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Tacos de Pavo en Adobo

How to Make Tacos de Pavo en Adobo

Tacos de Pavo en Adobo refers to turkey tacos prepared with a flavorful adobo sauce. In Mexican cuisine, turkey is often cooked and seasoned with adobo, a rich and tangy marinade or sauce made from various ingredients such as dried chilies, vinegar, garlic, spices, and sometimes tomatoes or other flavorings.

For Tacos de Pavo en Adobo, the turkey meat is marinated or cooked in the adobo sauce, allowing the flavors to infuse into the meat. After the turkey is well-seasoned and cooked, it’s typically shredded or diced and served as the filling for tacos.

The cooked turkey in adobo is placed onto tortillas and can be garnished with traditional taco toppings like onions, cilantro, lime wedges, or any preferred accompaniments. This dish offers a fusion of flavors from the spicy and aromatic adobo sauce combined with the tender and seasoned turkey, creating a delicious and savory taco experience.

Key Takeaways

  • Who This Meal Appeals To: Fans of spicy foods, those looking for a unique taco filling, and anyone interested in using turkey in a new way.
  • Estimated Duration: Prep time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time), Cooking time: 30 minutes.
  • Nutrition Facts: Approximately 250-300 calories per serving, rich in protein and B vitamins.

About this Recipe

Tacos de Pavo en Adobo feature turkey meat that’s been marinated in an adobo sauce made from a blend of chilies, spices, and vinegar. The turkey is then cooked until tender and used as a filling for tacos, often accompanied by a variety of toppings and salsas.

Equipment Required

  • Large skillet or saucepan for cooking turkey
  • Mixing bowls for marinating
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Ingredients

  • Corn tortillas: 12 pieces
  • Turkey meat: 1.5 lbs, cut into small pieces
  • For the adobo marinade:
  • Dried chilies (ancho, guajillo, or chipotle): 4-5, stemmed and seeded
  • Garlic cloves: 3
  • Vinegar: 1/4 cup
  • Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon
  • Optional garnishes: diced onions, chopped cilantro, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare Adobo Marinade: Soak the dried chilies in hot water for about 15 minutes. Blend the softened chilies with garlic, vinegar, cumin, and salt until smooth.
  2. Marinate Turkey: Coat the turkey pieces in the adobo marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
  3. Cook Turkey: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated turkey and cook until fully cooked and tender, about 20-30 minutes.
  4. Warm Tortillas: While the turkey is cooking, warm the corn tortillas on a griddle or skillet until they become pliable.
  5. Assemble Tacos: Spoon the cooked turkey onto each tortilla.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Add optional garnishes like diced onions, chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of lime.

Side Dishes

  • Mexican-style rice
  • Refried beans
  • Guacamole and tortilla chips

Storage Options

  • Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
  • Reheat gently on the stove before assembling new tacos.

Ingredient Substitutes

  • Chicken or pork can be used in place of turkey.
  • Store-bought adobo sauce can be used if you’re short on time, but homemade is recommended for authentic flavor.

Alternatives to this Meal

  • Tacos de Pollo al Pastor: Tacos featuring marinated chicken cooked on a vertical rotisserie.
  • Tacos de Carne Asada: Tacos filled with grilled beef.
  • Tacos de Pescado: Tacos featuring grilled or fried fish.

Conclusion

Tacos de Pavo en Adobo offer a burst of flavors, combining the lean, hearty texture of turkey with the spicy and aromatic adobo marinade. This dish is perfect for those looking to experiment with new taco fillings or simply enjoy a spicy, meaty treat. Happy cooking!