Carne Asada Tacos or Al Pastor Tacos

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Description

I have had great success preparing tacos this way. I bought this recipe from a taqueria owner (taco restaurant) in Mexico City. I am translating the directions. It can be used for beef, pork, or just about any other type of meat. The spice mix on this recipe gives meat a really excellent flavor.

Ingredients

  • ½ onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon anise seed
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon dried sage
  • ¼ teaspoon ground thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 5 whole cloves
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • 1 cup cider vinegar
  • 1 orange, juiced
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 2 pounds flank steak
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • ¼ (7 ounce) can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, or to taste
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon water, or as needed
  • 24 (5 inch) corn tortillas
  • ½ onion, chopped
  • ½ bunch cilantro, chopped
  • 1 bunch radishes, halved

Instructions

  1. Place 1/2 chopped onion
  2. 2 cloves garlic
  3. parsley
  4. oregano
  5. paprika
  6. anise seed
  7. black pepper
  8. cumin
  9. sage
  10. thyme
  11. bay leaves
  12. cloves
  13. soy sauce
  14. vinegar
  15. orange juice
  16. and lime juice in a blender; pulse until a very well-blended paste is achieved
  17. scraping down sides as needed
  18. 3 to 5 minutes. Spread paste on both sides of the flank steak. Wrap steak in plastic and refrigerate at least 6 hours to overnight.
  19. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate. Remove excess marinade from flank steak.
  20. Grill steak until it begins to firm and is hot and slightly pink in the center
  21. about 8 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 140 degrees F (60 degrees C). Chop steak into small pieces and transfer to a platter; cover and keep warm until ready to serve.
  22. Place 1 chopped onion
  23. tomatoes
  24. chipotle peppers
  25. and 3 cloves garlic in a blend; pulse until desired consistency. Add water if the salsa becomes too thick. Transfer salsa to a bowl.
  26. Heat tortillas in a microwave safe plate until warm
  27. about 1 minute.
  28. Serve beef over stacks of two corn tortillas with salsa and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 chopped onion
  29. radishes
  30. and cilantro.

Prep Time: 25 mins

Cook Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 6 hrs 40 mins

Servings: 6

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