Tacos recipe is one of Mexican cuisine’s most popular and beloved dishes. With endless possibilities for customization, tacos are a versatile and delicious meal that can satisfy any craving.
Tacos are a traditional Mexican dish that has gained popularity all over the world. A taco consists of a tortilla filled with various ingredients such as meat, vegetables, cheese, and salsa. While tacos are now a popular street food, they have a long and interesting history that dates back centuries.
The origin of tacos can be traced back to the indigenous people of Mexico, who would wrap small fish in tortillas made of corn. The tortilla acted as a type of edible spoon, allowing the fish to be easily eaten without any utensils.
The first tacos were likely simple and consisted of only a few ingredients. However, as the dish gained popularity, more and more ingredients were added, and the taco evolved into the delicious and diverse dish we know today.
Today, tacos are enjoyed all over the world and have become a staple in many people’s diets. The history of tacos is a testament to the rich culinary traditions of Mexico and the importance of food in our culture.
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Tacos Recipe
Here is a classic recipe for making delicious tacos at home.
30 Minutes
Heat the Olive Oil
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened about 2-3 minutes. Combine the cumin, coriander, paprika, and a generous pinch of salt in a large bowl, add the juice from 1 lime, and mix well. Toss the fish filets in the spiced lime paste and set aside while you prepare the salad.
Beef it up!
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Chop the tomatoes into small pieces. Stone the avocado, scoop out the soft inside, and slice, or if it is a ripe avocado, you may want to mash it in a bowl with a little lime and salt. Keep all the salad ingredients separate on a board.
Add Your Spices
Stir in the cumin, chilli powder, salt, and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes. Finely slice the cabbage. You can do this by hand or in a food processor. Squeeze over the juice from half a lime and season with a little salt. Scrunch the salt and lime into the cabbage, and set aside.Â
Prepare the Oven
While the beef is cooking, preheat the oven to 350°F and warm the taco shells according to the package instructions.
Take it out!
Once the beef is done, remove it from the heat and set aside. Heat the grill high. Line a baking tray with foil and brush with a little oil. Place the fish filets on the tray, pour over any paste from the bowl, and brush with more oil. Cook the fish close to the grill for 8-10 mins until the fish is cooked and starting to scorch in places. To check if it’s cooked, gently push one of the filets. It should easily flake when cooked.
Layering
Assemble the tacos by filling each taco shell with a spoonful of beef, followed by shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and a dollop of salsa. Top with a dollop of sour cream, if desired. If you have a gas hob, warm the tortillas directly over the flames with tongs for a charred finish. Alternatively, wrap it in foil and warm it in the oven on the shelf beneath the fish.
Serve
Serve the tacos immediately, and enjoy!
To serve, spread a little soured cream over each warm tortilla and top with a handful of cabbage, some tomatoes, and a few slices of avocado. Flake the fish and add a few big chunks to each tortilla, then top with coriander, chilli, and chilli sauce.
Note: You can adapt this recipe to your liking by adding or substituting ingredients. Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, or add avocado or jalapeño peppers for extra flavour.
Fish Tacos Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 limes
- 500g white fish filets
- ¼ red cabbage
- 2 large tomatoes
- 2 large avocados
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 8 small corn or wheat tortilla wraps
- small bunch of coriander, chopped
- 1 green chilli, finely sliced, optional
- 100g soured cream
- chilli sauce to serve
Tacos Recipe Variations.
- Carnitas Tacos
They are a savoury delight, made with tender and juicy slow-cooked pork seasoned with aromatic spices like cumin, oregano, and garlic. The meat is slow-cooked until it is fork-tender and then shredded into bite-sized pieces.
- Carne Asada Tacos
The marinated beef is typically seasoned with a blend of spices, including garlic, cumin, chilli powder, and lime juice, which infuses the meat with a bold and savoury flavour. The grilled beef is thinly sliced and served in warm tortillas, along with toppings such as onions, cilantro, and salsa.
- Fish Tacos
The crispy texture of the battered fish pairs perfectly with the soft tortilla, while the blend of flavours from the fish, spices, and toppings creates a mouth-watering experience.
- Chicken Tacos
Chicken tacos are a savoury delight that brings together tender and juicy chicken with a variety of bold flavours and textures. The chicken is typically seasoned with a blend of spices, such as cumin, chilli powder, and garlic, which infuse the meat with a smoky and earthy aroma.
- Vegetarian Tacos
Vegetable tacos are a delicious and healthy option for those who prefer a meatless meal. Loaded with a colourful array of veggies, these tacos are packed with flavours and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. The combination of fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, crunchy onions, creamy avocados, and zesty cilantro creates a tasty and satisfying vegetarian dish.
- Chorizo Tacos
The smoky and spicy flavours of the chorizo are perfectly balanced with the toppings typically used in tacos, such as cilantro, onions, and lime. The bold and savoury flavours of the chorizo are a great addition to any taco night and are sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
Tacos Toppings Variations
- Lettuce:
This leafy veggie gives your tacos a wonderful crunch and colour. And it also offers a healthy contrast to the rich elements of the dish. It adds a fresh and crisp texture to your tacos. You can substitute lettuce with shredded cabbage.
- Guacamole
Guacamole has a rich and nutty taste. This spread is irresistible, and you will always want some of it. The best thing about guacamole is how easy it is to make. You are good to go if you mash some avocados, tomatoes, jalapenos, cilantro, and lime juice.
- Tomatoes:
They can also serve as veggies. Not only are they healthy and pretty, but they are also sweet, juicy, and essential in tacos. Tomatoes add sweetness and acidity to balance the flavours in your tacos.
- Onions:
When served raw, it adds a sharp balance to your salty and savoury taco. But it gets better when cooked with butter on low heat. Next time you are preparing tacos, give it a try.
- Cilantro
We don’t want you to mistake cilantro and coriander for the same. While they are the same plant, coriander is the seed, while cilantro is the leaves. But cilantro adds a bright and herbaceous flavour to your tacos.
- Cheese
Tacos without cheese are tacky. We do not know about you, but having delicious tacos seems impossible if the cheese is missing. It adds a wonderful creaminess and saltiness that enhances your taco flavour altogether. But you don’t want to add too much to avoid overpowering other flavours.
- Avocado
While avocado has its own flavour, you can substitute it for guacamole on a lazy day. It adds a rich, nutty, and creamy texture to your tacos.
- Salsa:
Scoop some into your tacos, and serve the rest with tortilla chips for dipping. Salsa adds heat and flavour to your tacos. Choose from different types, such as pico de gallo, verde, or roja.
- Sour Cream
Sour cream may not be the healthiest of ingredients, but if you want a creamy and tangy taco, it should definitely be your go-to. The creaminess and a hint of sourness enhance the flavour and make your taco irresistible.
- Jalapeños
You can’t go wrong with jalapenos if you like some heat in your tacos. Jalapenos is a traditional Mexican hot chilli pepper spice. But if you like less heat, you are also not left out. Use the red jalapenos. It adds heat and a crunchy texture to your tacos.
- Lime Juice
Looking for a healthy option to use instead of salt? A sprinkle of lime juice will do. Lime juice has a strong acidity and freshness that adds some tanginess and enhances the flavour of your tacos.
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Tacos Side Dish Suggestions.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw is the perfect topping for crispy fish tacos: Crunchy, sweet and tangy! Made with red and green cabbages, carrots, and onions, there’s no tastier way to tuck in an extra serving of veggies into your day.
Grilled sweet potatoes
Sweet and savoury, grilled sweet potatoes are the perfect side dish for taco meals. They’re cooked until tender and caramelized, making them a delicious and healthy addition to any plate.
Grilled vegetables
Charred to perfection, grilled or roasted vegetables such as peppers, zucchini, or onions add a delicious smoky flavour to any taco meal while providing a healthy nutrient dose.
Cilantro lime rice
Fragrant and zesty, this rice dish is made with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a blend of spices. The result is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with any taco.
Guacamole and chips
Creamy and delicious, guacamole is the perfect dip for tortilla chips and also makes a great side dish for any taco meal.
Elite Mexican Street Corn
Another must-try side dish to add a Mexican flair to your feast is Elote. It may sound complicated because of its foreign name, but it’s simple to make. You just need to grill some corn on the cob and slather it with mayo and sour cream.
Authentic Pico de Gallo
Pico de Gallo is another taco topping you should try for your next Taco Tuesday menu. The combination of tomatoes, onions, jalapeno, cilantro, and lime juice bursts with flavour and is refreshing.
Conclusion
Tacos are versatile and delicious dishes that can be customized to suit anyone’s taste preferences. You can create a taco bursting with flavour and texture by incorporating ingredients such as lettuce, guacamole, tomatoes, onions, and lime juice.
Whether you prefer spicy or mild, crunchy or creamy, there’s a taco filling out there for you. Mexican dishes are a crowd-pleaser that everyone can enjoy. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and savour the deliciousness of your homemade tacos!
You can create your own perfect taco at home with these simple steps. So, gather your favourite ingredients and get ready to enjoy a tasty and satisfying meal with your loved ones!
FAQs
What should I put in my tacos?
Shredded cheese, Shredded lettuce, Pickled red onion,  Jalapeño slices, Chopped tomatoes, Sliced black olives, Shredded Mexican cheese, Diced white onion.
How to make simple tacos?
In a pan, heat olive oil, add the bell peppers, onions, garlic, and green chillies, and saute nicely.
Add the cooked kidney beans to this mixture.Â
Crumble the cottage cheese into the pan.Â
Add the cumin and chilli powder.Â
Mix all the ingredients together well.Â
Add 1 teaspoon of tomato puree to the mix.Â
Season with salt and pepper, add lime juice and chopped coriander and mix well.Â
In a mix, add 2 green tomatoes, 1.5 teaspoon olive oil, a big pinch of salt, and a small bunch of coriander leaves to make a nice green salsa.
What is traditionally on a taco?
This type of taco is typically served as a crisp-fried corn tortilla filled with seasoned ground beef, cheese, lettuce, and sometimes tomato, onion, salsa, sour cream, and avocado or guacamole.
What are the three types of tacos?
TACOS AL PASTOR
Tacos al pastor was introduced to Mexico by Lebanese immigrants in the early 1900s. These individuals prepared al pastor tacos using the famous Middle Eastern cooking concept of shawarma. They prepared the pork in a slow-turning vertical rotisserie and marinated it in guajillo chiles and achiote, making it the ultimate fusion food.
TACOS DE CARNE ASADA
Tacos de carne asada comes from Sonora, Mexico, one of the world’s top cattle-raising locations. These tacos feature the meat of the short loin section of the cow. The meat is marinated and grilled over charcoal to give it a smokey taste.
TACOS DE BIRRIA
Originally from Jalisco, Mexico, birria is a goat-based stew served for special occasions in Mexico. Birria is slow-cooked in broth to make it moist and tender. The tacos feature corn tortilla shells dipped in the broth and crisped on a skillet before adding the birria to the tortilla.
