Introduction

When it comes to Mexican cuisine, few dishes capture the imagination and appetite quite like tacos quesadillas al pastor. These savory, spiced pork tacos, inspired by Lebanese shawarma, have become a beloved staple around the world. But today, let’s dive into a delicious variation: quesadillas al pastor. This innovative take combines the traditional al pastor flavors with the gooey, melty goodness of quesadillas. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat, quesadillas al pastor offer a new way to enjoy an old favorite. Let’s explore how to make these mouthwatering creations at home!

What Are Quesadillas al Pastor?

Quesadillas al pastor are a fusion dish that blends the marinated pork used in tacos al pastor with the classic quesadilla format. Instead of the usual cheese-and-tortilla combination, these quesadillas are filled with thinly sliced, marinated pork, pineapple, and cheese, resulting in a tangy, sweet, and savory experience. The filling is cooked until perfectly charred and combined with melted cheese, creating a flavor profile that's both familiar and excitingly new.

Ingredients

To make quesadillas al pastor, you'll need the following ingredients:

For the Al Pastor Marinade:

• 2 pounds of pork shoulder or pork loin, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons of achiote paste
• 1/4 cup of orange juice
• 1/4 cup of pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of cumin
• 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1 teaspoon of chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Quesadillas:

• 8 small flour tortillas
• 2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack or Oaxaca cheese
• 1 cup of fresh pineapple, diced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 bunch of fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• Cooking oil for frying

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade:

   • In a large bowl, mix the achiote paste, orange juice, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
   • Add the thinly sliced pork to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.

2. Cook the Pork:

   • Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the pan.
   • Add the marinated pork slices to the pan in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the pork is well-browned and cooked through.
   • Remove the pork from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into small strips.

3. Assemble the Quesadillas:

   • Heat a clean skillet over medium heat. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the shredded cheese evenly over one side of the tortilla.
   • Add a layer of the cooked pork slices, followed by a generous portion of diced pineapple, chopped onion, and fresh cilantro.
   • Top with the remaining cheese and cover with another tortilla.

4. Cook the Quesadillas:

   • Cook the quesadilla for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
   • Remove from the skillet and let it cool slightly before cutting into wedges.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Serve the quesadillas al pastor with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over, and optionally, a side of salsa or guacamole.

Tips for Perfect Quesadillas al Pastor

1. Marinate Overnight: For the best flavor, marinate the pork overnight. This allows the spices to deeply penetrate the meat.
2. Grill for Extra Flavor: If you have access to a grill, consider grilling the marinated pork for a smoky flavor that complements the quesadilla.
3. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh pineapple and cilantro add a vibrant burst of flavor. Don’t skimp on these ingredients for the best result.
4. Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder or spicier kick, adjust the amount of chili powder and achiote paste to your taste.

Conclusion

Quesadillas al pastor are a delightful twist on the classic taco al pastor, combining the rich, spiced flavors of marinated pork with the comforting, cheesy goodness of quesadillas. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can bring a taste of Mexico right into your kitchen. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply craving a flavorful meal, these quesadillas are sure to impress. Give them a try and enjoy a delicious fusion of flavors that showcases the best of both worlds!