Tacos are the ideal quick evening meal. Easy and quick tacos recipe to make than take out.
Mexican Tacos
Traditional Mexican beef tacos are served on soft corn tortillas with marinated sliced or shredded beef. Those are fantastic! But that’s not what most Americans envision when they think of traditional tacos.
History of Tacos
The history of tacos is a journey through time that reveals the culinary richness of Mexico. It begins with the indigenous peoples of Mesoamerica who ingeniously used tortillas to wrap and consume various foods. These early tacos featured fillings that were influenced by the local ingredients, ranging from fish and insects to vegetables and meats.
The word “taco” itself is believed to have originated from the Náhuatl word “tlahco,” which referred to a folded or rolled piece of paper or cloth used for wrapping. This term eventually came to describe the tortilla-based creations that we now know as tacos.
Tacos became synonymous with street food culture in Mexico. Street vendors, known as taqueros, set up stands and mobile carts, offering a wide variety of taco options. This tradition remains a vibrant and beloved aspect of Mexican cuisine, with taco stands and street food vendors found throughout the country.
In the modern era, tacos have diversified into a wide range of options. Soft tacos, hard-shell tacos, and fusion tacos that incorporate ingredients from other cuisines have become popular. Taco trucks (food trucks) are common in many cities, serving an array of taco variations. Additionally, Mexican restaurants and taquerias offer extensive taco menus, allowing customers to customize their taco experience with different fillings, salsas, and toppings.
Tacos are celebrated at various food festivals and events, such as “Taco Tuesday” specials at restaurants and National Taco Day in the United States. The history of tacos is a testament to their enduring popularity and the ability of this simple yet delicious dish to transcend cultural boundaries and become a beloved culinary icon enjoyed by people worldwide.
What are Tacos?
Mexican tacos are a popular and iconic dish in Mexican cuisine. They consist of a tortilla (a thin, flatbread made from corn or wheat) that is typically folded or rolled around a filling. The fillings can vary widely, offering a diverse range of flavors and textures.
Here are some key components of Mexican tacos:
Tortillas: Tortillas are the foundation of any taco. Corn tortillas are more traditional in Mexico, while flour tortillas are commonly used in some regions. They serve as the vessel for holding the taco’s contents.
Fillings: The fillings are what give tacos their distinct flavors. Some common taco fillings include:
Carne Asada: Grilled and marinated beef.
Al Pastor: Pork marinated with adobo seasoning and cooked on a vertical rotisserie.
Carnitas: Slow-cooked, tender, and seasoned pork.
Pollo Asado: Grilled and marinated chicken.
Barbacoa: Traditionally, this is slow-cooked, tender beef or lamb, often seasoned with chilies and spices.
Toppings: Tacos are often garnished with a variety of toppings, which can include:
Salsa: Salsas range from mild to spicy and come in various flavors, such as salsa verde (green salsa) or salsa roja (red salsa).
Onions and Cilantro: Chopped onions and fresh cilantro add a burst of freshness.
Lime: A squeeze of fresh lime juice enhances the flavors.
Radishes: Sliced radishes provide a crunchy texture.
Variety: Tacos come in many regional variations in Mexico, reflecting the diverse culinary traditions throughout the country. Different regions may have their own signature styles and fillings.
Street Food: Mexican tacos are often associated with street food culture, and street vendors known as “taqueros” prepare and serve them in markets, plazas, and on street corners.
Recipe for the Best Ground Beef Tacos
Most of us grew up eating ground beef tacos with tonnes of toppings in a crispy corn shell or a soft flour tortilla. In this recipe, we’ll make a typical taco. However, we are not utilising a pre-made taco seasoning mix. A tasty homemade taco seasoning is used in this dish.
What Kind of Ground Beef Should You Use for Tacos?
Because you don’t have to drain any fat after cooking lean ground beef is the finest meat to use for tacos. There is just enough fat in the meat to make it tasty without making it oily. By skipping the process of draining the fat, this taco dish is fast and straightforward.
Of course, if you have extra fatty ground beef, you may still use it in this recipe. Cook the meat and drain the fat before adding the taco ingredients.
How To Make the Best Mexican Tacos?
Making delicious tacos at home is easy and allows you to customize them with your favorite ingredients. Here’s a basic recipe for making tacos:
Ingredients:
1 pound of ground beef (or your preferred protein)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 packet of taco seasoning (or make your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne)
1 cup of water
8 small taco shells or tortillas
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
Salsa (optional)
Sliced jalapeños (optional)
Instructions:
Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook and crumble the beef until it’s browned and the onions are soft.
Add Seasoning: Drain any excess fat from the beef. Then, add the taco seasoning (or your homemade blend) to the skillet. Stir it well to coat the beef and onions.
Simmer: Pour in the cup of water and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and creates a saucy filling.
Prepare Toppings: While the meat is simmering, chop your lettuce and tomatoes. Shred the cheese and gather any other toppings you like, such as salsa and sliced jalapeños.
Warm Tortillas: You can warm your taco shells or tortillas in the oven or on a hot, dry skillet for a minute or two. This step enhances the taco experience.
Assemble Tacos: Once your meat filling is ready, scoop a portion into each taco shell. Then, add your desired toppings. Start with lettuce and tomatoes, followed by cheese, sour cream, and any other toppings you enjoy.
Serve: Place the completed tacos on a platter, and serve them with a side of salsa or your favorite hot sauce.
Enjoy: Now, it’s time to savor your homemade tacos. Simply pick up a taco, take a bite, and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures.
Feel free to customize your tacos further by adding ingredients like guacamole, black beans, or grilled vegetables. Tacos are incredibly versatile, so you can adapt them to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Enjoy your homemade tacos with family and friends for a fun and satisfying meal.
Taco Toppings
- Shredded lettuce
- Shredded cheese
- Diced onion
- Chopped tomatoes
- Sour cream
- Sliced avocado
- Guacamole
How much taco meat is required for each person?
If you use the conventional size hard taco shells or tiny 6-inch flour tortillas, 2 teaspoons of taco meat each taco is the appropriate quantity. This recipe yields 12 tacos using 1 pound of lean ground beef. I usually serve 3 tacos per person. So I use 1 pound of taco meat for 4 people.
