This chipotle turkey taco is a great option for the weekend meal. It is not only delicious but also useful food. Replacing pork with a turkey makes this chipotle taco lower in calories. It is a quick and easy dish that is really tasty and will steal your heart once you try it. Follow the recipe below to make juicy, seasoned chipotle turkey that fills fresh, crispy taco tortillas.
These Chipotle Turkey Tacos are a delightful fusion of flavors that will elevate your taco night to new heights! The lean ground turkey, infused with smoky chipotle, aromatic spices, and a medley of fresh toppings, creates a mouthwatering experience. The balance of heat, sweetness, and acidity in the salsa, along with the crunch from ramen salad, adds layers of texture and complexity to each bite. A perfect combination of quick and flavorful, these tacos are a must-try for anyone looking to spice up their taco game!
What is Chipotle Turkey Taco?
Chipotle Turkey Tacos are a tasty meal of flavored ground turkey cooked with chipotle peppers, onions, and seasonings, served in warm tortillas, and topped with a variety of toppings. These tacos offer a spicy and slightly smoky taste, with a touch of heat from the chipotle pepper.
In terms of its origin, the Chipotle Turkey Taco is a fusion of traditional Mexican cuisine with modern American flavors. The use of ground turkey provides a leaner alternative to beef, while the use of chipotle peppers, a staple of Mexican cuisine, adds depth and complexity to the dish. This dish likely originated as a creative twist on classic tacos. It offers a healthier option without compromising taste.
Especially in North America, where Mexican-inspired cuisine is widely enjoyed, Chipotle Turkey Tacos have become popular in various regions. With a balance of flavors and textures that appeal to a wide range of palates, they are versatile and customizable dishes perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Chipotle Turkey Taco Ingredients
- Ground turkey: Ground turkey serves as the main protein source for Chipotle Turkey Tacos, providing a lean and flavorful alternative to traditional beef or pork.
- Onion, Shallot, and Garlic: Onions and garlic add aromatic and savory notes to the dish and enhance the overall flavor of the turkey filling.
- Chipotle pepper: They add a smoky and spicy note to the taco filling and add depth and complexity to the flavor.
- Pelati tomatoes: Pelati tomatoes, probably whole peeled tomatoes, add a rich and sweet tomato flavor to the taco filling, enhancing its juiciness and texture.
- Water: Water helps prevent the turkey from drying out during cooking, ensuring the meat stays juicy and tender.
- Thyme and Rosemary: Thyme and rosemary are aromatic herbs that add a light earthy and herbaceous undertone to the stuffing, complementing the other flavors.
- Smoked paprika: Smoked paprika contributes a rich, smoky taste to the turkey.
- Tomato and Avocado: They serve as fresh and bright toppings, adding a burst of color, texture, and freshness to tacos.
- Olive oil: It is probably used to cook the turkey and vegetables. It adds richness and enhances the overall mouthfeel.
- Ramen salad: Ramen salad is served as a crunchy topping, adding texture and a creative twist to tacos.
- Taco tortillas: Taco Tortillas are used to hold the filling and provide a soft base for the tacos.
- Salt and Pepper: Salt and pepper are essential seasonings that help to enhance and balance the flavors in the turkey taco filling.
How to Make Chipotle Turkey Taco?
- First, purée the pelati tomatoes in a blender until smooth.
- Then, dice the onion and finely dice the shallot.
- Cut the avocado in half, peel with a spoon, remove the pit, dice, and add to the shallot.
- Then, make the tomato concasse (peel, seed, and dice) and add it to the avocado and shallot. Season with salt and pepper and add olive oil.
- Heat a frying pan, add sunflower oil, and sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, add the ground beef and fry until crumbly. (If the turkey is very fatty, drain the excess fat).
- Then, add the rosemary and garlic and cook for another 2 minutes, then add the paprika, chipotle peppers, and pelati tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper, add water, cover with the lid, and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes. The finished ground beef should have minimal moisture.
- Remove the thyme, garlic, and rosemary
- To assemble: Place the ramen salad on the tortilla, add the finished ground beef (3 tablespoons), and top with the prepared avocado, onion, and tomato mass.
Chef Recipe Tips:
- You can add lime juice to the avocado tomato for a fresher flavor.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for turkey.
- Along with the chipotle, add adobo sauce, which preserves the peppers. The flavor will be richer.
- Water can be substituted with chicken broth.
How to Make Chipotle Turkey for Tacos in Advance?
You can make a turkey filling for tacos ahead of time. This will allow you to have the delicious dish on the go for your dinner. You will need to prepare and cook the Chipotle turkey according to the recipe. Then allow the filling to cool to room temperature. Then, transfer the chilled turkey filling to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, reheat Chipotle turkey filling on the stovetop and fill the taco tortillas.
How to Store Chipotle Turkey for Tacos?
To store Chipotle Taco Turkey, allow it to come to room temperature before placing in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage, up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw frozen turkey overnight in the refrigerator or use the cold water method. Be sure to heat thoroughly before serving. Chipotle Turkey is ready to enjoy in flavorful tacos with your favorite toppings, whether reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
An excellent and completely self-sufficient dish that is perfect for a satisfying and healthy lunch. Turkey used in this recipe is a lean source of quality protein. Tomatoes, onions, and garlic contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are beneficial for health. Tortillas provide a source of quality carbohydrates for energy, and avocados offer beneficial plant fats. Additionally, the recipe includes a variety of spices that not only add flavor diversity but also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Purée the pelati tomatoes in a blender until smooth.
Dice the onion and finely dice the shallot.
Cut the avocado in half, peel with a spoon, remove the pit, dice, and add to the shallots.
Make the tomato concasse (peel, seed, and dice) and add it to the avocado and shallot. Season with salt and pepper and add olive oil.
Heat a frying pan, add sunflower oil, and sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, add the ground beef and fry until crumbly. (If the turkey is very fatty, drain the excess fat).
Add the rosemary and garlic and cook for another 2 minutes, then add the paprika, chipotle, and pelati tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper, add water, cover with the lid, and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes. The finished ground beef should have minimal moisture.
Remove the thyme, garlic and rosemary.
Assembly: Place the ramen salad on the tortilla, add the finished ground beef (3 tablespoons), and top with the prepared avocado, onion, and tomato mass.
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
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For an extra flavor boost, consider marinating the ground turkey in the chipotle sauce and spices for an hour before cooking. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, creating a more deeply seasoned filling. Also, when assembling the tacos, layering is key. Start with the ramen salad to absorb any excess moisture, followed by the turkey filling, and finish with the vibrant avocado and tomato salsa. This ensures that each bite is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Enjoy your Chipotle Turkey Tacos adventure!
