Tacos al pastor with a Vietnamese twist

Ingredients

While the original Tacos al pastor is known for its marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, our Vietnamese adaptation replaces the pork with tender marinated chicken. Additionally, we incorporate Vietnamese herbs and spices, such as lemongrass and fish sauce, to infuse the dish with the distinct flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. 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 vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons lime juice 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 stalk lemongrass, finely chopped 1 stalk lemongrass, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 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
• 8 small tortillas 8 small tortillas
• 1 cup shredded lettuce 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup sliced cucumber 1/2 cup sliced cucumber
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
• Lime wedges, for serving Lime wedges, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 5g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the vegetable oil, soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, lemongrass, cumin, paprika, chili powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to create the marinade.
2. 2.
   Add the sliced chicken thighs to the marinade and toss until well coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for maximum flavor.
3. 3.
   Heat a grill or 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 before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
4. 4.
   Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or on a grill until soft and pliable.
5. 5.
   To assemble the tacos, place a spoonful of the sliced chicken onto each tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, sliced cucumber, chopped cilantro, chopped mint, and chopped peanuts. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the filling.
6. 6.
   Serve the Vietnamese-inspired Tacos al pastor immediately, and enjoy the explosion of flavors!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — Remove the tough outer layers before finely chopping the tender inner part for a more delicate flavor.
• Cilantro — Rinse the cilantro thoroughly and pat it dry to remove any dirt or moisture before chopping.
• Mint — Use fresh mint leaves for the best flavor. Discard any wilted or discolored leaves.
• Peanuts — If you have a peanut allergy, you can omit the peanuts or substitute them with toasted sesame seeds for added crunch.
• Tortillas — Warm the tortillas just before serving to enhance their texture and flexibility.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smokier flavor, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika to the marinade.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili powder or add a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
• To save time, you can marinate the chicken overnight, allowing the flavors to develop even more.
• Customize your tacos by adding sliced jalapenos, pickled carrots, or a drizzle of sriracha sauce.
• If you don't have a grill, you can cook the marinated chicken in a skillet over medium heat until cooked through.

Serving advice

Serve the Vietnamese-inspired Tacos al pastor with a side of pickled vegetables, such as daikon and carrots, to add a refreshing crunch. Offer a variety of hot sauces or sambal for those who enjoy an extra kick of heat. Garnish with additional fresh herbs and lime wedges for a burst of freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the tacos on a platter, allowing the vibrant colors of the fillings to shine through. Sprinkle some chopped peanuts and fresh herbs on top for an appealing visual contrast. Serve with a side of pickled vegetables in small bowls for an authentic Vietnamese touch.