Imagine the vibrant streets of Mexico, where the aromas of freshly made tacos fill the air. Now, picture enjoying this culinary delight while adhering to a keto diet. Tacos al Pastor, traditionally known for their rich, deep orange hue from ground achiote and tantalizing blend of flavors, can be a perfect fit for your keto lifestyle when served with a twist. Swapping traditional tortillas for sliced jicama shells allows you to indulge in this favorite street food any time—be it a casual dinner, a festive gathering, or when you simply crave something extraordinarily flavorful and low in carbs. The combination of earthy, slightly bitter achiote with spices like cumin and chili, balanced with garlic, salt, and a touch of vinegar, creates a mouthwatering dish that’s as delicious as it is colorful.
Tacos al Pastor
A keto-friendly twist on a classic, these tacos keep all the flavor without the carbs.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound thinly sliced pork shoulder
- 2 tablespoons ground achiote (annatto)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 jicama, peeled and thinly sliced into rounds
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped white onion
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the pork with ground achiote, cumin, chili powder, garlic, salt, and vinegar. Mix well and let marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork and cook until fully done and slightly charred around the edges, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- While the pork is cooking, prepare the jicama shells by slicing them thinly to resemble taco shells.
- Once the pork is cooked, slice it thinly.
- Assemble the tacos by placing the sliced pork onto the jicama shells. Garnish with cilantro and chopped white onion.
Breakdown of Ingredients and Average Carb Content
Let’s dive into the low-carb components of these Tacos al Pastor:
- Pork Shoulder: 0g carbs per serving
- Ground Achiote: Less than 1g per 2 tablespoons
- Cumin, Chili Powder, Garlic, Salt: Negligible carbs
- White Vinegar: Less than 1g per 2 tablespoons
- Jicama Shells: Approximately 5g per cup (sliced)
- Cilantro and White Onion: Less than 1g per 1/4 cup
Total carbs for the dish: Depending on portion sizes and how thinly the jicama is sliced, each taco can be expected to contain around 6-8g of carbs, making it a delightful addition to a keto diet.
A Flavorful Fiesta in Every Bite
These Tacos al Pastor redefine keto dining, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for nutrition. With their vibrant colors, dynamic flavors, and low carb count, they’re sure to be a hit whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick and satisfying meal, or simply in the mood for something that tastes like a fiesta. Dive into this recipe and let each bite transport you to the bustling streets of Mexico, all while keeping your keto goals on track!
