Tacos al pastor with a Taiwanese twist

Ingredients

While the original Tacos al pastor features marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, our Taiwanese adaptation incorporates Taiwanese flavors and ingredients. We substitute the traditional pork with tender marinated chicken, infusing it with aromatic spices and a touch of Taiwanese sweetness. The result is a harmonious blend of Mexican and Taiwanese culinary traditions. We alse have the original recipe for Tacos al pastor, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless chicken thighs, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) boneless chicken thighs, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons pineapple juice 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 8 small tortillas 8 small tortillas
• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
• 1/2 cup diced red onion 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges, for serving Lime wedges, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 2g)
• Carbohydrates: 35g (Sugars: 10g)
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, five-spice powder, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to create a marinade.
2. 2.
   Add the sliced chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.
4. 4.
   Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
5. 5.
   Assemble the tacos by placing a generous amount of the cooked chicken on each tortilla. Top with fresh pineapple chunks, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro.
6. 6.
   Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the filling.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken thighs — For extra tenderness, you can marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
• Pineapple chunks — Use fresh pineapple for the best flavor, but canned pineapple chunks can be used as a substitute.
• Tortillas — Warm the tortillas before assembling the tacos to enhance their texture and flavor.
• Red onion — For a milder flavor, soak the diced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes before using.
• Lime wedges — Squeezing fresh lime juice over the tacos adds a refreshing tanginess.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve a smoky flavor, you can grill the marinated chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet.
• Experiment with different toppings such as pickled radishes, shredded cabbage, or crushed peanuts for added texture and flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños to the tacos.
• Serve the tacos with a side of Taiwanese-style pickled vegetables for a traditional Taiwanese accompaniment.
• If you can't find small tortillas, you can use larger ones and fold them in half to create a pocket for the filling.

Serving advice

Serve the Taiwanese-inspired Tacos al pastor with a side of steamed rice or a refreshing green salad. Garnish with additional cilantro and lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the tacos on a platter, allowing the vibrant colors of the chicken, pineapple, and red onion to shine through. Sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top for a fresh and appetizing touch.