Putian-style Gringas

Ingredients

In the original Mexican Gringas, the meat is typically marinated with Mexican spices and flavors such as cumin, chili powder, and lime juice. However, in this Putian adaptation, the marinade incorporates Putian flavors like soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and Chinese five-spice powder. Additionally, the traditional Mexican tortillas are lightly toasted instead of being grilled, and the cheese used is typically a mild, meltable cheese commonly found in Putian cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Gringas, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) pork or chicken, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) pork or chicken, thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons soy sauce 4 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons ginger, grated 2 tablespoons ginger, grated
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 4 large flour tortillas 4 large flour tortillas
• 200g (7 oz) mild meltable cheese, shredded 200g (7 oz) mild meltable cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, and Chinese five-spice powder. Add the sliced pork or chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Cook the marinated meat until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. 3.
   Meanwhile, lightly toast the flour tortillas in a separate skillet or on a griddle until warm and pliable.
4. 4.
   Place a tortilla on a clean surface and sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese on one half of the tortilla. Top with a portion of the cooked meat.
5. 5.
   Fold the tortilla in half, pressing gently to seal the filling inside.
6. 6.
   Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas, cheese, and meat.
7. 7.
   Return the filled tortillas to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden brown.
8. 8.
   Remove from heat and let cool for a minute before cutting each gringa into halves or quarters.
9. 9.
   Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork or chicken — For best results, choose lean cuts of meat and slice them thinly for quicker cooking and better flavor absorption.
• Chinese five-spice powder — If you can't find Chinese five-spice powder, you can make your own by combining equal parts ground cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, star anise, and Szechuan peppercorns.

Tips & Tricks

• To add a refreshing twist, serve the Putian-style Gringas with a side of pickled vegetables or a tangy salsa.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack, for a unique flavor profile.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of chili oil or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with marinated tofu or grilled vegetables.
• If you don't have access to flour tortillas, you can use corn tortillas as a substitute.

Serving advice

Serve the Putian-style Gringas hot, either as a main course or as a delicious appetizer. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Putian-style Gringas on a platter, showcasing their golden-brown color and the melted cheese oozing out. Serve them alongside a vibrant salad or colorful side dishes to create an appealing and appetizing presentation.