easy mexican recipe

The Best easy mexican recipe

Easy Tacos al Pastor

4.6 from 585 votes

A flavorful and simple Mexican dish featuring marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, served in soft tortillas with fresh toppings. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

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Prep Time20 mins

Cook Time45 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time65 mins

Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Marination

• 1.5 lbs pork shoulder (thinly sliced)
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Toppings

• Soft corn tortillas
• Fresh pineapple chunks
• Diced red onion
• Sliced jalapeños (optional)
• Shredded lettuce
• Cilantro
• Lime wedges

👨‍🍳Directions

1. 1
   In a mixing bowl, combine pineapple juice, orange juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour over the pork shoulder and marinate for at least 2 hours (or overnight).
2. 2
   Preheat your grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove pork from marinade and cook in batches for 4-5 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.
3. 3
   While pork cooks, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or over a tortilla warmer.
4. 4
   Divide tortillas among plates. Place a few slices of marinated pork on each tortilla, top with pineapple chunks, diced onion, jalapeños (if using), lettuce, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

🔧Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Ziploc bag or marinade container
• Skillet or grill pan
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Tortilla warmer

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18💛Saturated Fat: 5❤️Cholesterol: 80🧂Sodium: 750🌾Total Carbs: 35🥦Dietary Fiber: 3🍬Sugars: 12🥩Protein: 35

📝Notes

Tips

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the marinade.
• Use a vertical spit if available for authentic al pastor texture.
• Substitute chicken for pork if pork is unavailable.

Variations

• Add avocado slices for a creamy texture.
• Use mango instead of pineapple for a different sweet-tangy flavor.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Tacos al Pastor

1. What are the basic ingredients needed for an easy Mexican recipe like Tacos al Pastor or Chicken Tinga?

For a simple Tacos al Pastor, you’ll need:
– 1 lb (450g) pork shoulder or shoulder blade, cut into thin strips
– 1 onion, sliced
– 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
– 1-2 limes, cut into wedges
– 1 cup pineapple chunks (optional, for extra flavor)
– Spice mix: 2 tbsp adobo sauce (or make your own with 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp cumin, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp cayenne, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp lime juice)
– Salt to taste
– Corn tortillas for serving

For Chicken Tinga, key ingredients include:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1-2 serrano or jalapeño peppers, minced (adjust for heat)
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– ½ tsp oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Tortillas and sour cream for serving

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2. How do I make the marinade for Tacos al Pastor without a grill?

You can still achieve great flavor by marinating the pork in a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or even a deep skillet for 4-6 hours (or overnight for best results). Here’s how:
1. Mix the adobo sauce (or homemade spice blend) with ½ cup lime juice, ¼ cup olive oil, and 1 tsp salt.
2. Add the pork strips and coat well.
3. Cook on low heat in a slow cooker for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally, or in an Instant Pot on high pressure for 30-40 minutes with a lid.
4. Shred or slice the pork, then cook it quickly in a skillet with a little oil until caramelized.
5. Serve on warm tortillas with sliced onions, peppers, and lime.

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3. Can I use ground beef instead of pork for a quick Mexican recipe like Tinga?

Yes! Ground beef works well in Chicken Tinga or even a Beef Tinga (a Mexican version of beef stew). Here’s how to adapt:
– Brown the ground beef in a skillet with 1 tbsp oil until no longer pink.
– Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and spices (cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt).
– Pour in the crushed tomatoes, serrano peppers, and water (or broth) to cover. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
– Shred or chop the beef, then mix it back into the sauce. Serve with tortillas, avocado, and sour cream.

You can also try Beef Enchiladas by mixing the beef with a simple adobo or chili powder marinade before cooking.

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4. What’s the easiest way to make homemade Mexican tortillas?

Homemade tortillas are simple and delicious! Here’s a foolproof recipe:
Ingredients:
– 2 cups flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– ½ tsp salt
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil (plus extra for greasing)

Instructions:
1. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
2. Gradually add warm water while stirring until a soft dough forms (add a little more water if too dry).
3. Knead for 2 minutes, then let rest for 10 minutes (cover with a damp towel).
4. Divide into 8 balls, flatten each into a thin circle (about 6 inches), and cook in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30-60 seconds per side until golden and slightly puffed.
5. Keep warm in a towel to stay soft.

For extra flavor, add a pinch of cumin or garlic powder to the dough.

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5. How can I make Mexican food healthier without sacrificing taste?

You can enjoy Mexican flavors while keeping meals lighter with these simple swaps:
– Use whole wheat or corn tortillas instead of white flour.
– Opt for grilled or baked proteins (chicken, shrimp, or fish) instead of fried.
– Load up on veggies: Add spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers to soups, tacos, or enchiladas.
– Choose lean meats: Use turkey or chicken breast instead of ground beef.
– Use spices instead of heavy sauces: A dash of cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika adds depth without extra calories.
– Serve with guacamole or salsa verde instead of sour cream or mayo.
– Control portions: Mexican meals are often generous—balance with fiber-rich sides like black beans, quinoa, or roasted sweet potatoes.