Bite Of Minnesota: Al Pastor Taco Bowls

Are you ready to spice up your grilling routine? Tired of burgers, hot dogs and brats? Let me suggest a fun and flavorful alternative from the Mexican market: marinated carne asada or carne al pastor.

My brother-in-law is from Ecuador so he's often introducing me to new ingredients. Over the Fourth of July holiday, he grilled up some carne asada from a Mexican grocery store in St. Paul. While it was originally intended to be served with tortillas, most of the meat didn't make it to our plates. Instead, we took turns grabbing the freshly grilled meat and eating it with our hands, juices dripping down our arms and all.

In an effort to copy his successful meal, I ran over to Marissa's Supermarket and Bakery on Eat Street in Minneapolis in search of carne asada for an upcoming camping trip. Instead I found carne al pastor, or BBQ pork, at the meat counter. It is sold pre-marinated, so all we had to do was set up the tripod grill over coals and start cooking. (Don't forget the tongs!)

I set up a taco assembly station of corn tortillas, salsa, beans, cotija cheese, cilantro, lime wedges and sliced avocado for easy eats. Since everything was already prepped, it also made for quick leftovers in the form of taco bowls -- no tortillas necessary!

Interested in trying something new in your grilling routine? Here are a couple places to stock up on taco supplies. Do you have any others to add to the list?

Marissa's Supermarket & Bakery
2750 Nicollet Avenue S.
Minneapolis, MN

El Burrito Mercado (2 locations)
920 E. Lake Street
Minneapolis, MN

175 Cesar Chavez St.
St. Paul, MN