Tacos al Pastor with a Mediterranean Twist

Ingredients

While the original Tacos al Pastor recipe features marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, our Mediterranean adaptation replaces the pork with tender marinated chicken. Additionally, we incorporate Mediterranean spices such as oregano, cumin, and paprika to infuse the dish with a unique flavor profile. The traditional corn tortillas are substituted with soft pita bread, providing a perfect vessel for the Mediterranean-inspired filling. We alse have the original recipe for Tacos al pastor, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 pita breads 4 pita breads
• 1 cup diced tomatoes 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup diced red onions 1/2 cup diced red onions
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• Tzatziki sauce, for serving Tzatziki sauce, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 3g)
• Carbohydrates: 25g (Sugars: 3g)
• Protein: 26g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Add the sliced chicken thighs to the marinade and toss until 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.
4. 4.
   Remove the chicken from the marinade and thread onto skewers. Grill the chicken skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and slightly charred.
5. 5.
   Warm the pita breads on the grill for a minute on each side.
6. 6.
   To assemble the tacos, place a few slices of grilled chicken on each pita bread. Top with diced tomatoes, red onions, parsley, mint, and crumbled feta cheese.
7. 7.
   Drizzle with tzatziki sauce and fold the pita breads in half to form tacos.
8. 8.
   Serve immediately and enjoy the Mediterranean flavors of these delicious Tacos al Pastor.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken thighs — For the most tender and flavorful results, thinly slice the chicken thighs against the grain.
• Tzatziki sauce — If you prefer a thicker consistency, strain the yogurt before making the sauce to remove excess liquid.
• Pita bread — To make the pita breads more pliable, lightly brush them with olive oil before warming them on the grill.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smoky flavor, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika to the marinade.
• If you don't have a grill, you can cook the chicken skewers in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes.
• Customize your toppings by adding sliced cucumbers, olives, or roasted red peppers to your tacos.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle some chili flakes or drizzle hot sauce over the assembled tacos.
• Leftover grilled chicken can be used in salads, wraps, or sandwiches for a quick and flavorful meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Mediterranean-inspired Tacos al Pastor with a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping and a fresh green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. Garnish with additional fresh herbs for a vibrant presentation.

Presentation advice

Arrange the assembled tacos on a platter, garnishing with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and mint. Serve with a wedge of lemon for squeezing over the tacos, adding a pop of citrus flavor.