Tacos al Pastor - Italian Style

Ingredients

While the original Tacos al Pastor features marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, our Italian twist replaces the pork with tender slices of marinated chicken. Additionally, we incorporate Italian herbs and spices, such as oregano and rosemary, to infuse the dish with a distinct Mediterranean flair. The toppings are also modified to include Italian ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil. We alse have the original recipe for Tacos al pastor, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 small flour tortillas 8 small flour tortillas
• 1 cup (240ml) diced tomatoes 1 cup (240ml) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup (120ml) sliced sun-dried tomatoes 1/2 cup (120ml) sliced sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/4 cup (60ml) chopped fresh basil 1/4 cup (60ml) chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 cup (60ml) diced red onion 1/4 cup (60ml) diced red onion
• 1/4 cup (60ml) sliced black olives 1/4 cup (60ml) sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup (60ml) crumbled feta cheese 1/4 cup (60ml) crumbled feta cheese

Nutrition

• Calories: 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 15g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
• Carbohydrates: 25g (Sugars: 5g)
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine olive oil, white vinegar, tomato paste, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried rosemary, paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
2. 2.
   Slice the chicken thighs into thin strips and place them in the marinade. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
4. 4.
   Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or on the grill for a few seconds on each side.
5. 5.
   Assemble the tacos by placing a generous amount of the cooked chicken on each tortilla. Top with diced tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, red onion, black olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
6. 6.
   Serve the Italian-inspired Tacos al Pastor immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken thighs — For extra tenderness, you can marinate the chicken overnight. If you prefer a leaner option, you can use chicken breast instead.
• Sun-dried tomatoes — If using sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, pat them dry with a paper towel before slicing.
• Fresh basil — To preserve the vibrant green color and flavor of basil, tear the leaves just before serving.
• Feta cheese — For a creamier texture, crumble the feta cheese with a fork just before using.
• Tortillas — If you prefer a crispy texture, lightly toast the tortillas on a dry skillet before assembling the tacos.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smoky flavor, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika to the marinade.
• If you don't have a grill or grill pan, you can cook the marinated chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Customize your toppings by adding sliced avocado, chopped fresh cilantro, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade.
• To make it a complete meal, serve the Italian-style Tacos al Pastor with a side of mixed greens or a refreshing cucumber salad.

Serving advice

Serve the Italian-inspired Tacos al Pastor on a platter, allowing everyone to assemble their own tacos. Provide extra toppings and sauces, such as salsa verde or a creamy garlic sauce, for guests to personalize their flavors.

Presentation advice

Arrange the assembled tacos on a vibrant serving platter, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of paprika. The colorful toppings against the golden-brown chicken will create an enticing visual appeal.