When you’re craving bold flavors with a touch of comfort, this Pastor Quesadilla is the answer. Inspired by the iconic tacos al pastor, this recipe wraps the smoky, marinated pork in a crispy tortilla with gooey melted cheese.
The first time I tried it, I was transported right to a bustling street market in Mexico, where the smell of sizzling meat and fresh tortillas filled the air.
What sets this quesadilla apart is the balance of flavors. The pork is marinated in a blend of pineapple juice, chilies, and spices, giving it a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and smoky. The tortillas crisp up to perfection, while the cheese adds that irresistible creaminess, tying everything together. It’s easy to make at home, yet feels like you’re indulging in something special.
This quesadilla is perfect on its own, but it pairs beautifully with Mexican Street Corn and a side of Savory Churros for dessert. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!
What is Pastor Quesadilla Recipe?
Pastor Quesadilla is a Mexican dish made by filling a tortilla with seasoned pork (al pastor), cheese, and sometimes pineapple. The tortilla is folded and cooked on a griddle until the cheese melts and the outside is crispy. It’s a delicious, savoury-sweet combination, often served with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.
Pastor Quesadilla Recipe
Ingredients
For the Quesadilla:
- 8 Large flour tortillas
- 3 ⅓ cups Shredded cheese try Oaxaca, Monterey Jack, or Chihuahua cheese
For the Al Pastor Meat:
- 2 pounds Pork shoulder cut into small cubes
- 3 Guajillo chilies
- 1 Ancho chile or substitute with 1 chipotle in adobo
- 1 Pasilla chile or substitute with 1 chipotle in adobo
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1 ½ tsp Oregano
- ½ tsp Cumin seeds
- ½ tsp Black peppercorns
- 1 Bay leaf
- ½ cup Pineapple juice
- 1 cup fresh Pineapple diced
- 1 Large onion sliced
- 3 tbsp Olive oil plus more for cooking the quesadillas
Instructions
Make the Al Pastor Meat
- Prepare the Chilies: Start by cleaning the chilies. Use a damp kitchen towel to wipe them down, then remove the stems and seeds. Place the cleaned chilies in a large bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for about 10 minutes.
- Blend the Sauce: After soaking, drain the chilies and put them in a blender. Add the garlic, oregano, cumin seeds, black peppercorns, bay leaf, and the pineapple juice. Pour in ½ cup of water and blend everything until you have a smooth sauce.
- Marinate the Pork: Place the cubed pork in a bowl and pour the sauce over it. Mix well to coat all the meat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you have time. This step makes the flavors pop!
- Cook the Meat: In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork and cook it for about 5 minutes. Then, toss in the sliced onion and continue to cook, stirring constantly, for about 15 minutes or until the pork is cooked through and tender.
- Add Pineapple: Stir in the diced pineapple and cook for another 30 seconds. Once done, turn off the heat and set the mixture aside.
Make the Quesadillas
- Heat Your Skillet: Grab a skillet or griddle and heat it over medium heat. Lightly brush it with a bit of oil.
- Assemble the Quesadilla: Place one tortilla in the heated skillet. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese evenly over the tortilla. Next, spoon some of the cooked al pastor pork on top of the cheese and add a little more cheese on top.
- Top with Another Tortilla: Place another tortilla on top, pressing down gently to create a quesadilla.
- Cook Until Golden: Cook the quesadilla for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla turns golden brown and the cheese melts perfectly.
- Repeat: Continue this process with the remaining tortillas and filling until you’ve made all your quesadillas.
- Slice and Serve: Once all the quesadillas are cooked, remove them from the skillet. Slice them into wedges or halves and serve them warm.
Notes
- Whole Wheat Tortillas: Use whole wheat tortillas to increase fiber content.
- Low-Fat Cheese: Opt for low-fat cheese to reduce saturated fat.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate more veggies like bell peppers or spinach to enhance nutrients and fiber.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 453 kcal |
| Protein | 26g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Carbohydrates | 43g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 76mg |