Zesty Teriyaki Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Pear Salsa Recipe

Crafting delectable teriyaki chicken tacos with grilled pineapple pear salsa takes weeknight dinners from mundane to magnificent.

Sweet and tangy flavors dance across your palate with each vibrant bite.

Juicy chicken marinates in rich, caramelized sauce while tropical fruits add unexpected brightness.

pineapple and pear bring crisp, refreshing dimensions that complement the savory protein perfectly.

Colorful ingredients promise a meal that looks as incredible as it tastes.

Soft tortillas cradle these mouthwatering morsels, inviting you to savor every single delicious moment.

Dive into this culinary adventure and experience a taste sensation that will become your new favorite.

Teriyaki Chicken Taco Ingredients

• Chicken Strips: Tender meat marinated in teriyaki sauce.

• Teriyaki Sauce: Adds sweet and savory flavor to chicken.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic depth to the marinade.
• Honey: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken.
• Sesame Oil: Enhances Asian-inspired flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasoning for balanced taste.

• Pineapple, Pear: Fresh fruits for sweet and tangy salsa.
• Red Onion: Adds sharp and crisp texture.
• Jalapeño: Provides spicy kick.
• Cilantro: Brings fresh herbal notes.
• Lime Juice: Adds bright acidity.

• Tortillas: Soft base for taco assembly.

• Shredded Cabbage, Avocado, Cilantro: Additional freshness and texture.

Cooking Teriyaki Chicken Tacos

Step 1: Whip Up Teriyaki Marinade

In a mixing bowl, blend teriyaki sauce, garlic, honey, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.

Toss chicken strips into the mixture, ensuring every piece gets coated.

Cover and let the chicken soak up flavors in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Grill Pineapple to Perfection

Fire up your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.

Skewer diced pineapple and lightly brush with oil.

Grill skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until caramelized with beautiful char marks.

Set aside the grilled pineapple.

Step 3: Cook Teriyaki Chicken

Grill the marinated chicken strips for 3-4 minutes on each side until fully cooked and slightly charred.

Let the chicken rest briefly, then slice into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Create Zesty Pineapple Pear Salsa

• Diced pineapple
• Diced pear
• Chopped red onion
• Diced jalapeño
• Lime juice
• Chopped cilantro
• Salt
• Pepper

Mix ingredients thoroughly.

Step 5: Warm Tortillas

Quickly heat tortillas on the grill or in a skillet for about 30 seconds per side until warm and lightly charred.

Step 6: Assemble Mouthwatering Tacos

Layer each tortilla with grilled teriyaki chicken slices.

Top generously with Pineapple Pear Salsa.

• Shredded cabbage
• Sliced avocado
• Extra cilantro

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the tacos immediately with fresh lime wedges on the side for an extra zingy squeeze.

Tips For Teriyaki Chicken Tacos

• Let the chicken soak in the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, to ensure deep, rich flavor penetration and tender meat.
• Watch the pineapple and chicken carefully while grilling to achieve perfect caramelization without burning, using medium-high heat for optimal char and juiciness.
• Adjust the jalapeño and lime juice in the salsa to create a perfect sweet-tangy-spicy balance that complements the teriyaki chicken.
• Heat tortillas briefly on the grill or skillet to enhance their texture and prevent cracking when folding, making them more pliable and flavorful.
• Chop all ingredients and prepare the marinade and salsa in advance to streamline the cooking process and reduce stress during meal preparation.

Store & Reheat Teriyaki Chicken Tacos

• Store cooked chicken and salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep tortillas wrapped in plastic wrap or sealed in a zip-top bag to maintain freshness.
• Place cooled teriyaki chicken in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing salsa as fresh ingredients may become mushy.
• Warm refrigerated chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and moisture level.
• Quickly warm tortillas on a skillet for 15-20 seconds per side. Top with reheated chicken and fresh salsa to maintain the original flavor and texture of the dish.

Pairings For Teriyaki Chicken Tacos

• Sip Sweet Sake: Pair the tacos with a chilled Japanese sake that complements the teriyaki's sweet and savory notes, balancing the dish's complex flavors.
• Refresh with Tropical Mocktail: Create a pineapple-ginger mocktail that echoes the salsa's fruity elements, providing a bright and zesty non-alcoholic companion to the tacos.
• Boost with Asian-Inspired Beer: Select a crisp Asian lager like Sapporo or Asahi, whose light, clean profile cuts through the rich teriyaki and enhances the grilled chicken's smoky undertones.
• Elevate with Citrus Margarita: Mix a lime-forward margarita that matches the salsa's acidity and complements the taco's sweet-spicy profile, adding a vibrant Mexican twist.

Teriyaki Chicken Taco Variations

• Vegetarian Soy Curl Tacos: Replace chicken with rehydrated soy curls marinated in the same teriyaki sauce for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of traditional teriyaki sauce and serve with corn tortillas to create a completely gluten-free meal.
• Low-Carb Lettuce Wraps: Skip tortillas entirely and use large butter lettuce leaves as wraps, maintaining all original flavors while reducing carbohydrate intake.
• Spicy Korean-Inspired Variation: Add gochujang to the teriyaki marinade and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for an extra kick of Korean-style heat and complexity.

FAQs

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are perfect. They absorb the teriyaki marinade well and grill beautifully, creating tender and flavorful meat for the tacos.

• Can I make the teriyaki marinade from scratch?

Absolutely! Mix soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, and grated ginger for a homemade teriyaki sauce. This gives you control over the sweetness and saltiness of the marinade.

• How spicy is the salsa with jalapeño?

The salsa has a mild to moderate heat level. If you prefer less spice, remove the jalapeño seeds or use half a pepper. For more heat, keep the seeds or add extra jalapeño.

• Is there a substitute for fresh pineapple?

Canned pineapple can work, but fresh pineapple grills better and provides a more caramelized flavor. If using canned, drain thoroughly and pat dry before grilling.

What’s Great About Teriyaki Chicken Tacos

• Teriyaki chicken tacos blend Asian and Mexican cuisines, creating a mouthwatering fusion that transforms ordinary dinner into an exciting culinary adventure.
• Perfect for outdoor cooking enthusiasts, this recipe allows you to enjoy the smoky char of grilled chicken and caramelized pineapple while keeping preparation simple and enjoyable.
• Flexible recipe lets you swap ingredients, adjust spice levels, and add personal touches, making it adaptable for different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• The grilled pineapple pear salsa adds a burst of tropical freshness, introducing unexpected flavor combinations that elevate the entire taco experience.

Teriyaki Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Pear Salsa Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering teriyaki chicken tacos with grilled pineapple pear salsa bring together Japanese and Mexican culinary traditions in one irresistible dish. Sweet, tangy flavors dance across warm tortillas, promising a delicious adventure that satisfies cravings and delights senses.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (453 grams) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Salsa Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
• 1 ripe pear, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Serving Components:

• 8 small flour tortillas
• 8 small corn tortillas
• Optional: Shredded cabbage
• Optional: Sliced avocado
• Optional: Chopped cilantro
• Optional: Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty marinade by whisking teriyaki sauce, garlic, honey, sesame oil, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until smooth and well-blended.
2. Submerge chicken strips completely in the marinade, ensuring thorough coating. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
3. Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature. Thread pineapple chunks onto skewers, lightly brushing with oil to prevent sticking.
4. Grill pineapple skewers 2-3 minutes per side, creating caramelized grill marks. Remove and set aside for salsa preparation.
5. Transfer marinated chicken to the hot grill, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until fully cooked with slight charring. Allow meat to rest briefly before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
6. Combine grilled pineapple, diced pear, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Toss gently to create a vibrant salsa.
7. Warm tortillas on grill or skillet for approximately 30 seconds per side until slightly crisp and heated through.
8. Assemble tacos by layering sliced teriyaki chicken inside tortillas, generously topping with pineapple pear salsa.
9. Garnish with optional toppings like shredded cabbage, avocado slices, and additional cilantro.
10. Serve immediately with fresh lime wedges for squeezing, allowing guests to customize their flavor profile.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion, ideally 2-4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
• Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version, adjusting grilling time accordingly.
• Pat chicken dry before grilling to achieve better caramelization and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Use fresh, ripe pineapple and pear for maximum sweetness and vibrant salsa texture, ensuring ingredients are uniformly diced.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg