What you'll learn
Beef Selection & Preparation: How to choose between ground beef, skirt steak, or chuck roast; trimming and cutting techniques for even cooking.
Seasoning & Marinades: Crafting a balanced spice blend (chili powder, cumin, oregano) and optional citrus-based marinade for tender, flavorful beef.
Cooking Methods: Techniques for stovetop sautéing, grilling, and slow-simmering to achieve optimal texture and taste.
Tortilla Choices & Warming: Differences between corn and flour tortillas; methods to warm or lightly char tortillas on a skillet or griddle.
Salsa & Sauce Creation: Simple recipes for pico de gallo, salsa verde, and creamy sauces (e.g., crema or chipotle aioli), including ingredient ratios and seasoning adjustments.
Taco Assembly & Layering: Order of layering (meat, salsa, cheese, garnishes) to prevent sogginess; tips on portion sizing and presentation.
Garnish Variations: Ideas for fresh cilantro, diced onions, lime wedges, pickled jalapeños, and cotija cheese to enhance each bite.
Serving & Pairings: Suggestions for sides (rice, beans, elote) and beverage pairings (margaritas, aguas frescas) to complete the meal.
Gold-Leaf Tacos al Pastor
Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors and culinary traditions of …
What you'll learn
Achiote Marinade Mastery: Craft the traditional adobo marinade using achiote paste, pineapple juice, garlic, and spices.
Marination & Stacking Techniques: Properly marinate and assemble the pork “trompo” for optimal flavor infusion.
Homemade Tortillas: Mix, press, and cook fresh corn tortillas to serve as the perfect base.
Grill & Carve: Safely grill the marinated pork and learn slicing techniques for perfectly tender pieces.
Edible Gold Application: Handle and apply edible gold leaf to enhance both taste and presentation.
Plating & Garnishing: Combine classic toppings—pineapple, onion, cilantro—with gold accents for a balanced, eye-catching dish.