and serving the deliciously marinated al pastor. Using the Big Green Egg, you can achieve that perfect smoky flavor and tender texture.

Start by preheating the grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (204°C). Place the marinated al pastor on the grill grates and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). For even cooking, make sure to turn the meat occasionally.

To enhance the flavor, you can baste the al pastor with a mixture of pineapple juice and achiote paste every few minutes. This will add a tangy sweetness and a vibrant red color to the meat.

Don’t forget to soak some corn tortillas in warm water and grill them for a minute on each side until they become slightly charred. These will serve as the perfect vessel for your al pastor tacos.

When the al pastor is cooked to perfection, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, thinly slice the meat against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Serve the al pastor with the grilled tortillas and a variety of garnishing options like chopped onions, cilantro, fresh pineapple chunks, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy your mouthwatering al pastor tacos.

Conclusion

So there you have it, making al pastor on the Big Green Egg is easier than you think! By selecting the perfect cut of meat and preparing a flavorful marinade, you can create delicious and authentic al pastor right in your own backyard.

Just remember to marinate the meat overnight and set up your Big Green Egg. Cook it low and slow for the best results.

Serve it up with all your favorite toppings and get ready to impress your friends and family with this mouthwatering dish!