Molletitos Al Pastor

Background and Description

Molletitos Al Pastor are a delectable fusion of traditional Mexican cuisine and the vibrant flavors of Al Pastor. This dish combines the richness of marinated pork with fresh ingredients, all served on a toasted mollete, which is an open-faced sandwich made with bolillo rolls. The history of Al Pastor dates back to the Lebanese influence on Mexican cooking, where the technique of spit-roasting meat became integrated into the local culinary scene. Molletitos Al Pastor takes this iconic preparation and transforms it into a delicious and satisfying snack or appetizer.

Ingredients

• Bolillo rolls (3 pieces)
• Pork shoulder (500g, thinly sliced)
• Pineapple slices (1 cup, diced)
• Onion (1 medium, finely chopped)
• Garlic cloves (3, minced)
• Adobo sauce (1 cup)
• Lime juice (from 2 limes)
• Cilantro (1/2 cup, chopped)
• Cheese, like queso fresco (1 cup, crumbled)
• Avocado (1, sliced)
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Start by preparing the pork. In a bowl, mix pork slices with adobo sauce, lime juice, and half of the onion. Allow the pork to marinate for at least an hour to absorb the flavors.
2. Preheat a grill or an iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and cook the marinated pork for about 8-10 minutes or until it's well browned and cooked through. Stir occasionally.
3. Add the diced pineapple to the pork in the final few minutes of cooking and stir gently.
4. While the pork is cooking, slice the bolillo rolls in half and toast them lightly until golden brown and crispy.
5. In a separate pan, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the remaining onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
6. Once the pork and pineapple mixture is ready, spoon it generously onto the toasted bolillo halves.
7. Top the mollete halves with sautéed onion, garlic, fresh cilantro, crumbled cheese, and sliced avocado.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking Process

Ensure to monitor your cooking timer to avoid overcooking the pork for the perfect juicy texture. The addition of pineapple during the last minutes of cooking helps infuse the dish with natural sweetness, balancing the earthy spiciness of the adobo sauce. Toasting the bolillo is essential for the crispy texture that perfectly contrasts with the savory topping.

Enjoying Molletitos Al Pastor

Molletitos Al Pastor can be a versatile dish enjoyed in various settings. They make an excellent appetizer at parties or a vibrant addition to a weekend brunch. Serve them with your favorite Mexican sides, such as a fresh salsa or tangy pickled vegetables, and a refreshing beverage like agua fresca. Each bite offers a layered experience of flavors—from the savory pork and tangy lime, to the creamy avocado and fresh cilantro. Molletitos Al Pastor invite you to explore the rich culinary history of Mexico with every mouthful.