Duck Al Pastor Tacos

Finalist 2015 Chef Recipe Contest, Sr. Corporate Chef Eric Stein, Newly Weds Foods, Chicago, IL

Ingredients

  • 2 tsp Vegetable Oil
  • 2 tsp Garlic, minced
  • 2 Tbsp Ancho Chile Powder
  • 2 Tbsp New Mexico Chile Powder
  • 1 tsp Dried Mexican Oregano
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1 tsp Ground Coriander
  • 2 Tbsp Achiote Paste, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup Chicken Stock
  • 1 Tbsp Adobo Sauce from canned Chipotle Peppers
  • 1/4 cup White Vinegar
  • 1/2 cup Pineapple Juice
  • 1 Tbsp Kosher Salt
  • 2 tsp Granulated Sugar
  • 1/2 Pineapple, skin removed, cut into 1/4 inch slices

To Finish and Serve:

  • 24 Corn Tortillas, heated
  • 2 cups Pineapple, cut into small pieces
  • 1 cup Spanish Onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup Cilantro, coarsely chopped
  • 4 Limes, cut into wedges

Direction

  • Heat oven to 300 degrees F.
  • Heat oil in a medium skillet over low heat. Add garlic, chile powders, oregano, cumin, coriander and achiote paste. Cook over low heat about 3-4 minutes or until fragrant. Add chicken stock and bring to boil.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the adobo sauce, vinegar, pineapple juice, salt and sugar. Whisk mixture until the salt and sugar dissolve.
  • Place mixture into a large bowl and refrigerate until completely cool.
  • Add duck legs into the marinade and mix well.
  • Layer duck legs, skin side down, in an 8-inch cast iron skillet. *You should have 3 layers.
  • Top duck meat with a single layer of sliced pineapple and press firmly into the meat. Wrap the pan tightly with aluminum foil and place in the oven. Roast duck legs for 90 minutes.
  • Remove the pan from the oven and refrigerate overnight to allow the meat to cool completely.
  • Remove the duck from the skillet in one large piece. Slice meat very thinly to create fine shavings of meat and fat.
  • Heat cast iron skillet over high heat. Cooking in batches, pan fry the shaved duck meat, stirring occasionally, until meat crisps and deeply browns in spots. Transfer meat to a warmed serving bowl.

To Finish and Serve:

  • Serve duck al pastor with heated tortillas, pineapple, onions, cilantro and lime wedges for guests to build their own tacos.