Tacos al Pastor

Tacos al Pastor is a beloved Mexican street food featuring thin slices of pork marinated in a blend of dried chilies, spices, and achiote paste, then traditionally cooked on a vertical rotisserie called a trompo. The meat is shaved directly onto a small corn tortilla and topped with fresh pineapple, cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime. This iconic dish originated in Central Mexico, particularly Puebla and Mexico City, and is a direct culinary descendant of the shawarma brought by Lebanese immigrants.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

A typical serving of two tacos al pastor provides a good balance of protein from the pork and carbohydrates from the corn tortillas, with moderate fat content from the meat and marinade. It is a notable source of B vitamins, iron, and zinc, with a rough calorie range of 300-400 calories per two-taco serving.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	540 kcal
Protein	32 g
Carbs	48 g
Fat	22 g
Fiber	6 g
Sugar	5 g
Sodium	950 mg
Potassium	480 mg
Iron	3.8 mg
Vitamin C	18 mg
Calcium	180 mg
Vitamin A	120 mcg
Phosphorus	320 mg
Zinc	4.2 mg
Niacin (B3)	8.5 mg

Per 3 tacos (approx. 300 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

The dish is a fascinating example of culinary fusion, adapting Middle Eastern spit-roasting techniques to local Mexican ingredients like chilies and pineapple. Nutritionally, the pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain, which can aid in protein digestion, making it a functional and flavorful pairing with the meat.