If you are a fan of Mexican food, you may have tried Carne Al Pastor, a delicious pork dish that's full of flavor. At 200 calories per 4 oz (112 g) serving, it's a satisfying and filling meal that's perfect for lunch or dinner.

Carne Al Pastor is typically made with marinated pork that's sliced thinly and cooked on a spit, similar to shawarma or gyro. The marinade includes a blend of spices like achiote, oregano, and cumin, as well as pineapple juice for a touch of sweetness. The result is a tender and juicy meat that's bursting with flavor.

In this article, we'll explore the nutritional content and health benefits of Carne Al Pastor, as well as some tips for serving and making it at home.

Calories in 4 oz (112 g) Carne Al Pastor

One serving of 4 oz (112 g) Carne Al Pastor contains approximately 200 calories. This may vary depending on the cooking method, marinade, and serving size. If you are watching your calorie intake, you can pair Carne Al Pastor with some healthy sides, like a salad or roasted vegetables.

Fat Content in 4 oz (112 g) Carne Al Pastor

One serving of 4 oz (112 g) Carne Al Pastor contains approximately 12 grams of fat. Most of the fat comes from the pork meat, but the marinade may also contain some oil. To reduce the fat content, you can trim some of the visible fat from the meat before cooking, or opt for chicken or beef instead of pork. You can also use a leaner marinade that's lower in oil or skip the oil altogether.

Protein Content in 4 oz (112 g) Carne Al Pastor

One serving of 4 oz (112 g) Carne Al Pastor contains approximately 19 grams of protein. This is a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue. You can boost the protein content of your meal even more by adding some beans or lentils to your side dishes.

Carbohydrate Content in 4 oz (112 g) Carne Al Pastor

One serving of 4 oz (112 g) Carne Al Pastor contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates. This is a low-carb meal that's suitable for a ketogenic or Atkins-style diet. If you prefer to have some carbs in your meal, you can pair Carne Al Pastor with some rice or tortillas.

Sodium Content in 4 oz (112 g) Carne Al Pastor

One serving of 4 oz (112 g) Carne Al Pastor contains approximately 360 milligrams of sodium. This is a moderate amount, but you should be mindful of your sodium intake if you have high blood pressure or other health conditions. To reduce the sodium content, you can use a low-sodium marinade or skip the salt altogether. You can also pair Carne Al Pastor with some fresh vegetables or a fruit salad to balance out the saltiness.

Cholesterol Content in 4 oz (112 g) Carne Al Pastor

One serving of 4 oz (112 g) Carne Al Pastor contains approximately 55 milligrams of cholesterol. This is a moderate amount, but you should be mindful of your cholesterol intake if you have high cholesterol or other health conditions. To reduce the cholesterol content, you can use chicken or beef instead of pork, as they are typically lower in cholesterol. You can also pair Carne Al Pastor with some fiber-rich foods, like beans or vegetables, to help lower your cholesterol levels.

Ways to Serve 4 oz (112 g) Carne Al Pastor

Carne Al Pastor is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas:

• As tacos, with some tortillas, chopped onions, cilantro, and lime wedges.
• As a salad, with some lettuce, tomatoes, avocados, and a dressing of your choice.
• As a sandwich, with some crusty bread, mayonnaise, mustard, and veggies.
• As a bowl, with some rice, beans, corn, salsa, and sour cream.

Health Benefits of 4 oz (112 g) Carne Al Pastor

Carne Al Pastor has some health benefits, including:

• Protein: As mentioned earlier, Carne Al Pastor is a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue.
• Vitamin C: The marinade for Carne Al Pastor typically contains pineapple juice, which is a good source of vitamin C. This vitamin is important for immune system function and skin health.
• Iron: Pork is a good source of iron, which is essential for carrying oxygen in the blood.

How to Make 4 oz (112 g) Carne Al Pastor

Making Carne Al Pastor at home is easier than you might think. Here's a basic recipe:

1. Blend together 3 cloves of garlic, 1 tsp of ground cumin, 1 tsp of dried oregano, 1/2 tsp of ground allspice, 1 tbsp of achiote powder, 1/2 cup of pineapple juice, 1/4 cup of orange juice, 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup of vegetable oil to make the marinade.
2. Cut 2 lbs of pork shoulder into thin slices, about 1/4 inch thick.
3. Marinate the pork slices in the marinade for at least 4 hours, up to 12 hours.
4. Thread the pork onto skewers and cook on a grill or in the oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. Serve with some fresh vegetables, tortillas, and toppings of your choice.

What is Carne Al Pastor?

Carne Al Pastor is a popular Mexican dish that originated in the state of Puebla. It was inspired by the shawarma and gyro dishes from the Middle East, which were introduced to Mexico by Lebanese immigrants in the 1900s. The dish is made with marinated pork that's cooked on a spit and sliced thinly. The marinade includes a blend of spices that gives the meat its distinctive flavor and color, as well as some pineapple juice for sweetness.