Looking for a meal that’s both flavorful and easy to make? These Teriyaki Chicken Tacos with Creamy Sesame Cucumbers are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend lunch. The sweet and savory teriyaki chicken pairs perfectly with the cool, crunchy cucumbers, giving you a taco experience that’s out of this world. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
For the Teriyaki Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup (120ml) teriyaki sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
For the Creamy Sesame Cucumbers:
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup (60g) Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tacos:
- 8 small tortillas (flour or corn)
- 1/4 cup (30g) green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup (30g) fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Teriyaki Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, cooking until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes.
- Pour in the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
- Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Make the Creamy Sesame Cucumbers:
- In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt or sour cream, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
- Add the thinly sliced cucumbers to the bowl, tossing to coat them in the creamy mixture.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds, and add salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir until the cucumbers are evenly coated.
3. Assemble the Tacos:
- Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
- Place a generous spoonful of the teriyaki chicken onto each tortilla.
- Top with a few slices of the creamy sesame cucumbers.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro.
- Serve with lime wedges for a zesty squeeze of flavor.
Recommendations or Substitutions:
- Chicken Options: Use chicken thighs for a juicier result or chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- Vegetarian Swap: Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly taco.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and make sure the teriyaki sauce is gluten-free.
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Extra Veggies: Add shredded carrots or thinly sliced red cabbage for extra crunch and color.
Conclusion:
These Teriyaki Chicken Tacos with Creamy Sesame Cucumbers are a delightful mix of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures that will satisfy your taste buds. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Give them a try, and you’ll have a new favorite taco recipe in no time!
