How to Make Tacos at Home
Welcome to your ultimate taco-making guide! Bursting with colourful flavours and made for sharing, Mexican cuisine is perfect for family meals – and you don't have to pack your bags and travel across the globe. You can whip up homemade Mexican meals right there in your kitchen, starting with tacos!
What is a taco ?
- A taco is a tortilla (made out of corn or wheat), which is generously filled with seasoned fillings and garnish. Traditionally, tacos are handheld delights that can be savoured as a meal or a quick snack.
Are tacos from Mexico?
- Yes! Tracing the roots of tacos takes us back to 18th century Mexico, where they first gained popularity, and if you're curious – the term 'taco' comes from the mining lingo, referring to paper wrapped around gunpowder inserted into rocks.
- Over time, the taco grew in popularity and as Mexican migrants made their way into the United States, more and more people were introduced to this delicious and versatile meal we know and love today!
What do you put in a taco: ingredients & toppings
When it comes to what to put in the perfect taco, the choice is yours! There's a load of ingredients and toppings you can incorporate into this flavoursome dish – all you need is a tortilla or a crunchy shell as your canvas, and heap in your favourite meat or fish. Don't forget your veggies, salsa, cheese and guacamole for that extra zing!
Shell: Cracking the taco code starts with the shell. Unlike their cousins the fajitas and burritos, tacos are usually compact and bite-sized. Soft ones use flour tortillas, the crunchy kind use corn. For the can't-decide crowd, try our Stand 'N' Stuff™ soft tortillas, boat-shaped for easy loading with all your beloved ingredients.
Filling: After the shell, comes your filling – and there’s plenty of room for imagination here! Traditional choices range from chicken, beef, slow-cooked pork, to white fish. Some adventurous souls even opt for beans, sweet potatoes, or lamb.
Seasonings: Depending on the type of taco you’re making, you’ll also want to ensure that you have the correct seasonings at the ready to marinate your meat, fish or vegetables.
Salsa: Salsa and sauces are the soul of your taco, tying all other ingredients together. A tangy pico de gallo complements almost everything. Want to try something different? Go for a mango salsa which harmonises incredibly with fish tacos.
Garnishes & Toppings: Now the final touches! Sour cream, cheese, guacamole are all fan favourites. For an extra zip of flavour, toss in some coriander, radish slices or lime too.
Sauces: Like the cherry on top of a sundae, sauces amplify the taste of your fillings and lend even more variety to your dish. Finish it off with a drizzle of hot sauce for artful decoration before serving up.
What’s in taco seasoning?
The taco seasoning you use will depend on the type of taco you’re aiming to make. However, taco seasoning is typically a blend of spices, salt, black pepper, oregano and garlic powder.
Our pre-prepared taco seasoning mix and taco kits can help you ensure you get the flavour right every time!
Different types of tacos
If you’re a big fan of tacos or have ever ordered some at a restaurant, you’ll have noticed that there are many different types! Here are some of the most popular taco varieties and their names:
Carnitas Tacos: Carnitas tacos are tacos with shredded slow-cooked pork often cooked in its own fat to give it extra flavour.
Birria Tacos: Birria tacos are another form of slow-cooked meat tacos, typically made with either goat, beef or lamb and marinated in a brothy blend of spices and vinegar for tender melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Carne Asada Tacos: Carne Asada tacos are a popular form of street tacos filled with grilled beef (generally steak) that’s been marinated in lime juice and usually topped with cilantro, onions and more.
Barbacoa Tacos: Barbacoa also refers to slow cooked meat tacos, with flavours that are usually a mixture of smoky and spicy. Traditionally, barbacoa tacos would be cooked in an underground pit but a slow cooker will also do the trick!
Al Pastor Tacos: Al Pastor tacos are another form of slow-cooked meat tacos, except in this version the meat is traditionally cooked on a spit. Toppings and seasonings also differentiate this version from other types of tacos and usually include pineapple and chilli for a tangy and sweet dish.
Tacos De Pescado: This name refers to any type of taco where the filling is fish based.
Baja Fish Tacos: Baja Fish Tacos are a specific type of taco made with battered fish. The recipe originates from Baja, California – showing just how loved tacos are across the world!
How to make homemade tacos
The tantalising taste of tacos comes from a mix of simple, fresh ingredients. No need for anything overblown – the magic of tacos lies in the harmony of its elements.
To slice off some prep time, consider purchasing some parts and prep your fillings ahead of time. Pull together a pulled pork in your slow cooker. It can be frozen for even quicker future taco nights. Tacos are incredibly versatile to prepare – and when you're hosting family and friends, you can put together a mix of fillings for a delightful spread.
Jazz up your own taco with your style and savour it in countless ways. For a bold dose of heat, introduce jalapeños into your filling, or infuse some melted cheese for irresistibly gooey tacos.
Going plant-based? You're still spoilt for choice! Avocado, sweet potato, mushrooms and roasted cauliflower are a deliciously diverse range.
How do you eat tacos?
Tacos are made to be eaten with bare hands! Forget utensils – enjoy an easy, casual atmosphere around the table with this Mexican staple.
Take the fun a step further by getting everyone involved with a DIY filling station where everyone can assemble their own unique taco mix.
Taco side dishes
Tacos, whether a bite or a meal, go brilliantly with a few tasty sides – here are a few quick ideas to ramp up your taco night:
Nachos: Cooking up nachos is swift and uses many of the ingredients from your taco prep.
Refried beans: Jazz up any Mexican meal with refried beans – especially when you've got a can of our Old El Paso™ refried beans close at hand!
Chips & Dips: Tortilla chips with dips like salsa and guacamole are always a hit. Why not try a chunky five-layer Mexican dip or a hearty taco bean dip for a protein-packed treat?
Check out our full guide on what to serve with tacos here.
How To Make Pulled Pork Stand 'N' Stuff™ Tacos
Recipe Name
Pulled Pork Stand 'N' Stuff™ TacosTotal Time
3 hours and 15 minutesSpice Level
MildServings
4Ingredients
- 750g boneless pork shoulder joint
- 1 pack Old El Paso™ Garlic & Paprika Taco Seasoning Mix
- 1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil
- 250ml pineapple juice
- 250ml water
- 1 pack Old El Paso™ Stand 'N' Stuff™ Soft Flour Tortillas
- 1/2 fresh pineapple, thinly sliced
- 1 pack (250g) microwave long grain white rice, heated to pack instructions
- 1 tin Old El Paso™ Black Beans, drained
- 1 large handful coriander, chopped, plus extra to garnish
- 1 red onion, halved and thinly sliced
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 180ºC (160ºC for fan assisted ovens), gas mark 4. Rub 1 1/2 tablespoon of the seasoning mix over the pork joint. Heat the oil in a medium heavy based casserole dish or ovenproof pan over a medium heat and add the pork. Cook for 3-4 minutes, turning so each side is browned. Remove and discard the string.
- Add the pineapple juice and water to the pan with the remaining seasoning mix, bring to the boil and turn down to a simmer, cover and cook in the oven for 3 hours until the pork is tender and falling apart.
- Drain the liquid from the pork reserving 50ml. Shred the pork, using 2 forks and stir together with the reserved liquid.
- Stir the rice, beans and most of the coriander together in a medium bowl. Mix the red onion, lime juice and salt together in a small bowl. Allow them to stand for 5 minutes to allow the flavours to infuse.
- Fill the soft tortillas with the rice, pulled pork, sliced pineapple, pickled red onions and garnish with the remaining coriander.
Expert Tips
- Squeeze a little lime juice over the top for a citrusy kick.
Serve alongside a salad of lettuce leaves, tomatoes and cucumber.
Tasty Tacos Your Way
Now that you know exactly how to make tacos at home and what ingredients you’ll need, it’s time to make your tacos your way. From flavoursome meat dishes to fish and even veg, tacos offer plenty of options to keep your dinner times fun and exciting. Plus, they’re great for catering to guests as well. Why not create your very own taco bar and invite family and friends over to Make Some Noise or discover even more taco recipes below.