Spicy Pork Al Pastor Quesadilla with Roasted Tomatillo Salsa Verde
Korean Sunchang is a Korean chili paste/sauce and can be purchased on Amazon. You may also use sriracha or Gochujang (Korean chile paste) in its place, but I really love the flavor the Korean Sunchang adds.
Korean Sunchang is a Korean chili paste/sauce and can be purchased on Amazon. You may also use sriracha or Gochujang (Korean chile paste) in its place, but I really love the flavor the Korean Sunchang adds.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- â½ teaspoon cumin
- 2 cloves garlic (minced or grated)
- juice from 2 limes
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 1 pounds thin-sliced pork shoulder (1/4-inch-thick slices
- 1 white onion (quartered)
- â½ teaspoon salt + pepper
- 3 tablespoons adobo sauce)
- â½ cup orange juice
- â½ cup pineapple juice
- 8 inch flour tortillas (6-)
- 2 cups shredded mexican cheese (i use a mix of cheddar a
- fresh cilantro + lime wedges (for serving)
- 6 tomatillos (skins removed)
- 2 tablespoons korean sunchang (can substitute sriracha or gochu
- â¼ cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 1-2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- â½ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- Carbohydrate 14.1559800113493 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 28.4993800573238 g
- Fiber 3.67160006564475 g
- Protein 4.37868000773461 g
- Saturated Fat 4.10105400820958 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (645g)
- Sodium 1646.2700033359 mg
- Sugar 10.4843799457045 g
- Trans Fat 1.45647000283827 g
- Calories 311 calories
Step-by-step
- In a blender or food processor, combine the onion, garlic, chili powder, oregano, cumin, chipotle chilies + adobo sauce (from the can of chipotle chilies), orange juice and pineapple. Blend until smooth.
- Add the pork to a large bowl or gallon size Ziploc bag and then pour the sauce over the pork. Toss well to coat. Try and make sure that almost all the pork is submerged in the sauce. Cover and place in the fridge for 1 hour or overnight.
- Meanwhile, prepare the tomatillo salsa. Preheat the broiler to high. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Add the peeled tomatillos and place under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, turning once or twice or until the tomatillos are mostly charred all over. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Then add the charred tomatillos and pineapple chunks to a blender or food processor.
- To the blender, add the Korean Sunchang, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce and lime juice. Blend until mostly smooth. Pour into a glass jar or serving bowl and then stir in the sesame seeds. Cover and store in the fridge until ready to serve. The sauce can be stored for at least a week in the fridge.
- Preheat the grill or a grill pan to medium high heat. Once hot, remove the pork from the marinade and grill until cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side (depending on how thick or thin your cut of pork is). As the pork is cooking, spoon the marinade over top for extra flavor. Allow the pork to rest at least 10 minutes and then dice into bite size pieces.
- While the pork is resting, you can add the remaining marinade to a small saucepan and bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer 5 minutes or until slightly thickened if desired.
- Preheat a waffle iron or quesadilla maker. Once preheated, layer one tortilla on the waffle maker and then add a layer of cheese, a layer of pork, a sprinkle of rice and then another layer of cheese. Add the top tortilla and carefully close your waffle iron. Be careful not to overload your quesadilla or your waffle iron will not shut. Cook until lightly golden and browned, about 5 minutes. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- Serve the quesadillas warms with the salsa verde and fresh cilantro.
Spicy Pork Al Pastor Quesadilla with Roasted Tomatillo Salsa Verde - A Flavor Explosion!
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and satisfying meals can sometimes feel like a Herculean task. But let me tell you, this Spicy Pork Al Pastor Quesadilla recipe has become a lifesaver, a true weeknight warrior in my kitchen arsenal. It's a vibrant fusion of flavors – smoky, sweet, spicy, and tangy all in one incredible bite. The best part? It's surprisingly easy to prepare, even with a packed schedule.
The magic lies in the perfectly balanced marinade for the pork. I absolutely adore the depth of flavor that the Korean Sunchang chili paste adds. It brings a unique heat and complexity that elevates the dish beyond your typical quesadilla. If you're not familiar with Sunchang, don't worry! Sriracha or Gochujang work wonderfully as substitutes, but I encourage you to try Sunchang – it's a game-changer. The marinade itself is a symphony of sweet pineapple juice, zesty orange juice, and fragrant spices. It's so flavorful that even leftover marinade can be transformed into a delicious sauce for the quesadillas.
The roasted tomatillo salsa verde is the perfect complement to the richness of the pork. Roasting the tomatillos brings out their natural sweetness and smoky notes, while the addition of fresh cilantro, lime juice, and sesame oil adds a vibrant freshness. The salsa is incredibly versatile; it's equally delicious with grilled fish, chicken, or even just spooned over plain rice. I often make a large batch on the weekend and store it in the refrigerator for quick weeknight meals.
The quesadillas themselves are incredibly quick to assemble and cook. I love using a waffle iron for perfectly crisp and evenly cooked tortillas, but a regular quesadilla maker or even a skillet will do just fine. The combination of tender, flavorful pork, melted cheese, and the tangy salsa verde is simply irresistible. It's the kind of meal that satisfies both the body and the soul, a perfect way to end a busy day or kick off a relaxing weekend.
This recipe isn’t just about the amazing taste; it's about the ease and efficiency of it all. I can prep the pork marinade in the morning and let it sit while I attend to other responsibilities. The salsa can be prepped ahead of time, too, making the whole cooking process a breeze. The quick grilling of the pork and the straightforward assembly of the quesadillas make this dish ideal for a mid-week treat or a delightful weekend lunch.
The ingredients are readily available, and the recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, add some extra vegetables, or even try different types of tortillas. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility – it’s a canvas for your culinary creativity. So, the next time you are looking for a simple yet extraordinary meal, don't hesitate to try this Spicy Pork Al Pastor Quesadilla recipe. You won't be disappointed.
Beyond the Quesadilla: The beauty of this recipe extends beyond the quesadilla itself. The perfectly marinated pork can be used in countless other dishes. Slice it thinly and add it to tacos, salads, or bowls. Use it as a filling for burritos or enchiladas. The possibilities are endless! And that amazing tomatillo salsa verde? It's the perfect companion to almost any Mexican-inspired dish. The versatility of this recipe truly makes it a culinary powerhouse in my kitchen.
So, ditch the takeout menus and embrace the joy of cooking with this recipe. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, a perfect meal for family gatherings, or a fantastic treat for yourself after a long day. Enjoy!
