What are Tacos? How to make authentic Mexican Tacos at home

Mexican Tacos, also known simply as tacos, are a famous street food from Mexico that has gradually become popular worldwide, including in Vietnam. With a unique combination of a crispy shell and diverse fillings, tacos create a harmonious blend of flavors: sour, spicy, salty, sweet, rich, and aromatic, stimulating the taste buds. Let’s join X-BBQ in discovering how to make authentic and delicious tacos at home with simple and easily accessible ingredients.

What are Tacos? Origin

Tacos are a traditional Mexican dish made from thin shells of corn or wheat flour, accompanied by a variety of rich fillings. The shells are usually small and hand-sized, baked or fried until crispy. Inside, the fillings can be beef, chicken, pork, seafood, or vegetables, all seasoned with the distinctive spices of Mexico.

There are many different types of tacos, such as Tacos al Pastor, Tacos de Asada, and Tacos de Pescado, each with its unique flavor and preparation method. The diversity and richness of the fillings have made tacos a beloved dish worldwide. Let’s get started on making authentic Mexican tacos at home!

How to make Mexican ground meat Tacos

How to Make Taco Shells (Tortillas)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups corn flour or wheat flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (for corn flour) or 3/4 cup water (for wheat flour)
• 2 teaspoons olive oil (for wheat flour)

Instructions:

• Mix flour and salt: Place the corn or wheat flour in a large bowl, add the salt, and mix well.
• Add water: Gradually pour warm water into the bowl while stirring until the dough binds and is no longer dry.
• Knead the dough: Knead the dough until smooth and non-sticky. For wheat flour, add olive oil and continue kneading until the dough is soft and smooth.
• Rest the dough: Cover the bowl with the dough and let it rest for about 15-30 minutes.
• Shape the tortillas: Divide the dough into small balls, then roll them out into thin discs approximately 15 cm in diameter.

• Cook the tortillas: Heat a cast iron skillet or non-stick pan over high heat. Place each piece of dough onto the skillet, cooking each side for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until golden brown spots appear. Set aside

How to Make Taco Meat Filling

Ingredients:

• 0.5 kg ground beef (recommend 80% lean, 20% fat)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions:

• Heat the pan: Heat a skillet over medium heat.
• Cook the beef: Sauté the ground beef for about 5 minutes. Cook until the meat is no longer pink, then drain the excess fat.
• Season the meat: Add the chili powder, cumin, salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano.
• Simmer: Pour in the water and simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens. Turn off the heat and set aside.

Prepare the Toppings

Ingredients:

• Lettuce, shredded
• Tomatoes, diced
• Onions, thinly sliced
• Cilantro, chopped
• Shredded cheese
• Salsa, guacamole, sour cream (optional)

Instructions:

• Prepare the vegetables: Wash and chop the vegetables.
• Make Salsa and guacamole: If desired, you can make your own salsa with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and chili peppers. Guacamole can be made from mashed avocados, onions, tomatoes, and lemon juice.

Enjoying your Tacos

• Reheat the Tortillas: Reheat the tortillas if necessary.
• Assemble: Place the tortillas on a plate, add a layer of meat or tofu, then top with vegetables and other toppings as desired. You can add salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for extra flavor.
• Enjoy: Fold the tortillas in half and enjoy while hot.

Tips and tricks for making authentic and delicious Tacos

Tips for perfect Tortillas:

• Choose quality ingredients: Use the best corn or wheat flour you can find. The quality of the ingredients greatly affects the taste and texture of the tortillas.
• Knead the dough properly: Ensure the dough is smooth and lump-free when kneading. This helps make the tortillas soft and easy to shape.
• Cook the tortillas properly: Use a cast iron or non-stick skillet, preheated before placing the tortillas. Cook each side for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until golden brown spots appear.

Seasoning tips for the filling:

• Marinate properly: To ensure the meat absorbs the spices evenly, marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking. You can use a mix of Mexican spices like chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and pepper.
• Grill or fry the meat: For beef or chicken, you can grill or fry until golden brown. This helps retain the moisture and distinctive flavor of the meat.

Balancing flavors with toppings:

• Use Fresh vegetables: Fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro not only enhance the flavor but also help balance the nutrition of the tacos.
• Make your own sauces: Homemade salsa, guacamole, or sour cream ensures fresh flavors and no preservatives.
• Add a squeeze of lime: Squeeze a bit of lime over the tacos before eating to add a refreshing taste and enhance the flavors.

With the simple recipe and tips above, you can easily make delicious and authentic Mexican Tacos right at home. Not only are they a tasty dish, but Tacos also offer a perfect blend of flavors and nutrition. Take the time to showcase your culinary skills and enjoy this famous street food with family and friends. Homemade Tacos will surely provide you with memorable culinary experiences. Wishing you success and enjoyable meals!