Description
This Tacos Al Pastor with Ground Turkey recipe is a healthier twist on the classic Mexican dish, featuring lean ground turkey cooked in a flavorful Al Pastor marinade, complemented by fresh pineapple and traditional toppings. Perfect for a quick, delicious taco night with a balance of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Marinade
- 1 lb. 94% lean ground turkey (optional: ground beef or plant-based meat crumbles)
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup Al Pastor marinade
- 1/2 cup organic chicken stock (optional: beef or vegetable stock)
Additional Ingredients
- 8 flour or corn tortillas
- 1 1/2 cups fresh pineapples, chopped into chunks (grilled or roasted for added flavor)
- Pico de Gallo
- Salsa verde
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Guacamole (homemade recommended)
- Diced white onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Turkey: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook the Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, ensuring it is fully cooked through.
- Add Marinade and Stock: Pour in the Al Pastor marinade and chicken stock, stirring to combine. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 8-10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Prepare the Pineapple: While the turkey cooks, grill or roast the pineapple chunks to enhance their sweetness and add a slightly smoky flavor, about 5 minutes until lightly caramelized.
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat the tortillas on a dry skillet or directly on a grill for 20-30 seconds each side until warm and pliable.
- Assemble the Tacos: Spoon a generous amount of the cooked turkey mixture onto each tortilla. Top with grilled pineapple, pico de gallo, salsa verde, fresh cilantro, guacamole, and diced white onions as desired.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the tacos warm with your choice of sides or garnish for a perfect taco night experience.
Notes
- This recipe offers a lighter alternative to traditional pork Al Pastor by using lean ground turkey.
- You can swap ground turkey for beef or plant-based meat depending on dietary preferences.
- Grilling or roasting the pineapple enhances the depth of flavor with a subtle caramelization.
- Tortilla choice is flexible; use flour or corn tortillas based on preference or dietary needs.
- Make it gluten-free by choosing certified gluten-free tortillas and marinade ingredients.
- Prepare the turkey mixture ahead and reheat for quick taco assembly during busy days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
