RestaurantsDel TacoNew Featured Items Recipe

New Featured Items Recipe

Inspired by Del Taco
Time1h 30m
Serves4

Make New Featured Items Recipe in just 1h 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Crispy Sesame Soy Cauliflower (Featured Item 1)

Method

1

Combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Whisk in the cold sparkling water until a slightly lumpy batter forms (do not overmix). Pat cauliflower florets dry with paper towels, then toss in the batter to coat evenly. Heat neutral oil in a heavy skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry battered cauliflower in batches for 4–6 minutes until golden and crisp, turning as needed. Drain on a wire rack set over a baking sheet or paper towels.

2

While frying, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, toasted sesame oil, minced ginger and garlic, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low until warmed and slightly thickened, 2–3 minutes. Stir in sesame seeds and remove from heat.

3

Place fried cauliflower in a large bowl. Pour glaze over the hot cauliflower and toss gently to coat. Garnish with sliced scallions and an extra sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

4

In a bowl combine lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, chopped parsley, oregano or thyme, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Pound or slice chicken thighs into 8 small portions that will fit slider buns. Add chicken to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.

5

Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill chicken pieces 3–4 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Meanwhile, butter the insides of the mini buns and lightly toast them on the grill until golden. Spread about 1 tablespoon lemon aioli on the bottom half of each bun, top with a piece of grilled chicken, a small handful of mixed greens, and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Cap with the toasted top bun and serve warm.

6

In a food processor or by hand, cut cold diced butter into flour, powdered sugar, and salt until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, pulsing or mixing until dough just comes together. Form into a disk, wrap, and chill for 15–20 minutes. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface and line four 3–4 inch tartlet pans (or one 6-inch). Trim and prick bottoms with a fork. Chill shells for 10 minutes, then blind bake at 375°F (190°C) with pie weights for 12–14 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Remove weights and cool slightly.

7

Place chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat heavy cream until it just begins to simmer, then pour over chocolate. Add espresso or strong coffee and let sit 1 minute, then stir until smooth. Stir in egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and glossy.

8

Pour the warm ganache into the pre-baked tartlet shells. Bake tartlets at 325°F (160°C) for 8–10 minutes just to set the filling (or skip baking and chill 1 hour for a no-bake set). Remove, cool to room temperature, then chill 30 minutes to firm up. Sprinkle sea salt flakes over each tartlet before serving.