Taste of Tacos: From Classic to Creative

Tacos are a versatile and popular dish originating from Mexico, consisting of a folded or rolled tortilla typically filled with various ingredients.

Classic Beef Tacos

Ingredients of Beef Tacos

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup water
• 8 small taco shells (hard or soft)
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• Salsa for serving

Instructions of Classic Beef Tacos

• Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain off excess fat.
• Add chopped onion and chopped garlic to skillet and cook until soft, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add taco seasoning and water. Simmer for about 5 minutes or until mixture thickens.
• Heat taco shells according to package directions.
• Assemble tacos by filling each shell with beef mixture, then top with shredded lettuce, cheese, chopped tomatoes, black olives and sour cream. Serve with salsa.

Creative Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa

Ingredients

Instructions

• In a medium bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and toss to coat evenly.
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are opaque and fully cooked. Remove from heat.
• To make the mango salsa, combine the chopped mango, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, salt, and cilantro in a bowl. Mix well.
• Warm the flour tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
• Assemble the tacos by placing a few shrimp in each tortilla. Top with slices of avocado, a spoonful of mango salsa, crumbled cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro leaves. Serve immediately.

Tips for Tacos

• Always warm your tortillas before serving. For soft tortillas, you can heat them in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side, or wrap them in foil and warm them in a low oven. For hard shells, follow the package instructions to keep them crispy.
• Great tacos have a balance of flavors (spicy, savory, tangy) and textures (crunchy, creamy, soft). Incorporate a variety of toppings like crunchy lettuce, creamy avocado, tangy salsa, and savory cheese to achieve this balance. Whether you’re using beef, chicken, shrimp, or a vegetarian filling, make sure to season it well.
• Use spices like cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Marinating your protein can also enhance the flavor.

Macros

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Protein: 13g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 15g

Frequently Asked Questions for Tacos

1. What are the different types of tacos?

• There are many types of tacos, including traditional varieties like beef, chicken, pork (carnitas), and fish tacos. There are also vegetarian and vegan options featuring beans, tofu, or vegetables. Creative variations can include shrimp, steak, and unique toppings like mango salsa or avocado crema.

2. What is the best type of tortilla to use for tacos?

• The choice between flour and corn tortillas depends on personal preference and the type of taco. Corn tortillas are more traditional and gluten-free, while flour tortillas are softer and more flexible. Some recipes might call for crispy taco shells.

3. How do I keep taco shells from breaking?

• To keep taco shells from breaking, warm them in the oven or microwave before filling them. Heating makes them more pliable and less likely to crack.

4. What are some essential toppings for tacos?

• Common taco toppings include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped onions, cilantro, and lime wedges. You can also add pickled jalapeños, radishes, or hot sauce for extra flavor.

5. How can I make tacos healthier?

• To make tacos healthier, use lean proteins like chicken or fish, whole wheat or corn tortillas, and plenty of fresh vegetables. You can also opt for low-fat cheese and yogurt instead of sour cream, and avoid fried taco shells.

Taste of Tacos: From Classic to Creative

Carol

Tacos are a versatile and popular dish originating from Mexico, consisting of a folded or rolled tortilla typically filled with various ingredients.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 9 minutes mins

Course Brunch

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 2

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

  

Classic Beef Tacos

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• ½ cup water
• 8 small taco shells hard or soft
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup diced tomatoes
• ¼ cup sliced black olives
• ¼ cup sour cream
• Salsa for serving

Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa

• 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 small flour tortillas
• 1 avocado sliced
• ¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Mango Salsa Ingredients:

• 1 ripe mango peeled and diced
• ½ red bell pepper diced
• ¼ red onion finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño seeded and finely chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro chopped

Instructions

 

Instructions of Classic Beef Tacos

• Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain off excess fat.
• Add chopped onion and chopped garlic to skillet and cook until soft, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add taco seasoning and water. Simmer for about 5 minutes or until mixture thickens.
• Heat taco shells according to package directions.
• Assemble tacos by filling each shell with beef mixture, then top with shredded lettuce, cheese, chopped tomatoes, black olives and sour cream. Serve with salsa.

Instructions for Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa

• In a medium bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and toss to coat evenly.
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are opaque and fully cooked. Remove from heat.
• To make the mango salsa, combine the chopped mango, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, salt, and cilantro in a bowl. Mix well.
• Warm the flour tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
• Assemble the tacos by placing a few shrimp in each tortilla. Top with slices of avocado, a spoonful of mango salsa, crumbled cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro leaves. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Always warm your tortillas before serving. For soft tortillas, you can heat them in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side, or wrap them in foil and warm them in a low oven. For hard shells, follow the package instructions to keep them crispy.

Keyword Classic Beef Tacos, Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa