Even if food is a matter of personal taste, people love comparisons. So it’s not surprising that one of the main Google searches about carne al pastor is “al pastor vs carnitas.” In today’s post, we share our take on this yummy debate.
The Case for Carnitas
One thing is for sure, carnitas is a special dish. Not for nothing many Mexicans consider carnitas a delicacy reserved only for Sundays and unique occasions such as baptisms.
However, if carnitas isn’t prepared often it is also because the process is complex and time-consuming. You need a special copper cauldron and the time to marinate and fry the meat. Nobody has that kind of time nowadays!
This is how we sum our verdict about carnitas: The flavor? You’d love to enjoy it every day. The chore of making carnitas? Not so much.
The Case for Carne Al Pastor
Carne al pastor delights all your senses, from the eye-catching rotating vertical spit to the enticing combination of pineapple and marinated meat.
If carnitas shine during special occasions, carne al pastor is an everyday delight: Most taco stands in Mexico offer al pastor tacos. No matter where you are in the country, as soon as night falls, you see office workers, couples, and families treat themselves to a nice dinner of al pastor tacos.
Another point in favor of tacos al pastor is that they are easier to replicate compared to carnitas. Sure, not everyone has a rotating spit at home, but even mildly skilled cooks can manage to make some decent carne al pastor if they put their minds to it.
Al Pastor vs Carnitas: Which One Is Best?
In short, if your goal is to prepare something yourself, carne al pastor is your best bet. It’s easier to prepare than carnitas and just as flavorful.
If, on the other hand, you are trying to decide what to order at El Pollo Norteno, the choice comes down to your personal preference.
Need some extra help? Here’s a tip if you can’t make up your mind: You can always order both!
El Pollo Norteño: Authentic Mexican Food
Craving delicious, authentic Mexican food? At El Pollo Norteño we’ve got you covered!
Visit any of our five locations (Anaheim, Santa Ana, Garden Grove, and Lake Forest), order online, get in touch through Facebook, or call 866-MI-POLLO to enjoy our vast selection of authentic Mexican dishes.