Check out this Mexican vegan tacos al pastor recipe
Tacos al pastor is a dish deeply rooted in Mexican cuisine, traditionally known for its marinated pork. However, this guide will walk you through a vegan version that maintains the essence of the original dish without using any animal products. This adaptation not only caters to vegetarians and vegans but also introduces a healthier alternative that doesn't compromise on flavor. Let's get cooking.
Gather the following ingredients
For this recipe, gather two cups of textured vegetable protein (TVP), one cup of pineapple juice, two tablespoons of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced, one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, two cloves of garlic, one teaspoon each of ground cumin and dried oregano, half a teaspoon of salt, eight corn tortillas, and toppings like diced onions, chopped cilantro, and sliced avocado.
Prepare the TVP
Begin by rehydrating the textured vegetable protein. In a large bowl, pour boiling water over two cups of TVP and let it sit for about 10 minutes or until it's fully rehydrated. Once done, drain any excess water thoroughly to ensure the TVP is as dry as possible. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture that resembles meat.
Marinate the TVP
In another bowl or large zip-lock bag, combine pineapple juice with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, ground cumin, dried oregano, and salt to create your marinade. Add your drained TVP to this mixture, ensuring each piece is well coated. Let it marinate for at least an hour in the refrigerator; however, overnight will yield more flavorful results.
Cook your vegan meat
After marinating, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. No oil is necessary if you're using a non-stick pan. Add your marinated TVP and cook, stirring occasionally, until most liquid has evaporated and edges begin to crisp up, about 10 minutes. This step infuses your vegan meat with a smoky, charred flavor reminiscent of traditional tacos al pastor.
Assemble your tacos
Warm corn tortillas on a skillet or directly over an open flame for 15 seconds on each side, making them pliable but not crispy. Evenly spoon the marinated TVP onto each tortilla. Top with diced onions, chopped cilantro, and avocado slices. Serve these immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing. Enjoy your flavorful Mexican Vegan Tacos Al Pastor!
Mexican vegan tacos al pastor guide
Tacos Al Pastor, deeply rooted in Mexican cuisine, traditionally features marinated pork. This guide presents a vegan version that retains the original recipe's essence without animal products. It combines sweet, spicy, and savory flavors inside a soft tortilla. With its rich cultural heritage, this dish invites you to explore vegan cooking while enjoying a taste beloved across cultures.
Gather the following ingredients
For this recipe, you need two cups of textured vegetable protein (TVP) or thinly sliced mushrooms, one cup of pineapple juice, two tablespoons of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, one tablespoon of white vinegar, two cloves of minced garlic, one teaspoon each of cumin and oregano, salt to taste, corn tortillas for serving, and diced pineapples, chopped cilantro, and sliced red onions for garnish.
Prepare the marinade
To start, blend pineapple juice, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, white vinegar, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, and salt until smooth. Then pour this mixture over TVP or sliced mushrooms in a bowl, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the marinade. Allow the mixture to marinate for at least one hour or leave it overnight in the refrigerator to deepen the flavors.
Cook your base
Heat a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add your marinated TVP or mushrooms without overcrowding the pan. Cook for about five to seven minutes on each side or until they are nicely browned and crispy on the edges. The goal here is to mimic the texture and flavor depth similar to traditional meat-based tacos al pastor.
Warm tortillas
While your base achieves perfection, warm corn tortillas on a separate pan over low heat. Heat them for about 30 seconds on each side until they become soft and pliable. After heating, wrap the tortillas in a clean cloth to maintain their warmth. This method ensures that the tortillas are ready for taco assembly with the ideal texture and temperature.
Assemble your tacos
Now comes the assembly! Place a generous amount of the TVP or mushroom mix on each warmed tortilla. Add diced pineapples for a sweet contrast to the spicy chipotle peppers from the marinade. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and red onion slices for freshness and zing. Serve immediately to enjoy a burst of flavors in these delicious vegan tacos al pastor.
