Tacos Al Pastor on the Weber Kettle + Vortex

[TripleB]

Had a family party yesterday and decided to make Tacos Al Pastor (pork). I perused recipes from the internet, from my cookbook “Arnie Tex”, my own recipe and also Troutman's Al Pastor recipe. So, I basically captured what I thought was the best from each recipe.

But the biggest search through YouTube was how to cook the Al Pastor. Many people used what I call a “vertical dish spit”, some used a horizontal rotisserie, some did it in their oven and others in different types of cooking equipment (charcoal grills, gas grill, etc.).

But I did not find anybody that made their pastor in a Weber using a Vortex. As you know, Al Pastor is generally made on a rotating, vertical spit gas broiler. As the meat rotates on the spit, all sides are roasted by the gas broiler. This allows even cooking all around, which seemed to be the major obstacle in all the YouTube videos.

The coals around the Vortex allows for even distribution of heat, which is evident when you roast a chicken. The chicken is evenly roasted with great color. So I applied the same principle with the Al Pastor on a dish spit. The Al Pastor came out evenly roasted and perfectly caramelized. The tacos were delicious. Another use for the mighty Vortex. Next to make on it is beef/lamb gyros.

Triva question: what does a Greek gyro and Hawaiian Huli-Huli chicken have in common with their name?

[TomfromtheSoo]

Very nice! I've done it on the PBC and need to get at it again. Have also done chicken gyros on the PBC.

I believe "turn" is the common with the names.

[TripleB]

Bingo. You are correct sir.

[Uncle Bob]

I love this kind of stuff, out of the box thinking that works out.

[Michael_in_TX]

That is really clever!

[JCBBQ]

Looks incredible. 👏👏👏

[Donw]

If I’m ever locked in a room with a ticking bomb I want you right next to me because you successfully MacGyver‘d the hell out of the problem. Great job. And, both gyro and huli mean to turn or rotate.

[TripleB]

You are correct on the triva question.

[Jerod Broussard]

I'm going with MacGruber

[LA Pork Butt]

I never thought to use my spike on the vortex.

[barelfly]

TACOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Great use of the vortex to stack that al pastor and cook!

[WI Bubba]

Will you marry me?

[Panhead John]

I thought you were seeing klflowers ?

[klflowers]

Hey now. One clever use of a vortex and you kick me to the curb?

[Andrrr]

Nicely done! Does that pan have the vertical skewer that screws into it or is it a separate one that you put in a normal pan?

[TripleB]

Screws into it. Kit came with 3 spikes at different lengths.

[jayjordan]

TripleB how are we going to spend more on cooking stuff if you don’t provide a link? 😀

[TripleB]

jayjordan Can't get the site to accept the link. Look up 'stainless steel vertical skewer' on Amazon.

[realdocBBQ]

Nicely done! Does that pan have the vertical skewer that screws into it or is it a separate one that you put in a normal pan?

OMG yes, I need to do this. I've been wanting a Vortex for a couple years and just never have bought one. I'm going to order it NOW.

[Andrrr]

I’ve only ever used the vortex for wings and it’s worth it for that alone. That skewer/pan has been on my Amazon list for far too long.

[Panhead John]

Andrrr Try it sometime for searing steaks and pork chops! 👍

[Andrrr]

Panhead John The vortex I have was sized for my old Weber kettle. When I got the WSCG the cooking grate sits a little closer to the charcoal grate, so it sticks out above the cook level. It works fine for wings because with the gourmet bbq grate I can remove the middle piece for clearance, but if the vortex is wide side up the whole grate will balance on the vortex. It’s probably still doable, I just haven’t tried it yet. I suppose I could use the grate from my Smokey Joe too.

[fzxdoc]

Unfrigginbelievable. Brilliant!

Kathryn

[Finster]

That’s thought leader type stuff right there
well played, sir! 👍

[Purc]

I will try this. Thanks for posting.

[jayjordan]

Wow, that’s amazing Al Pastor!