Tacos al pastor

Ingredients

While the original Tacos al pastor features marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, our Turkish adaptation replaces the pork with tender lamb or chicken. We also infuse the marinade with Turkish spices and herbs, adding a unique twist to the dish. Additionally, we incorporate traditional Turkish flatbread instead of corn tortillas, and serve it with a variety of Middle Eastern-inspired toppings. We alse have the original recipe for Tacos al pastor, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless lamb or chicken, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) boneless lamb or chicken, 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 tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Turkish flatbread or lavash, for serving Turkish flatbread or lavash, for serving
• Toppings: sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, parsley, yogurt, and sumac Toppings: sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, parsley, yogurt, and sumac

Nutrition

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

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the chopped onion, minced garlic, olive oil, tomato paste, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, oregano, cinnamon, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. 2.
   Add the sliced lamb or chicken to the marinade and mix well to ensure all the meat is coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. 3.
   Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Thread the marinated meat onto skewers and grill for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and slightly charred.
5. 5.
   Remove the meat from the skewers and transfer to a serving plate.
6. 6.
   Warm the Turkish flatbread or lavash on the grill for a few seconds on each side.
7. 7.
   To serve, place a generous amount of the grilled meat on each flatbread. Top with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, parsley, a dollop of yogurt, and a sprinkle of sumac.
8. 8.
   Fold the flatbread over the filling and enjoy your Turkish-inspired Tacos al pastor!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lamb or chicken — For the most tender results, thinly slice the meat against the grain. If using chicken, make sure it is boneless and skinless.
• Turkish flatbread or lavash — If you can't find Turkish flatbread, you can substitute it with pita bread or any other flatbread of your choice.
• Sumac — Sumac is a tangy spice commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine. It adds a unique flavor to the dish. If you can't find sumac, you can substitute it with a squeeze of lemon juice.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra smoky flavor, you can grill the meat over charcoal instead of using a grill pan.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the marinade.
• Serve the Tacos al pastor with a side of pickled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Experiment with different toppings such as mint, radishes, or tahini sauce to add your own twist to the dish.
• If you're short on time, you can marinate the meat for at least 30 minutes, although longer marination will result in more flavorful meat.

Serving advice

Serve the Turkish-inspired Tacos al pastor hot, allowing your guests to assemble their own tacos with their preferred toppings. Accompany it with a refreshing yogurt-based sauce or a squeeze of lemon for an extra burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled meat, toppings, and flatbread on a large platter, creating an inviting spread. Garnish with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of sumac for an eye-catching presentation. Encourage your guests to build their own tacos, creating a fun and interactive dining experience.