The Best Tacos: 5 Chef Tips for Making Them

Tacos are a true treasure of Mexican cuisine, and if you want to learn how to make authentic tacos that will take you on a journey to Mexico from home, you’ve come to the right place! Chef Lili shares with you five valuable tips to transform your tacos into unforgettable delights.

1. Choose the Right Tortillas

For proper tacos, it all starts with the choice of tortillas. Tortillas made from corn dough (masa), prepared using the nixtamalization technique, are a must for an authentic experience. However, corn flour tortillas also have their benefits.

Remember, heating your tortillas is crucial. They must be flexible enough to wrap the filling without cracking. Keep them warm in a tortillero to prevent them from drying out.

2. Protein Choices

For tasty tacos, bet on quality proteins. Whether you prefer pork, beef, chicken, or fish, make sure to use fresh ingredients. Marinating meat or fish before cooking will give them even more flavor.

If you’re a vegan fan, don’t worry, there are some great vegan options for tacos. The cactus, for example, is a delicious and nutritious source of protein and fiber.

3. Don’t forget Salsa

Salsa is the soul of tacos. It distinguishes an exceptional taqueria from a mediocre one in Mexico. No matter how great the tacos are, if the salsas aren’t up to par, it can compromise the entire experience.

Among the classic salsas, you will find:

• Salsa Roja (Red Sauce): A mixture of tomatoes, chilies and onions.
• Salsa Verde (Green Sauce): A mixture of tomatillos, cilantro and onion. Tomatillos are green tomato-like green fruits used in many Mexican dishes, including salsa verde.

But don’t limit yourself to the classics. There are a variety of salsas that can enhance your tacos. Salsa Macha, for example, is made with morita pepper, sesame and garlic, offering a unique flavor that pairs perfectly with any toppings.

4. The Toppings

The possibilities for toppings for your tacos are endless. Of course, there are classic and authentic pairings such as pork cochinita with pickled red onions, or pastor with pineapple.

However, don’t be afraid to explore your creativity. The best tacos are the ones that reflect your personal preferences. Whether you’re a fan of classic combinations or prefer to create your own combinations, the main thing is to have fun.

5. Avoids Overcharging

Finally, a crucial tip: don’t overload your tacos. Less is often more. Leave space for delicious toppings like guacamole and prevent your tacos from becoming too bulky to enjoy comfortably.

In summary, making authentic tacos requires careful attention to each element, but the quality of each ingredient will depend on your personal preference. At the end of the day, there are so many taco variations out there, you just have to find the one that fills you with happiness!

If you haven’t tasted Mexican tacos yet, why not try our discovery box? It has everything you need to make tacos with an authentic Mexican taste at home!