Adobo Tacos Recipe
Make Adobo Tacos Recipe in just 1h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Adobo Chicken
Pickled Red Onions
Adobo Crema
Assembly & Garnish
Method
Adobo Chicken
Marinate
Trim excess fat from the chicken thighs and pat dry. In a medium bowl combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1/2 cup water, 4 smashed garlic cloves, 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp black peppercorns, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours.
Brown
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade (reserve marinade) and brown the thighs 2-3 minutes per side until golden. Do not overcrowd; work in batches if needed.
Simmer
Return all browned pieces to the skillet. Pour the reserved marinade over the chicken and add 1/2 cup water and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 18-22 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
Reduce & Shred
Remove the chicken to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes. Increase heat and boil the cooking liquid until it reduces by about half and thickens slightly (3-5 minutes). Shred the chicken with two forks and return shredded meat to the skillet; toss to coat with the reduced sauce. Keep warm.
Pickled Red Onions
While the chicken marinates, make quick pickled onions. Combine 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup water, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a small saucepan and bring just to a simmer to dissolve sugar and salt. Place 1 cup thinly sliced red onion in a heatproof bowl or jar and pour the hot brine over the onions. Let sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes (or refrigerate for up to 1 week). Drain before using.
Adobo Crema
Whisk together 1/2 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon adobo sauce (or 1 teaspoon chipotle powder), 1 teaspoon lime juice, and 1/8 teaspoon salt until smooth. Taste and adjust heat/salt. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Assembly & Serve