Camarones Al Pastor Tacos


A Delicious Twist on a Classic Recipe

Camarones al pastor (or shrimp al pastor) is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the traditional flavors of Mexican cuisine with succulent shrimp. This dish is a variation of the popular "al pastor" style of cooking, which is typically used with pork.


To make Camarones al pastor, start by marinating the shrimp in a mixture of pineapple, chili peppers, achiote, garlic, blood orange juice, lime juice, and a blend of Mexican spices. Let the shrimp marinate for up to one hour to allow the flavors to penetrate the shrimp (recipe below).


The combination of spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors in Camarones al pastor makes it a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or as a filling for tacos or topping for tostados. This dish pairs well with rice, beans, or a fresh salad.


In addition to being delicious, Camarones al pastor is also healthy and nutritious. Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, while the pineapple in the marinade provides a natural sweetness and a dose of vitamin C.


Achiote (or al pastor marinade) is a versatile and flavorful blend of spices that is commonly used in Mexican, Caribbean, and Latin American cuisine. It adds bold and vibrant flavor and color to meats, vegetables, and seafood. Achiote marinade also has several health benefits. Achiote paste is a good source of antioxidants and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. It is also low in calories and fat, making it a healthy choice for flavoring your meals.


Here's how to make them from scratch, including a recipe for a homemade marinade with guajillo chili.



Ingredients:


For the marinade-

  • 4 guajillo chili, stemmed and seeded
  • 3 garlic cloves, toasted
  • ¼ cup roughly chopped white onion
  • 2 tablespoons achiote paste
  • ¼ cup fresh Blood orange juice (or Cara Cara orange)
  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice
  • ¼ cup pineapple juice
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Mexican piloncillo or brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt


For the tacos:

  • 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 8 corn or flour tortillas
  • 1 cup of grilled fresh pineapple, diced
  • ½ cup of chopped cilantro
  • Lime wedges, for serving
  • Thinly sliced avocado, for serving
  • Mexican crema


Instructions:


  1. Begin by making the marinade. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat, and toast the guajillo chilies for about 30 seconds on each side, until fragrant. Transfer them to a bowl, cover with hot water, and let them soak for 20 minutes, until softened.
  2. Drain the chilies, reserving the liquid, and transfer them to a blender along with the remaining marinade ingredients. Blend until smooth, adding a little chili water if needed to achieve a smooth consistency, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Pass purée through through a fine mesh strainer to remove any remaining pieces of chili.  
  4. Place the shrimp in a large bowl, and pour the marinade over them. Toss to coat, and let them marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour.
  5. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill pineapple on both sides until caramelized. Remove and small dice.
  6. Grill shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until pink and slightly charred.
  7. Remove shrimp to serving dish. Add remaining marinade to pan and cook till thickened. Thin with water if necessary to create a sauce with the consistency of cream.
  8. Return shrimp to pan and coat with the al pastor sauce.
  9. Serve the shrimp hot, on warm tortillas, garnished with thinly sliced avocado, grilled pineapple, cilantro, with lime wedges on the side. Drizzle tacos with Mexican crema if desired.


These shrimp al pastor tacos are bursting with flavor, thanks to the scratch-made marinade with guajillo chili. They're perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend barbecue with friends and a must-try dish for anyone who loves the bold and vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine. Whether you're entertaining guests or just looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Try them out and enjoy!

 

 

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Location: Northampton, PA, USA

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