Japanese-Mexican Fusion Quesadillas

This is definitely an acquired taste. There aren't many people who can take the habanero-wasabi combo, but those who can love this. I've made toned-down versions with less intense peppers for the faint of heart as well.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 26 mins
• Total Time: 56 mins
• Calories: 643 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 6 (10 inch) flour tortillas
• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into strips
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 6 ounces grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 6 ounces shredded pepperjack cheese, divided
• 1 habanero pepper, seeded and finely chopped (Optional)
• 1 tablespoon wasabi paste, divided (Optional)

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Combine soy sauce, sugar, ginger, and garlic in a large bowl. Add chicken strips; toss to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let marinate in the refrigerator, at least 1 hour.

Step 2

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Transfer chicken strips to a glass baking dish; discard marinade.

Step 3

Bake chicken strips in the preheated oven until no longer pink in the center and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C), about 20 minutes.

Step 4

Brush both sides of 1 tortilla with olive oil and lay on a flat surface. Sprinkle 1/3 of the pepperjack cheese on top. Add 1/3 of the chicken strips. Cover chicken with 1/3 of the Parmesan cheese. Add 1/3 of the chopped habanero and 1 teaspoon wasabi paste. Brush both sides of a second tortilla with olive oil and place on top. Repeat with remaining ingredients to make 2 more quesadillas.

Step 5

Heat a lightly oiled griddle over medium-high heat. Cook quesadillas until browned and cheese is melted, about 3 minutes per side.