Al Pastor Quesadilla
Al Pastor Quesadilla is an irresistible Mexican dish that you should definitely try to make at home. You will only have to marinate pork and melt cheese. I’ve cooked it dozens of times, and every time, it was absolutely delicious.
So, I thought I should share:
- The recipe
- Best cheese to use
- Common mistakes people make
- How to store it correctly.
So, stick around!
Al Pastor Quesadilla: Meaning, Types, Calories and Price
An Al Pastor Quesadilla is a complete dish. To make it, you marinate pork with creamy, melted cheese and then wrap it in a warm tortilla. It’s perfect for any meal, but people like to eat it for dinner.
It’s also easy to prepare. Chef Esteban Castillo wrote a book on Al Pastor, “Chicano Eats,” and called this dish “extremely flavorful.”
What Is the Meaning of Quesadilla?
A quesadilla is a tortilla that is filled with cheese and other tasty ingredients like meat, veggies, and spices. The word “quesadilla” is a Spanish word. It comes from “queso,” which means cheese. So, a quesadilla is basically a cheesy delight.
The best thing about this Mexican dish is that you can customize it with all sorts of fillings.
What Is a Quesadilla Made Of? Al Pastor Quesadilla Ingredients
To make a yummy Al Pastor Quesadilla, you’ll need these ingredients:
| Ingredient | Description |
|---|---|
| Marinated Meat | You can use chicken or pork marinated with spices, pineapple, and vinegar. |
| Tortillas | Use either corn or flour tortillas, depending on your preference. |
| Cheese | A good melting cheese like Oaxaca or cheddar works best. |
| Pineapple | Fresh pineapple adds a touch of sweetness and balances the savory pork. |
| Onions and Cilantro | These give the quesadilla a fresh, zesty kick. |
Remember that you will need the best cheese for Al Pastor Quesadillas. I recommend Oaxaca cheese because it melts really well and has a mild flavor. Monterey Jack and cheddar are also great choices if you like a bit of a sharper taste.
Al Pastor Quesadilla Calories
The number of calories in an Al Pastor Quesadilla can vary because it depends on the:
- Size
- Ingredients.
On average, Quesadilla Al Pastor has around 300-400 calories. The reasons behind this many calories are the tortilla, cheese, marinated pork, and any extra toppings.
Al Pastor Quesadilla Price
The cost of an Al Pastor Quesadilla is not fixed. It can vary based on where you get it or if you make it at home. In restaurants, you might pay around $12 for one. Making them at home is usually cheaper, and you can pick the ingredients you like best.
What Are the Types of Al Pastor Quesadilla?
There are various types of Al Pastor Quesadillas. People love all because each has its unique flavor and ingredients. Popular variations include:
- Carnitas Quesadilla
- Tinga Quesadilla
- Asada Quesadilla
- Al Pastor Quesadilla Chipotle
- Cauliflower Al Pastor Quesadilla.
Carnitas Quesadilla
A Carnitas Quesadilla is made with tender, slow-cooked pork that chefs usually season with a mix of spices. You will have to cook the chicken or pork until it is juicy and flavorful.I love adding a generous amount of cheese to make it extra gooey.
Tinga Quesadilla
A Tinga Quesadilla features shredded chicken cooked in a smoky, spicy tomato sauce. The sauce is made with:
- Tomatoes
- Onions
- Garlic
- Peppers.
These ingredients give the chicken a rich, flavorful taste. In addition, adding cheese and cooking it in a tortilla makes it a delightful meal.
Asada Quesadilla
An Asada Quesadilla is all about grilling steak. People also marinate it in a mix of citrus juices, garlic, and spices. You should also pair the steak with cheese and a crispy tortilla. You will then feel the flavors to be bold and satisfying.
Al Pastor Quesadilla Chipotle
The Al Pastor Quesadilla Chipotle is a great choice for spice lovers. You can make it by marinating the chicken with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. You will also enjoy the hints of deep, smoky taste. To make it better, people like to combine it with cheese and pineapple.
Cauliflower Al Pastor Quesadilla
A Cauliflower Al Pastor Quesadilla is a great vegetarian option. Instead of meat, you marinate cauliflower in the same spices as traditional Al Pastor pork. Then, you can roast it until tender. After this, chef Alison Roman suggested vegans combine it with cheese and pineapple in a tortilla.
Best Al Pastor Quesadilla Recipe For You
The Quesadilla Al Pastor recipe is super easy. Start by marinating meat (pork or chicken) in spices, pineapple, and vinegar. After this, cook the meat and wrap it in the corn or flour tortillas. Then, you can melt Oaxaca or cheddar cheese, and add toppings (fresh pineapple, onions, and cilantro).
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Description |
|---|---|
| Marinated Pork (Al Pastor) | You can buy this pre-marinated or make your own by marinating pork in a mix of spices, pineapple, and vinegar. |
| Tortillas | Choose your favorite, either corn or flour tortillas. |
| Cheese | I like using Oaxaca cheese, but Monterey Jack or cheddar works great too. |
| Pineapple | Fresh pineapple chunks add a sweet touch. |
| Onions and Cilantro | These add a fresh flavor. |
Step 2: Marinate the Meat
If you’re making the marinade yourself, combine all the spices. Then, add some vinegar and pineapple juice. You can then coat the pork in this mixture. When you do it, let it sit for a few hours, as we want the flavors to really sink in.
Step 3: Cook the Pork
After marination, cook the marinated meat in a hot skillet. When you do it, stir it occasionally. Keep doing it until it’s fully cooked (golden brown). The meat will be slightly crispy on the edges and smell amazing.
Note that we’re making quesadillas al pastor with corn tortilla. While the pork is cooking, I suggest you heat another skillet and warm the tortillas. You want them to be pliable and slightly toasted. In my experience, this only takes a minute or two on each side.
Step 4: Assemble the Quesadilla
Now, it’s time to put everything together.
- Start by laying a tortilla flat.
- After this, sprinkle a generous amount of cheese on one half.
- Next, add some cooked pork, a few pineapple chunks, and a bit of chopped onions and cilantro.
When you’re done, fold the tortilla over to cover the filling.
Step 5: Cook the Quesadilla
In this step, place the filled tortilla back in the skillet. You should cook it until:
- The cheese melts
- The tortilla looks golden brown.
Important point: Flip Quesadilla carefully to cook both sides evenly. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Once the quesadilla is ready, you can remove it from the skillet and let it cool for a minute. Then, I always slice it into wedges. You can also do it and serve it hot with your favorite sides.
People often ask, “What do you eat with al pastor?” Well, I recommend these:
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Rice
- Beans
- Grilled Vegetables
These sides complement the savory and sweet flavors of Al Pastor perfectly!
How to Store Al Pastor Quesadilla?
Storing Al Pastor Quesadilla is simple:
- Cool Down: Let the quesadillas cool to room temperature.
- Wrap: Wrap each quesadilla in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store: Place the wrapped quesadillas in an airtight container or a zip-lock bag.
- Refrigerate or freeze: Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the wrapped quesadillas. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to eat, reheat them in a skillet or oven.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Al Pastor Quesadilla
People make a lot of common mistakes when cooking Al Pastor Quesadilla. Popular ones do not marinate the meat long enough and let it sit for a short time. Some also overload the quesadilla with too much filling, which I don’t recommend.
Mistake #01: Not Marinating the Pork Long Enough
One common mistake is not marinating the Al pastor pork long enough. Remember that the flavors need time to soak in. Therefore, make sure to marinate the meat for at least three to four hours. According to Tieghan Gerard, overnight is even better.
Trust me, the taste will be worth the wait!
Mistake #02: Overloading the Quesadilla
It’s tempting to stuff your quesadilla with lots of filling. But in my experience, overloading it can make it hard to cook evenly.
Keep it simple. I suggest using a “moderate” amount of pork, cheese, and other ingredients. This way, everything melts and cooks just right.
Mistake #03: Skipping the Preheat
You must always preheat your skillet before cooking the quesadilla. If it isn’t hot enough, your tortillas will turn out soggy instead of crispy. So, do what I do – I always give the skillet a few minutes to heat up to ensure the cooking happens smoothly.
But wait. Note that cooking the quesadilla on too high heat can burn the outside while leaving the inside cold. Medium heat is best.
Mistake #04: Using the Wrong Cheese
Not all cheeses melt the same way. Using the wrong cheese can make your quesadilla greasy or clumpy. I recommend using:
- Oaxaca
- Monterey Jack
- Cheddar.
Mistake #05: Forgetting to Let It Rest
After cooking, you should let your quesadilla rest for a minute before cutting into it. This helps the cheese set. Moreover, you can also easily slice it after a minute.
That’s all.
Conclusion
To sum up:
- Al Pastor Quesadilla is made with marinated pork and cheese.
- It’s easy to prepare and a crowd-pleaser.
- Serve with sides like guacamole, salsa, and beans for a complete meal.
- Store properly to keep leftovers fresh and tasty.
So, make this easy-to-make dish right now and have fun!
Al Pastor Quesadilla
Ingredients
- Marinated Meat
- Tortillas
- Cheese
- Pineapple
- Onions and Cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
- Step 2: Marinate the Meat
- Step 3: Cook the Pork
- Step 4: Assemble the Quesadilla
- Step 5: Cook the Quesadilla
- Step 6: Slice and Serve
