Carne Asada vs. Al Pastor: Choosing the Best Meats for Your Event

You've booked the caterer, set the date, and sent the invites. Now comes the fun part: choosing the menu. Most taco catering packages allow you to select two or three proteins for your event.

But if you're feeding 75 people with different tastes, which meats should you choose to ensure everyone leaves happy? Here is the definitive guide to building the perfect taco menu.

The Undisputed King: Carne Asada

If you are hosting an event in San Diego, Carne Asada is mandatory. It is the quintessential Southern California taco meat.

A good carne asada is made from thinly sliced skirt or flank steak, marinated in citrus, garlic, and spices, and seared hard on a hot flat-top grill to get those crispy, caramelized edges. It pairs perfectly with a spicy salsa roja and a scoop of fresh guacamole.

Verdict: Never throw a taco party without it.

The Crowd Pleaser: Pollo Adobado (Chicken)

You always need a chicken option. There will always be guests who don't eat red meat, and chicken is the safe, universally loved alternative.

But "safe" doesn't mean boring. Instead of plain grilled chicken, look for Pollo Adobado—chicken marinated in a rich, red adobo sauce made from dried chilies, vinegar, and spices. It's flavorful, tender, and not overly spicy.

Verdict: The essential secondary protein.

The Flavor Bomb: Carnitas or Al Pastor

For your third meat, you want something with deep, complex flavor. This usually comes down to a choice between two pork classics:

• Carnitas: Pork shoulder that is slow-braised in its own fat until it falls apart, then crisped up on the grill. It's rich, savory, and melts in your mouth.
• Al Pastor: Pork marinated in chilies and pineapple, traditionally cooked on a vertical spit (trompo). It offers an incredible balance of sweet, savory, and spicy.

Verdict: Pick one of these to elevate your menu from "good" to "authentic."

The Wildcard: Cochinita Pibil

If you want to impress the foodies at your party, ask your caterer if they offer Cochinita Pibil. This is a traditional Mayan dish from the Yucatan Peninsula. Pork is marinated in highly acidic citrus juice and achiote seed (which gives it a vibrant orange color), wrapped in banana leaves, and slow-roasted.

It is traditionally served with pickled red onions and fiery habanero salsa. It is unique, incredibly flavorful, and a great conversation starter.

Don't Forget the Vegans

Always account for your vegetarian and vegan guests. A good caterer will offer a dedicated veggie option—usually a mix of grilled bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and sometimes mushrooms or soy chorizo.

Combined with rice, whole beans (ensure they aren't cooked in lard!), and guacamole, your plant-based guests will have a massive, satisfying meal.

The Perfect 3-Meat Menu

If you are booking the "Premium" package at Chacho's Tacos (which includes 3 proteins), our most popular and successful combination is:

1. Carne Asada
2. Pollo Adobado
3. Carnitas

Add in the included rice, beans, and full toppings bar, and you have a menu that will satisfy literally every guest at your event.