Teriyaki Chicken Tacos—just the mere mention of this mouth-watering fusion gets my taste buds dancing with anticipation. And it’s not just about the harmonious blending of savory and sweet or the delightful contrast of textures; it’s the way this dish promises a tiny food adventure wrapped snugly in a soft tortilla.
My name’s Gobble, and I’ve been cooking up storms in the kitchen at Food and Meal, constantly on the hunt for exciting recipes to spin together. It was one of those slow Sundays, the kind where you wish for a sprinkle of thrill on a day that’s otherwise calm and lazy, when the idea hit me—why not marry the bold, zesty flavors of Mexico with the rich, glossy charm of Japanese teriyaki sauce?
As I pondered over this culinary concoction, a sense of delight washed over me. There’s something deeply satisfying about pulling out fresh, vibrant ingredients from the market, and what better way to celebrate them than by creating a dish that respects their individuality while uniting them in a palate-pleasing ensemble? And thus, the teriyaki chicken taco began to take shape in my kitchen.
Teriyaki Chicken Tacos Recipes
Teriyaki Chicken Tacos
Ingredients
List of Ingredients:
- 1 pack McCormick Teriyaki packet
- 1 ½ pounds chicken breasts boneless and skinless
- 4 to 6 flour tortillas
- 2 cups Monterey jack cheese shredded
- 1 ¼ cups white rice cooked
Ingredients for the crema:
- 5.3 ounces pineapple yogurt
- 2 Tablespoons mayonnaise
- ½ Tablespoons lime juice
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade. Prepare the Teriyaki packet according to the directions on the package.
- In a Ziploc bag, add in the prepared teriyaki sauce and chicken.
- Seal the bag and toss to coat. Set aside to marinate for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the crema. In a bowl, add in all of the ingredients for the cream. Stir well to mix.
- Preheat a grill to 375 to 400 degrees. Grease the grates of the grill with olive oil. Add the chicken and cook for 8 minutes on each side or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove and set aside to rest for 5 minutes. Slice into thin strips.
- Add the chicken strips into a bowl. Add in the teriyaki sauce and toss well to coat.
- Add the chicken strips onto a flour tortilla. Drizzle the cream over the chicken. Top off with the shredded Monterey jack cheese and cooked rice.
- Serve.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Other ways to making Teriyaki Chicken Tacos
To make Teriyaki Chicken Tacos, start by grating the chicken. Then, spread it onto a tortilla. Top it with the sauce and then top it with carrot and cabbage. Finally, top with crema Mexicana and toasted sesame seeds. These tacos are perfect for a weeknight dinner, as they can be prepared and served in 20 minutes. To serve, spread the chicken with salsa and serve with a side of slaw.
While this taco recipe isn’t your typical taco, it is packed with flavor. The teriyaki chicken is topped with a creamy cilantro-cabbage slaw, sweet pineapple salsa, and a tangy Asian slaw. This delicious dish is an excellent meal for a summer night! It can be made in advance, and refrigerated overnight. Before you cook it, make sure the tacos are at room temperature. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tacos and wait for them to be cooked through.
Food and Meal website is a website you should not miss if you love to cook. Leave a kind comment below to let us know you’re passionate about cooking! And share this post to let your friends know how you are passionate about cuisine.
Cooking Tips: Elevate Your Culinary Game
Using a homemade teriyaki sauce imparts a personal touch that elevates the dish. Tip: Combine soy sauce, a kiss of honey or brown sugar for that irresistible sweetness, fresh minced garlic, a whisper of ginger, and a dash of mirin or sake. The simplicity of this sauce, gently coating the succulent pieces of chicken, allows for an intimacy between the cook and the dish that pre-made sauces cannot provide.
Marination weaves a deeper story of flavor into the chicken’s tender fibers. Let the chicken bask in the teriyaki mixture for at least an hour, though a longer bath—say an overnight slumber—can only deepen its character. This infuses the chicken with a soul-warming richness that carries through to every bite.
As for the chicken itself, a loving approach to the cooking process is essential. Opting for thigh meat can offer more juiciness and flavor, and cooking it to just the right point where it remains tender yet fully imbued with the teriyaki glaze invites a sigh of contentment with each mouthful. Keep a careful eye on the pan to ensure the sugars don’t betray you by burning; instead, aim for a glistening, caramelized exterior that promises joy in every crunch.
Then come the tacos themselves. Warm, soft tortillas serve as the vessel for our fusion fare, their supple embrace the perfect foil for the robust fillings. A tip to make them even more pliable and fragrant is to quickly char them over an open flame, allowing the edges to dance into a smoky whisper that teases the senses even before one takes a bite.
Balance in toppings is key. A gentle squeeze of lime brings a zesty brightness to the dish, a rain of finely chopped cilantro contributes freshness that tingles on the tongue, and a touch of slaw adds the crisp texture that contrasts the soothing chew of the chicken. The choice to limit heavy spicy ingredients in favor of those that support and enhance the teriyaki’s nature mirrors a thoughtful conversation where each participant’s voice is heard and valued.
In each step of the creation of Teriyaki Chicken Tacos, there exists an opportunity to pour personal emotions and opinions into the dish, transforming simple ingredients into an expressive art form. One experiences the anticipation of flavors melding, the warmth of shared culinary traditions, and the quiet thrill of innovation. The act of both preparing and savoring this meal can be a dance of joy, a manifestation of care, and a testament to the beauty of culinary fusion.
Serving Suggestion
To elevate this dish, consider complementing the sweet and savory teriyaki sauce with a selection of accompanying ingredients that maintain textural contrast and introduce fresh flavors to harmonize the palate. A crunchy Cabbage Slaw with Ponzu Sauce provides brightness and tang, cutting through the rich teriyaki glaze. Quick Pickles offer a satisfying crunch and an acidic note, while a Daikon Salad adds a refreshingly crisp contrast to the tender, flavorful chicken. Surprisingly, serving Nigiri Sushi on the side brings a simple and clean taste alongside the complex flavors of the tacos. Corn Salsa adds a mildly spicy and sweet layer of texture, while starting the meal with Miso Soup prepares the palate for the forthcoming richness. For a unique twist, a Japanese-style Cheese Dog balances saltiness and creaminess with the sweet and savory teriyaki. Soy Milk serves as a soothing beverage option to tone down spice and provide a creamy contrast. Butajiru, a Pork Miso Soup, acts as a hearty and umami-packed counterpart, and a sushi option like a Dragon Roll offsets the chicken’s sweetness with its richness. As a playful and themed beverage, Witch’s Brew champignons et citron with mushrooms and lemon offers a unique and conversation-starting pairing for the adventurous palate.
FAQs: Unveiling Culinary Secrets
- Q: Is Chicken Teriyaki Healthy to Eat? Chicken teriyaki can be a healthy choice, especially when prepared with lean chicken and a well-balanced teriyaki sauce. Opting for skinless chicken and a sauce with reduced sugar and sodium content enhances the dish’s nutritional profile.
- Q: Why is Teriyaki Chicken So Good? Teriyaki chicken’s appeal lies in its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The teriyaki sauce, with its blend of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar, creates a rich and caramelized coating on the chicken, resulting in a delicious umami-packed dish.
- Q: What Does Teriyaki Sauce Go With? Teriyaki sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of proteins and vegetables. It complements chicken, beef, salmon, tofu, and even vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers. Its sweet and savory profile makes it a versatile choice for stir-fries, grilling, or as a dipping sauce.
- Q: Is Teriyaki Sauce Strong? The strength of teriyaki sauce depends on the specific recipe or brand. Generally, it has a bold and robust flavor due to the combination of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Adjusting the ingredients or opting for a milder version can cater to personal taste preferences.
- Q: Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce? Absolutely! While making your own sauce is delightful, store-bought options work well too. Look for quality brands with minimal additives.
- Q: Can I use tortilla alternatives? Certainly. Lettuce wraps or rice paper can replace tortillas for a low-carb twist. Experiment with different bases to suit your dietary preferences.
- Q: How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover marinated chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, a quick sauté or a gentle microwave session will do the trick.
- Q: Can I grill indoors? Absolutely. Utilize a grill pan on the stovetop for that charred goodness if an outdoor grill isn’t available.
- Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian? Absolutely! Swap chicken with tofu or your favorite meat alternative. Marinate and grill as usual for a delectable vegetarian version.
Conclusion
Teriyaki chicken tacos are a delightful fusion that brings together the savory flavors of Japanese cuisine with the hearty, vibrant essence of Mexican street food. The teriyaki sauce’s sweet and tangy glaze complements the succulent chicken, wrapped snugly in a soft tortilla and garnished with a crisp slaw or vibrant veggies, creating a dish that sings with both flavor and texture.
This culinary blend showcases the versatility and adaptability of tacos, a beloved staple that thrives on innovation. It’s a testament to how global flavors can harmoniously meld, offering a palette of tastes that can delight the senses and bring a fresh twist to the dinner table.
For more inspiration on crafting the perfect teriyaki chicken taco, or to explore a world of delicious recipes and culinary knowledge, visit Food And Meal or foodandmeal.com. As a treasure trove of international flavors and detailed guides, Food And Meal is your go-to source for taking your home cooking to new, exciting heights.
In conclusion, the teriyaki chicken taco is more than just a meal; it’s an experience—a jubilant celebration of international cuisine. It’s where the east meets the west, and simplicity meets sophistication. Try this recipe for yourself to add some flair to your weekly menu and savor the sweet satisfaction of a global kitchen.
Hi! I’m Paula from the Philippines, the passionate blogger and skilled photographer behind Gobble the Cook. I also spearhead the media photography for Food And Meal in Vietnam.
I'm James F Anderson, a noted sous chef from London and a Le Cordon Bleu alumnus. My career began in a Michelin-starred Parisian eatery, where my blend of classic and contemporary cooking, using seasonal ingredients, earned accolades. Recognized in culinary publications and on cooking shows, I’m committed to mentoring aspiring chefs and delivering memorable dining experiences, marking me as a standout talent in the culinary world.