al pastor
/al pastoɾ/from spelling rules
al pastor is the Spanish phrase for a style of marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, commonly used in tacos.
This phrase is most commonly used as a modifier for tacos to specify the preparation method, resulting in the term tacos al pastor.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase al pastor literally means in the style of the shepherd or shepherd-style.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain regions of Mexico and parts of the United States, such as California, al pastor is referred to as adobada.
How do you pronounce it?
/al pastoɾ/
When do people say it?
The al pastor style is a Mexican adaptation of Middle Eastern shawarma, which was influenced by Lebanese immigrants.
Did you know?
- A taquero usually slices the meat for tacos al pastor using a rhythmic, flicking motion of the wrist. This skill allows them to launch the pineapple slice from the top of the spit directly into the taco shell.
- The word pastor is a linguistic relative of the English word 'pastor'. Both derive from the Latin 'pāstor', which originally described someone who feeds animals before it became a religious title.
- In Mexico, tacos al pastor are almost always served with a thin slice of pineapple on top. The fruit contains an enzyme that helps break down the proteins in the pork, making the meat more tender.
Examples in context
- Me gustaría pedir un plato de al pastor, por favor.I would like to order a plate of al pastor, please.
- ¿Dónde puedo conseguir el mejor al pastor de la ciudad?Where can I get the best al pastor in town?
- Quiero tres tacos al pastor, por favor.I want three al pastor tacos, please.
- El trompo de carne al pastor se ve delicioso.The al pastor meat spit looks delicious.
- No me gusta el taco al pastor con mucha piña.I don't like the al pastor taco with a lot of pineapple.
Example conversation
María and Javier are deciding what to eat for dinner at a street food stall.
- María¿Vas a pedir tacos al pastor, Javier?Are you going to order al pastor tacos, Javier?
- JavierSí, me encantan los tacos al pastor.Yes, I love al pastor tacos.
- MaríaEntonces yo pediré unos de suadero.Then I will order some suadero ones.
- JavierPerfecto, vamos a pedir a la señora.Perfect, let's call the lady over.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pastor, CC BY-SA 4.0.
