Everyone seems to love carne al pastor, and with good reason. This dish combines the best of the Mexican and Arab culinary traditions with spectacular (and mouth-watering) results. But is carne al pastor chicken, veal, or pork? Keep reading to find out and learn more about carne al pastor!
What Is Carne al Pastor?
In case you don’t know what carne al pastor is, here’s a quick primer: carne al pastor (or meant shepherd style) is marinated meat that is cooked in blocks mounted on a vertical spit. As the meat browns, it’s saved off the block and served in tacos, often accompanied by slices of pineapple.
The origins of al pastor can be traced back to the Middle East, where shawarma was a popular street food.
Lebanese immigrants then brought shawarma to Mexico in the early 1900s, where it was adapted into what is known today as al pastor, one of Mexicos’ most celebrated and recognizable dishes.
To learn more about the history of carne al pastor, be sure to check out our previous blog on the subject, “Everything You Need To Know About Carne al Pastor.”
Is Al Pastor Chicken, Veal, or Pork?
Traditionally, al pastor is made with thinly sliced pork that is marinated in a blend of spices, including achiote, cumin, and chili peppers. As mentioned earlier, the pork is then cooked on a spit.
However, many restaurants have started offering chicken al pastor as an alternative to pork.
After all, chicken can be marinated in the same blend of spices as pork, and also cooked on a spit for a similar texture. And while traditional al pastor is made with pork (sometimes with some veal thrown in the mix), Mexicans have welcomed al pastor chicken with open arms.
After all, al pastor is all about adaptation. Most notably, shawarma was originally made with lamb, but Mexicans put their own spin (pun intended) on it.
So, even if you can’t decide between chicken or pork al pastor, you can still try different variations of this delicious dish. Or even better — try both!
El Pollo Norteño: Authentic Mexican Food
Craving delicious, authentic Mexican food made with ingredients of the highest quality? El Pollo Norteño has 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 rich selection of authentic Mexican dishes.V