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Adobada vs. Al Pastor: How They’re Different

Published: October 6, 2023 by Jenna Jury | Leave a comment

When visiting Mexico, there are many delicious types of traditional Mexican cuisine to try. You will want to try Chilaquilies, a breakfast dish, or tostadas. Traditional dishes also include Enmolado, Carne Asada Tortas, and Chiles en Nogada. There are plenty of flavorful and exceptional dishes to try! Among those dishes are Adobada and Al Pastor. If you are a novice, you may wonder what the difference between Adobada and Al pastor is.

Both dishes are traditional Mexican cuisine, combining flavors and meat to delight taste buds. You will walk away feeling satisfied after eating either one of these meals. While they are similar, a couple of differences make each one unique in their own right. Let's explore these differences in more depth below.

What is Adobada?

Adobada is a traditional Mexican dish that draws on the flavors of the meat and marinades to produce a mouthwatering meal. Usually, pork shoulder is in Adobada because it contains high amounts of fat. However, any meat can be in this dish. The pork shoulder is prevalent in this dish because the fat holds onto the marinade and spices, delivering juicy and tender meat when it's all said and done.

To make Adobada, the meat marinates for several hours. It will then cook slowly and either be shredded or cut into chunks before being added to the dish.

Carne Adobada or hearty Red Chile and Pork Stew in a clay bowl with spoon on an old wooden table with lime slices and dried chile, mexican cuisine, horizontal view from above, close-up, flat lay — Adobada typically consists of pork shoulder. However, many different meats will work. The meat marinates in rich seasoning and then cooks, producing tender and juicy meat.
©from my point of view/Shutterstock.com

What is Al Pastor?

Al Pastor is similar to Adobada because it uses rich and flavorful meat. However, it does have some differences. The origin of Al Pastor goes back to Lebanese immigrants who were shepherds. They used the rich ingredients and the traditional method of cooking shawarma to make this dish.

Al pastor is a slow-cooking dish that uses a spit to cook. Although there are many ways to make an al pastor, the variations differ slightly. The primary method of cooking remains relatively the same. The meat and other ingredients go onto the spit and cook slowly. The ingredient that sets this dish apart is the pineapple. It adds plenty of sweet flavor and breaks down the meat in a way that makes it rich in flavor.

Taco maker in Mexico City preparing tacos al pastor. — Al Pastor also uses pork. However, what sets it apart is how the meat cooks on a spit and the ingredients that are used with it! Pineapple brings the sweetness out of the meat in a unique way.
©Apolinar Rios/Shutterstock.com

Adobada vs. Al Pastor: How They're Different

Although Adobada and Al Pastor are similar traditional Mexican dishes, they vary slightly. Adobada and Al Pastor differ in their ingredients, cooking methods, and origins.

Al Pastor uses the ingredients of pork, chipotle peppers, and pineapple. The pineapple breaks down the meat, and the peppers add a spice to the meat with a kick. Adobada uses the ingredients pork shoulder, vinegar, chilies, and a variety of different spices. The spices will depend on the specific recipe. The Adobada marinades for a long time. Doing so allows the marinade and spices to penetrate the meat and produce a juicy and tender dish.

Another difference between Al Pastor and Adobada is in the cooking methods. They are both best when using the slow cooking method. However, Adobada typically cooks on a grill, while Al Pastor uses a vertical spit, also known as a trompo. Additionally, after the meat cooks, it can go in different dishes. Adobada is usually in burritos, tortillas, and tacos. Al Pastor is great on huaraches, alambre, and tacos. Many varieties are worth trying!

One last difference between the two is in their origins. Adobada is a dish native to Northern Mexico and what is now Southwestern United States. Lebanese immigrants in Puebla, Mexico, first created Al Pastor.

Delicious Al-Pastor Recipes

Tasty Adobada Recipes

One Last Note

Traditional Mexican cuisine is rich in flavor and spices. While eating Al Pastor or Adobada, you will enjoy the intense meaty flavor and juicy marinade. The cooking methods combined with preparations will produce tender and juicy meals that are hard to beat! Both Adobada and Al Pastor are dishes you should try, and you may find your new favorite meal!