Adobada tacos are a flavorful and popular type of taco that originated in Mexico, particularly in the Baja California and northern regions. They feature marinated and grilled or spit-roasted pork that has been seasoned with a rich and spicy adobo sauce.
To prepare adobada, pork is typically marinated in a mixture of dried chilies, vinegar, garlic, oregano, cumin, and other spices, which impart a bold and smoky flavor to the meat. The marinated pork is then grilled or cooked on a spit until it is tender and caramelized.
Once cooked, the adobada pork is thinly sliced and served in warm corn or flour tortillas. It is often accompanied by toppings such as diced onions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Adobada tacos are known for their robust and complex flavors, with the spicy and tangy adobo sauce complementing the tender and juicy pork. They are a favorite among taco enthusiasts and are commonly enjoyed as street food or at taquerias throughout Mexico and beyond.
Estimated Duration
Immerse yourself in the preparation and enjoyment of Adobada Tacos with a total time of approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. This includes marinating the pork, grilling, and assembling the tacos.
Nutrition Facts
Adobada Tacos offer a satisfying combination of marinated pork, fresh toppings, and vibrant spices. While not the lightest option, they provide a flavorful and hearty taco experience.
Equipment Required
Before diving into the world of Adobada Tacos, ensure you have the following equipment:
- Grill or stovetop griddle
- Mixing bowls
- Blender or food processor
- Skewers or toothpicks
Ingredients:
For the Adobo Marinade:
- 3 dried guajillo chilies, stemmed and seeded
- 3 dried ancho chilies, stemmed and seeded
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup achiote paste
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Tacos:
- 1.5 pounds pork shoulder, thinly sliced
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup diced pineapple
- 1 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges for serving
Optional Toppings:
Instructions:
Prepare the Adobo Marinade:
Soak the Dried Chilies:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and toast the dried chilies for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Soak them in hot water for 15-20 minutes to soften.
Blend the Marinade:
- In a blender or food processor, combine the soaked chilies, minced garlic, white vinegar, achiote paste, dried oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, orange juice, and vegetable oil. Blend until smooth.
Marinate the Pork:
- Thinly slice the pork shoulder and coat it with the adobo marinade. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour or, for more flavor, refrigerate overnight.
Grill and Assemble the Tacos:
Preheat the Grill:
- Preheat the grill or stovetop griddle over medium-high heat.
Skewer the Pork:
- Skewer the marinated pork slices onto skewers or toothpicks for easy grilling.
Grill the Pork:
- Grill the skewered pork slices for 2-3 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and slightly charred.
Warm the Tortillas:
- Warm the corn tortillas on the grill for a minute on each side.
Assemble the Tacos:
- Slide the grilled pork off the skewers onto the warm tortillas.
- Top with diced pineapple, finely chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro.
Serve and Garnish:
- Serve the Adobada Tacos with lime wedges and optional toppings like salsa, guacamole, radish slices, and crumbled queso fresco.
Tips and Advice:
- Adjust the level of spiciness by adding or reducing the number of dried chilies.
- Soaking the chilies in hot water helps in blending them into a smooth marinade.
Enjoy with these Side Dishes:
Pair Adobada Tacos with classic Mexican sides like rice and beans, elote (Mexican street corn), or a simple avocado salad.
Storage Options:
If you have leftover marinated pork, store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Grill the pork just before serving to maintain its freshness.
Ingredient Substitutes:
Feel free to use a different cut of pork or even chicken for a variation. Experiment with toppings and add your favorite salsa or hot sauce.
Popular Alternatives to this Dish:
Explore more taco variations like Carne Asada Tacos, Al Pastor Tacos, or Tacos Gobernador for a diverse and delightful taco experience. Each option brings its own unique flavors to the taco table.
