Whether it’s Taco Tuesday, a cozy night in, or a gathering with friends and family – trying out the best taco recipes can make it all the more memorable! From the irresistible crunch of the shell to the explosion of flavors with each bite, tacos boast unparalleled versatility, taste, and satisfaction. They’re the perfect choice for all occasions and moods. With their endless variety of flavors and fillings, there’s a taco recipe out there to suit every taste and occasion.
In this blog, we’ll explore five must-try taco recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds and become instant favorites.
Taco Recipe 1: Classic Beef Tacos
A classic beef taco recipe to make you savor every bite!
Ingredients (for 4 servings)
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup (120ml) tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup (60ml) water
- 1 cup (150g) corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup (240ml) cooked black beans (canned is fine)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Taco shells or tortillas
- Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, grated cheese, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, guacamole or diced avocado for serving
How-to Guide
1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add garlic and bell pepper, and cook for another 2 minutes.
3. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Add cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute.
5. Pour in tomato sauce and water, simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Add corn kernels and black beans, and cook for 2-3 minutes.
7. Squeeze lime juice over the filling and stir. Taste and adjust seasoning.
8. Warm taco shells or tortillas, assemble tacos with filling and desired toppings.
Information and Tips
- This recipe serves 4 people, but you can easily adjust the quantities to suit your needs.
- For a leaner option, you can use ground turkey instead of beef.
- Customize your tacos with your favorite toppings such as diced onions, salsa, or hot sauce.
- Leftover filling can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and used in salads, burritos, or quesadillas.
Taco Recipe 2: Baja Fish Tacos
Ready to enjoy the fish tacos with some refreshing mango salsa? Here’s a fish tacos recipe that will transport you straight to the shores of Baja California!
Ingredients (for 4 servings)
- 1 lb (450g) white fish fillets (such as cod or tilapia)
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240ml) beer
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 2 cups (200g) shredded cabbage
- 1/4 cup (60ml) mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
How-to Guide
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually whisk in beer until smooth batter forms.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Dip fish fillets in batter, then fry until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
3. In a separate bowl, combine shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, lime juice, and garlic powder to make slaw.
4. Warm corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
5. To assemble tacos, place a piece of fried fish on each tortilla, and top with slaw, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Information and Tips
- Baja fish tacos are best enjoyed with fresh, flaky fish such as cod or tilapia.
- For a lighter version, you can bake the fish instead of frying it.
- Customize your tacos with additional toppings like salsa, hot sauce, or diced tomatoes.
- If you prefer a spicier slaw, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
Taco Recipe 3: Spicy Chicken Street Tacos
Craving tacos with some street flair? Here’s a chicken taco recipe to spice up your mealtime!
Ingredients (for 4 servings)
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 small corn tortillas
- Diced onion, chopped cilantro, lime wedges for serving
How-to Guide
1. In a bowl, mix together olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. Rub the spice mixture over chicken thighs, then let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Let chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice into thin strips.
5. Warm corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
6. To assemble tacos, fill each tortilla with sliced chicken, diced onion, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Information and Tips
- Chicken thighs are preferred for their juicy and flavorful meat, but you can use chicken breasts if you prefer.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less cayenne pepper to the spice rub.
- For added smokiness, grill the chicken over charcoal or wood chips.
- Serve these tacos with your favorite salsa or hot sauce for extra flavor.
Taco Recipe 4: Grilled Shrimp Tacos
Best shrimp tacos are enjoyed when you embrace the flavors of the sea and the smokiness of the grill. So here’s a shrimp taco recipe for you to savor every moment.
Ingredients (for 4 servings)
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 2 cups (200g) shredded cabbage or lettuce
- 1 cup (160g) diced pineapple
- 1/4 cup (60ml) mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- Sliced avocado, for serving
- Lime wedges, for serving
How-to Guide
1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add shrimp and toss to coat evenly.
2. Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
3. Warm flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
4. In a separate bowl, mix shredded cabbage or lettuce, diced pineapple, mayonnaise, lime juice, and chopped cilantro to make the slaw.
5. To assemble tacos, place a few shrimp on each tortilla, and top with slaw, sliced avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Information and Tips
- For extra flavor, grill the tortillas briefly before assembling the tacos.
- Feel free to customize the slaw with your favorite ingredients such as shredded carrots, red cabbage, or jalapeños.
- If you prefer, you can use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a gluten-free option.
- These shrimp tacos pair perfectly with a side of Mexican rice and beans for a complete meal.
Taco Recipe 5: Vegetarian Black Bean Tacos
Are you a vegetarian? Why not indulge in flavorful tacos with some healthy and nutritious black beans?
Ingredients (for 4 servings)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup (150g) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup (160g) corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) chopped fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños, for serving
- Lime wedges, for serving
How-to Guide
1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.
2. Add black beans, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook until heated through, mashing some of the beans with the back of a spoon.
3. Warm corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
4. To assemble tacos, spoon black bean mixture onto each tortilla. Top with diced tomatoes, corn kernels, chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapeños.
5. Serve tacos with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
Information and Tips
- Customize these tacos with your favorite toppings such as diced avocado, shredded lettuce, or salsa.
- For added protein, you can add cooked quinoa or rice to the black bean mixture.
- Leftover black bean mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and used in salads, burritos, or quesadillas.
- These vegetarian tacos are not only delicious but also packed with fiber and nutrients, making them a healthy choice for any meal.
BONUS RECIPE – Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe
Now if you want to elevate your tacos at home, here’s a seasoning that can be used to add a burst of flavor to your favorite dishes.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spice level)
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, combine all the spices: chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
2. Stir well until all the spices are evenly mixed.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or cayenne pepper according to your preference.
4. Transfer the taco seasoning to an airtight container or jar for storage.
5. When ready to use, add 2-3 tablespoons of the homemade taco seasoning mix to one pound of cooked ground beef, chicken, or turkey, along with 1/2 cup of water. Cook until heated through and well combined.
6. Use the seasoned meat to fill tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or any other Tex-Mex dishes you desire.
7. Store any leftover taco seasoning in a cool, dry place for future use.
This homemade taco seasoning is not only easy to make but also allows you to customize the flavor to suit your preferences. Enjoy the deliciousness of homemade tacos with this versatile seasoning blend!
Conclusion
Ready to take your taco night to the next level? Let the masters of flavor at Tex Mex 107 elevate your meal with our signature recipes. Simply call us at (443) 750-2000 or email texmex107@gmail.com to place an order for our Classic Beef Tacos, Baja Fish Tacos, or any of our tasty creations.
We’ll have them piping hot and ready for pickup in no time! Experience culinary bliss without lifting a finger – indulge in Tex Mex 107’s flavors from the comfort of your home. Don’t delay, call or email us today to start your taco takeover right. We can’t wait to make your cravings come alive!
FAQs
Can I customize the toppings in these taco recipes?
Certainly! You have the freedom to personalize your tacos with a variety of toppings such as diced onions, shredded lettuce, salsa, hot sauce, or even freshly chopped cilantro. Make your tacos uniquely yours by adding your favorite flavors and textures!
Can I adjust the spice level of these taco recipes?
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder, cayenne pepper, or other spices to suit your taste preferences.
How long does the homemade taco seasoning last?
Stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, homemade taco seasoning can last for several months. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before each use.