Vegan Al Pastor

Vegan Al Pastor is now getting on the menu of every Mexican restaurant. It’s a plant-based version, and is made with ingredients like jackfruit or tofu. But does this delicious alternative offer the same sweet and spicy flavors and can you cook it at home?

Here, you’ll find the answers and a lot more. So, keep reading!

vegan al pastor

What Is a Vegan Al Pastor? (All the Details)

Vegan Al Pastor is the plant-based version of the Mexican dish. Chefs call it a healthier alternative because it does not contain harmful fats. The best part? The vegan version tastes more or less the same. In fact, it is so tasty that even non-vegans are getting hooked.

So, if you’re a vegan, I want to say that it’s a great way to enjoy the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine while sticking to a plant-based diet. On top of this, note that veggie Al Pastor is packed with nutritional benefits. It’s a great source of:

  • Protein
  • Fiber
  • Enzymes
  • Vitamins.

But what is the vegan al pastor meat? It is made entirely with plant-based ingredients. Traditional Al Pastor, on the other hand, is cooked with pork, pineapple, chilies, and some other spices.

see also Chipotle chicken Al Pastor

What Is a Vegan Al Pastor Made Of? (Complete Details)

Veggie Al Pastor is made from plant-based ingredients like jackfruit, soy curls, or cauliflower. These ingredients are marinated in a sweet and spicy sauce. This sauce is made with pineapple, achiote paste, chilies, and spices so that the dish tastes like the traditional one.

Check out the table on popular vegan Al Pastor ingredients:

Plant-Based ProteinDescriptionTexture
SeitanHigh-protein wheat glutenChewy, dense
TofuSoybean curdSoft, can be firm or extra firm depending on typ
JackfruitFibrous fruit, mimics pulled porkStringy, tender
TempehFermented soybean cakeFirm, slightly crumbly
Soy CurlsDehydrated soy proteinChewy, similar to chicken strips
Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP)Dehydrated soy productMeaty, slightly chewy
MushroomsEarthy flavorMeaty, slightly chewy when cooked

Vegan Al Pastor Jackfruit

Jackfruit Al Pastor is a popular variation where you use jackfruit as the main ingredient. The reason chefs choose it is that it has a meaty texture that absorbs the marinade well. I also consider it a fantastic substitute for pork.

To make jackfruit al pastor, you should first mix just pineapple juice, chilies, and spices. Then, marinate the jackfruit and cook it until it’s tender and flavorful. That’s it. Even the meat-lovers have told me that they love this veggie recipe.

Vegan Al Pastor Jackfruit

Vegan Al Pastor Soy Curls

Soy curls are another great choice for plant-based Al Pastor. These are made from whole soybeans and have a texture similar to meat.

To prepare soy curls al pastor, do this:

  • You should first rehydrate the soy curls in water. 
  • Then, marinate them in the traditional Al Pastor sauce. 
  • Once they’ve soaked up all the flavors, you cook them until they’re slightly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Cauliflower Al Pastor Vegan

In my experience, Cauliflower works wonderfully in Veggie Al Pastor. However, you should chop it into small florets first. Then, do these two steps:

  • Marinate the chopped cauliflower in the Al Pastor sauce. 
  • After this, roast it in the oven. It’s important because it brings out the cauliflower’s natural sweetness.

And remember this, Cauliflower Al Pastor is low in calories, so it is a healthy choice for any meal.

Cauliflower Al Pastor Vegan

Vegan Butternut Squash Al Pastor Tacos

When people ask me, “What is dinner or cena al pastor vegan meat,” my answer is butternut squash al pastor tacos. It’s because Butternut squash is naturally sweet and pairs perfectly with the spicy marinade.

So, if you’re looking for a satisfying dinner or “cena al pastor,” then go for this one. 

With Mushroom

Using mushrooms in Plant-based Al Pastor is an excellent choice. The reason is that mushrooms have a meaty texture and can soak up the marinade beautifully. Furthermore, they become tender and flavorful after you cook them. My top picks are portobello and shiitake.

With Tofu

Tofu is a blessing for vegans. Luckily, you can also use it to make plant-based Al Pastor. I highly recommend it because you can cook it in many ways. You can follow any recipe and tofu will absorb the marinade well every time.

3 Best Recipes For Vegan Al Pastor To Try At Home

The best recipes you should follow when you’re cooking veggie Al Pastor are:

  • Pineapple-Tofu
  • Salad
  • Jackfruit Tacos

For each, you should make a marinade of spices and ensure you cook well so that you enjoy the taste.

Recipe #01: Vegan Al Pastor Tofu Recipe

I call Pineapple Tofu the authentic al pastor vegan recipe. It’s full of protein and tastes the same as meat. Here’s how to make vegan al pastor:

Recipe 01 Vegan Al Pastor Tofu Recipe

In step one, you will gather these ingredients:

IngredientQuantity
Firm tofu, pressed and cubed1 block
Pineapple juice1 cup
Apple cider vinegar2 tablespoons
Soy sauce2 tablespoons
Olive oil1 tablespoon
Garlic, minced2 cloves
Smoked paprika1 teaspoon
Ground cumin1 teaspoon
Chili powder1 teaspoon
Dried oregano1 teaspoon
Salt1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper1/2 teaspoon
Pineapple chunks (small can)1 can

Sep Two is all about marinating the Tofu.

  • In a bowl, mix the pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper (I know, lots of things).
  • Then, add the tofu cubes. After this, carefully put the pineapple chunks into the bowl. Here, you should ensure everything gets well-coated with the marinade.
  • Next, cover and refrigerate for at least one hour.

Step three is about cooking.

  • Add the marinated cubes and chunks to the heated skillet.
  • Cook for about 13 to 15 minutes. Here, I also suggest stirring occasionally (until the tofu is golden brown and slightly crispy).

Then, you can finally serve the veggie Al Pastor Tofu in warm tortillas. You can also top it with fresh cilantro, diced onions, cauliflower, and any other topping you like.

Recipe #02: Vegan Al Pastor Salad

This veggie Al Pastor Salad is a fresh and flavorful option. Chefs have written that it’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner. To make it, make sure you have these ingredients:

Recipe 02 Vegan Al Pastor Salad
IngredientQuantity
Jackfruit, drained and shredded1 can
Pineapple juice1 cup
Apple cider vinegar2 tablespoons
Soy sauce2 tablespoons
Olive oil1 tablespoon
Garlic, minced2 cloves
Smoked paprika1 teaspoon
Ground cumin1 teaspoon
Chili powder1 teaspoon
Dried oregano1 teaspoon
Salt and pepperTo taste
Cherry tomatoes, halved1 cup
Red onion, thinly sliced1/2
Avocado, sliced1
Fresh cilantroFor garnish
Lime wedgesFor serving

The next step is marinating the Jackfruit.

  • In a bowl, combine pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  • Next, add the shredded jackfruit to the bowl and mix well to coat.
  • Refrigerate the jackfruit for a couple of hours.

Then, take out the marinated jackfruit from the fridge and cook it.

  • Carefully put the marinated jackfruit to the heated skillet.
  • Cook for about 14 to 15 minutes (until the jackfruit is tender).

Now, add the mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and avocado in a bowl. On top of it, put the cooked jackfruit. If you want, garnish the salad with fresh cilantro. It will taste like the vegan Al Pastor salad in the Food Court or Costco. In fact, you will get the same nutrients as the Costco Vegan Al Pastor Salad Nutrition.

Many people ask, “Is Costco Al Pastor Salad Vegan?” Yes, the Costco Al Pastor Salad is vegan. It’s made with plant-based ingredients that provide all the delicious flavors of traditional Al Pastor without any animal products. Wondering, “Is Costco al pastor salad dressing vegan?” Here, I suggest checking the ingredients. 

Now, onto the third recipe.

Recipe #03: Vegan Al Pastor Tacos

If you’re ever in tacos al pastor Las Vegas, you will know that vegan tacos are super delicious. Almost every chef loves them whenever they cook it. 

Recipe 03 Vegan Al Pastor Tacos

Just for you, I’m now sharing cocina vegan facil tacos al pastor (an easy vegan al pastor tacos recipe).

As usual, you will collect the ingredients first.

IngredientQuantity
Jackfruit, drained and shredded1 can
Pineapple juice1 cup
Apple cider vinegar2 tablespoons
Soy sauce2 tablespoons
Olive oil1 tablespoon
Garlic, minced2 cloves
Smoked paprika1 teaspoon
Ground cumin1 teaspoon
Chili powder1 teaspoon
Dried oregano1 teaspoon
Salt and pepperTo taste
Corn tortillasFew
Pineapple chunks1 cup
Red onion, finely chopped1/2
Fresh cilantro, choppedHalf a cup
Lime wedgesFor serving

The second step in cooking Al Pastor will always be marination. First, add pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix properly then.

After mixing, add the shredded jackfruit and coat it well. You can then refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

In the third step, cook the Jackfruit on a heater skillet for 15 minutes. If you like pineapples, you can add some chunks and cook for another 5 minutes.

Now, you can finally assemble the Tacos and serve them.

  • Fill the corn tortillas with the cooked jackfruit and pineapple mixture.
  • Add toppings, like chopped red onion and fresh cilantro.
  • Serve with lime wedges.

Ever wondered, “How Many Calories are in Vegan Tacos Al Pastor? Well, it generally contains about 200 calories per taco. Let’s now look at calories in every popular plant-based Al Pastor.

What Are the Calories in Plant-based Al Pastor?

The calories in plant-based Al Pastor can vary, as based on the ingredients used. A typical serving contains around 150-200 calories. The calorie number will go up when you add lots of veggies or meatless products.

Here is a table about the estimated calories for popular home-cooked veggie Al Pastor variations:

Plant-based Al PastorCalories (per serving)
Tofu Al Pastor250-300 calories
Jackfruit Al Pastor200-250 calories
Tempeh Al Pastor300-350 calories
Mushroom Al Pastor150-200 calories
Seitan Al Pastor250-300 calories

Vegan Al Pastor vs Traditional Al Pastor: A Comparison

Veggie Al Pastor uses plant-based ingredients like jackfruit or tofu, while traditional Al Pastor is made with marinated pork. Both versions share a similar flavor profile, but the nutritional content is different. Here’s a table:

Nutritional FactorVeggie Al PastorTraditional Al Pastor
Calorie Count150-200 per serving250-300 per serving
Protein6-10 grams (tofu/jackfruit)20-25 grams (pork)
Fats5-10 grams15-20 grams
Carbohydrates20-30 grams10-15 grams
Fiber3-5 grams0-1 grams
Cholesterol0 mg50-70 mg
Vitamins & MineralsHigher in vitamins A, CHigher in iron and zinc

FAQs

No, Costco’s Al Pastor Salad Dressing is not vegan as it contains dairy products. For a vegan alternative, you should make your own dressing at home. You can use avocado, lime, and spices for this.

Traditional Al Pastor is made from marinated pork or chicken. The marinade is made from spices and pineapple. Note that the meat is cooked on a vertical spit, but people nowadays are using a grill or a pan.

“Al Pastor” translates to “shepherd style” in English. This term refers to the dish’s origins with Lebanese shepherds who introduced the cooking method to Mexico.

Al Pastor can be made from goat meat, however it’s a lot less common. People use pork in most cases. Chicken is the second option while veggie Al Pastor is also getting popular these days.

Final Thoughts

Vegan Al Pastor is a delicious and healthy alternative to the traditional dish. Here’s why you should try it:

  • It is extremely delicious and tastes just like the traditional one.
  • You can make vegan tacos, salad, or any dish you want with it.
  • The veggie version is lower in calories and fats, which is why it’s good for health.
  • You can use versatile ingredients like jackfruit, tofu, or cauliflower.

So, switch to the vegan dish and enjoy its taste!

Vegan Al Pastor

 Vegan Al Pastor is now the favorite dish of health-conscious people
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword Vegan Al Pastor
Prep Time 12 minutes
Cook Time 19 minutes
Total Time 1 day 23 minutes
Servings 3
Calories 300kcal

Ingredients

  • 1- " Vegan Al Pastor Tofu Recipe "
  • Firm tofu pressed and cubed
  • Pineapple juice
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Soy sauce
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic minced
  • Smoked paprika
  • Ground cumin
  • Chili powder
  • Dried oregano
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Pineapple chunks small can
  • 2- " Vegan Al Pastor Salad "
  • Jackfruit drained and shredded
  • Pineapple juice
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Soy sauce
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic minced
  • Smoked paprika
  • Ground cumin
  • Chili powder
  • Dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper
  • Cherry tomatoes halved
  • Red onion thinly sliced
  • Avocado sliced
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges
  • 3- " Vegan Al Pastor Tacos "
  • Jackfruit drained and shredded
  • Pineapple juice
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Soy sauce
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic minced
  • Smoked paprika
  • Ground cumin
  • Chili powder
  • Dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper
  • Corn tortillas
  • Pineapple chunks
  • Red onion finely chopped
  • Fresh cilantro chopped
  • Lime wedges

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