Tacos al Pastor with an Arab Twist

Ingredients

While Tacos al Pastor traditionally use pork as the main protein, our Arab-inspired adaptation replaces it with tender marinated chicken or lamb. The spices are also adjusted to incorporate Middle Eastern flavors, such as cumin, coriander, and sumac. Additionally, the traditional corn tortillas are substituted with soft pita bread, providing a delightful twist to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Tacos al pastor, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless chicken or lamb, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) boneless chicken or lamb, thinly sliced
• 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon sumac 1 tablespoon sumac
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 4-6 pita breads 4-6 pita breads
• Toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced cucumbers, tahini sauce, and pickled turnips Toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced cucumbers, tahini sauce, and pickled turnips

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 12g (4g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 25g (3g sugars)
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the chopped onion, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, cumin, coriander, sumac, paprika, turmeric, salt, black pepper, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. 2.
   Add the sliced chicken or lamb to the marinade and mix well to ensure all pieces are coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill or a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Cook the marinated meat for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
5. 5.
   Warm the pita breads on the grill or in a toaster.
6. 6.
   Slice the cooked meat into thin strips.
7. 7.
   Assemble the Shawarma Tacos by placing a generous amount of the sliced meat onto each warmed pita bread. Top with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced cucumbers, tahini sauce, and pickled turnips.
8. 8.
   Serve immediately and enjoy the fusion of flavors!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken or lamb — For the most tender and flavorful meat, marinate it overnight. If using chicken, boneless thighs work best as they remain juicy during cooking.
• Sumac — This tangy spice adds a unique flavor to the dish. If you can't find sumac, you can substitute it with a combination of lemon zest and a pinch of salt.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve a smoky flavor, you can grill the marinated meat on skewers instead of using a skillet.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the marinade.
• For added freshness, garnish the Shawarma Tacos with chopped parsley or mint leaves.
• Experiment with different toppings such as sliced radishes, chopped onions, or a drizzle of garlic sauce.
• Leftover meat can be used in salads, wraps, or sandwiches for a delicious next-day meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Shawarma Tacos with a side of hummus, tabbouleh salad, or a refreshing cucumber and yogurt dip. Accompany the meal with a bowl of olives and pickles for a complete Arab-inspired feast.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Shawarma Tacos on a platter, allowing the vibrant colors of the toppings to shine through. Garnish with a sprinkle of sumac or a drizzle of tahini sauce for an elegant touch.