Here’s a delicious recipe for Teriyaki Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Pear Salsa—a perfect fusion of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors!
🌮 Teriyaki Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Pear Salsa
🕒 Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 (makes about 8 tacos)
🐔 Ingredients
For the Teriyaki Chicken:
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1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
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1/3 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
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2 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tbsp honey
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1 tbsp rice vinegar
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1 tbsp sesame oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
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1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water (optional, for thickening)
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1 tbsp vegetable oil (for grilling or pan-searing)
For the Grilled Pineapple Pear Salsa:
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1 cup pineapple, sliced into rings or chunks
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1 ripe pear, firm and slightly underripe works best, diced
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1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
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1 jalapeño, finely diced (optional, for heat)
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Juice of 1 lime
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1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
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Salt to taste
For Serving:
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8 small corn or flour tortillas
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Optional toppings: shredded cabbage or slaw mix, avocado slices, extra cilantro, lime wedges
🔪 Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
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In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
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Add chicken to a resealable bag or shallow dish, pour marinade over it, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
2. Make the Grilled Pineapple Pear Salsa:
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Preheat grill or grill pan over medium heat.
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Grill the pineapple rings for about 2–3 minutes per side, until lightly charred. Let cool slightly, then dice.
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In a bowl, combine grilled pineapple, diced pear, red onion, jalapeño (if using), lime juice, cilantro, and salt. Toss well and set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken:
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Heat oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
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Remove chicken from marinade and cook for about 5–7 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly caramelized.
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Optional: If you want a thicker glaze, pour remaining marinade into a small pot, bring to a boil, add cornstarch slurry, and simmer until thickened.
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Let chicken rest 5 minutes, then slice or chop.
4. Warm the Tortillas:
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Heat tortillas on a dry skillet or directly over the flame for 15–30 seconds per side.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
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Add sliced chicken to each tortilla.
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Top with grilled pineapple pear salsa.
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Garnish with cabbage, avocado, or lime wedges if desired.
👩🍳 Tips:
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Swap chicken for tofu or shrimp for a variation.
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Add a drizzle of sriracha mayo or spicy aioli for extra flavor.