Fresh Approach to Adobo Marinade for Tacos al Pastor and More
Chile Marinade and Sauce Recipe from Mexico
Want to whip up an authentic Adobo marinade for your Tacos al Pastor, or give your grilled chicken or beef a twist? Look no further! This Spanish "sauce" or "marinade" is a game-changer. Here's the lowdown.
What you'll need:
- Chile negro (alternatively pasilla chile or pasilla negro), available at most Mexican grocers or online (if you can't find chile negro, try using ancho chiles or mulato chiles instead)
- Mexican oregano – found in Latin markets or the Latin section of your supermarket
Preparation:1. Toast the spices and roast the chiles (day before, if possible)2. Blend ingredients for a smooth puree3. Marinate your meat for a minimum of 4 hours (preferably overnight)
This marinade recipe was showcased in our No-Fail Mexican Favorites for Cinco de Mayo. For an Argentinian flair, try our chimichurri sauce for a match made in grilled heaven.
Yield: Approx. 4 1/2 cups (enough for 3 pounds of meat)Difficulty: MediumTotal Time: About 45 mins (approximately 45 mins active)
Meet the Ingredients:1. Whole cumin seeds2. Cloves3. Dried Mexican oregano leaves4. Dried guajillo chiles5. Dried chiles negros (or pasilla negro)6. Dried ancho chiles7. Finely chopped fresh pineapple meat (about 10 ounces)8. Finely chopped white onion (about 1 small)9. Peeled garlic cloves10. Cider vinegar11. Freshly squeezed lime juice12. Kosher salt
Cooking Instructions:
- Toast cumin seeds and grind.
- Roast chiles, discard seeds and stems, and soften in boiling water.
- Combine chiles, pineapple, onion, garlic, vinegar, lime juice, oregano, and spices in a blender to create a smooth puree.
- Marinate your meat, preferably overnight, before cooking and slathering with the flavorsome sauce.
If you're having trouble finding chile negro or Mexican oregano, consider exploring specialty online marketplaces for a wide variety of authentic ingredients. Making this marinade a fun and easy one-stop adventure for your Mexican culinary adventure! Happy cooking!
This Adobo marinade recipe, featured in our No-Fail Mexican Favorites, is a cultural blend of flavors, utilizing chile negro, Mexican oregano, and other spices. To create an approximation if chile negro isn't available, ancho chiles or mulato chiles can be substituted. To make this marinade, one may need to find a credit line for purchasing the necessary ingredients online if they are not readily accessible locally. This marinade is perfect for Tacos al Pastor, grilled chicken, or beef, adding an authentic twist to your dining experience.
