Tacos de Atún al Pastor
Background and History
Tacos de Atún al Pastor is a contemporary twist on the traditional Mexican street taco, merging the rich marine flavors of atún with the bold, aromatic character of al pastor seasoning. The original al pastor taco is deeply rooted in the culinary traditions brought by Lebanese immigrants to Mexico, who introduced the rotisserie method similar to shawarma. Over time, al pastor evolved to reflect indigenous Mexican flavors by incorporating chile peppers, pineapple, and spices.
Today, this innovative adaptation replaces the customary pork with atún, catering to seafood lovers and providing a lighter yet equally satisfying dish. It merges the unique tanginess of pineapple with the savory zest of al pastor seasoning, making it a summer favorite.
Ingredients
- Atún steaks - 1 pound
- Chile peppers - 2 dried guajillo
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic
- Pineapple juice - 1 cup
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Corn tortillas - 8
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges, for garnish
- Sliced pineapple, optional for garnish
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Begin by rehydrating the dried chile peppers by soaking them in hot water for about 20 minutes until they soften. Once softened, remove the stems and seeds. Add them to a blender along with the chopped onion, garlic, pineapple juice, vinegar, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste, adjusting seasoning to taste.
Step 2: Marinate the Atún
Place the atún steaks in a shallow dish and cover with the marinade, ensuring the fish is completely coated. Cover the dish and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to infuse into the atún.
Cooking Process
Step 1: Cook the Atún
Preheat your grill or a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, remove the atún from the marinade and place it on the grill or skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until the fish is perfectly charred on the outside and just cooked through in the center.
Step 2: Prepare the Tacos
While the atún is cooking, warm the corn tortillas on a dry skillet or directly over the flame on a gas stove. This will give them a slightly charred flavor, enhancing your taco experience. Once the atún is ready, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a minute. Then slice it into strips or bite-sized pieces.
Assembly and Serving
Step 1: Assemble the Tacos
Place a few pieces of the grilled atún onto warm tortillas. Top with chopped cilantro, onion, and optionally, sliced pineapple. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a burst of freshness.
Enjoying Your Tacos de Atún al Pastor
Tacos de Atún al Pastor are best enjoyed fresh and warm. When eating, squeeze a little lime over the top to enhance the flavors. Pair these tacos with a refreshing beverage like a chilled cerveza or a margarita to complete the authentic experience. For an extra layer of spice, consider adding your favorite hot sauce.
These tacos are a great choice for summer gatherings and casual dinners, offering a healthy and flavorful option that stands out with its unique blend of Mexican and seafood ingredients.
Cooking Time and Tips
From preparation to serving, the entire process, including marination, takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. For precise timing, consider using a cooking timer to ensure the perfect cook on the atún and warm tortillas.