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Ground Turkey Tacos Al Pastor

Ground Turkey Tacos Al Pastor
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Ground Turkey Tacos Al Pastor is a quick and healthy twist on the classic Mexican al pastor, combining lean ground turkey with smoky chipotle, achiote paste, and sweet pineapple for a bold, flavorful meal. Perfect for weeknights, this recipe delivers authentic taste with minimal fuss, making it ideal for families and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Marinade

  • 1 lb lean ground turkey
  • 2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo, chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tbsp achiote paste
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 small onion, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice or 1/2 cup fresh pineapple, blended
  • 2 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Tortillas & Garnishes

  • 8–10 soft corn tortillas
  • 1/2 cup fresh pineapple chunks, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • Optional: thinly sliced white onion, crumbled queso fresco

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a blender, combine chipotle peppers in adobo, achiote paste, garlic, onion, pineapple juice or fresh blended pineapple, vinegar, orange juice, and salt. Blend until smooth to create the vibrant al pastor marinade.
  2. Marinate the Ground Turkey: Thoroughly mix the ground turkey with the prepared marinade. Let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes or up to 1 hour to absorb the full flavors.
  3. Cook the Meat: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated ground turkey and cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is fully browned and cooked through, approximately 8-10 minutes. The meat should have a juicy texture and a deep red-orange color from the marinade.
  4. Warm the Tortillas: While the turkey cooks, warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a low flame until they become pliable and slightly toasted, enhancing the authentic texture and flavor.
  5. Assemble Your Tacos: Spoon generous portions of the cooked ground turkey onto each tortilla. Garnish with chopped cilantro, diced pineapple chunks, a squeeze of fresh lime, and optional slices of onion or crumbled queso fresco. Serve immediately for the best taste.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Pineapple: Fresh pineapple juice and chunks enhance the sweet and tangy flavors more than canned.
  • Marinade Time is Key: Even 15 minutes helps infuse the turkey with the vibrant al pastor spices and keeps it juicy.
  • Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure the meat browns nicely rather than steams.
  • Warm Tortillas Well: Properly warmed tortillas prevent breakage and improve texture.
  • Add Lime at the End: Squeeze fresh lime juice right before serving to brighten flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: Ground Turkey Tacos Al Pastor, turkey tacos, al pastor, Mexican tacos, healthy tacos, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/ground-turkey-tacos-al-pastor/