7 Best Taco Recipes for a Fun and Flavorful Dinner

Taco Night Done Right The Ultimate Guide to Flavorful Tacos

Tacos! Who doesn't love tacos? They're fun, customizable, and perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. But let's be honest, sometimes taco night can get a little…boring. Same old ground beef, same old salsa. This guide is here to help you break out of your taco rut and explore a world of delicious and exciting taco possibilities. We're going to dive into 7 amazing taco recipes, discuss the best ingredients, and even recommend some kitchen gadgets to make your taco-making experience even better.

Recipe 1 Classic Ground Beef Tacos with a Twist

Let's start with a classic, but with a twist. We're not just talking about browning ground beef and throwing it in a shell. We're talking about flavorful, seasoned ground beef that will make your taste buds sing.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Ground Beef (80/20 blend is recommended for flavor)
• 1 packet Taco Seasoning (or homemade blend – recipe below!)
• 1/2 cup Water
• 12 Taco Shells (hard or soft, your preference)
• Toppings: Shredded Lettuce, Diced Tomatoes, Shredded Cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend), Sour Cream, Salsa, Guacamole

Homemade Taco Seasoning:

• 2 tbsp Chili Powder
• 1 tsp Ground Cumin
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/4 tsp Onion Powder
• 1/4 tsp Dried Oregano
• 1/4 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• 1/8 tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional, for heat)

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the taco seasoning (either store-bought or homemade) and water to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
3. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced and the beef is nicely coated with the seasoning.
4. Warm the taco shells according to package directions.
5. Fill each taco shell with the seasoned ground beef and your favorite toppings.
6. Enjoy!

Recipe 2 Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa Shrimp Taco Recipe

Ready to turn up the heat? These spicy shrimp tacos are a flavor explosion. The sweet mango salsa perfectly complements the spicy shrimp, creating a taco that's both refreshing and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Chili Powder
• 1/2 tsp Cumin
• 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 12 Small Corn Tortillas
• Mango Salsa (recipe below!)
• Optional Toppings: Shredded Cabbage, Avocado Crema, Cilantro

Mango Salsa:

• 1 ripe Mango, diced
• 1/2 Red Onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup Cilantro, chopped
• 1 Jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
• Juice of 1 Lime
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
3. While the shrimp is cooking, prepare the mango salsa by combining all ingredients in a bowl.
4. Warm the corn tortillas.
5. Fill each tortilla with the spicy shrimp, mango salsa, and your favorite toppings.
6. Enjoy!

Recipe 3 Vegetarian Black Bean Tacos with Roasted Corn Black Bean Taco Recipe

Vegetarian tacos don't have to be boring! These black bean tacos are packed with flavor and nutrients. The roasted corn adds a touch of sweetness and smokiness that takes these tacos to the next level.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 Onion, diced
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) Black Beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 oz) Corn, drained
• 1 tsp Chili Powder
• 1/2 tsp Cumin
• 1/4 tsp Smoked Paprika
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 12 Corn Tortillas
• Toppings: Shredded Lettuce, Diced Tomatoes, Avocado, Sour Cream, Salsa

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, toss the corn with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly browned.
3. While the corn is roasting, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil, onion, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the black beans, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
5. Warm the corn tortillas.
6. Fill each tortilla with the black bean mixture, roasted corn, and your favorite toppings.
7. Enjoy!

Recipe 4 Korean BBQ Beef Tacos with Kimchi Slaw Korean Taco Recipe

Fusion cuisine at its finest! These Korean BBQ beef tacos are a delicious and unexpected twist on a classic. The kimchi slaw adds a tangy and spicy kick that complements the savory beef perfectly.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Thinly Sliced Beef (Ribeye or Sirloin recommended)
• 1/4 cup Soy Sauce
• 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
• 1 tbsp Sesame Oil
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste)
• 1/2 tsp Ginger, grated
• 12 Flour Tortillas
• Kimchi Slaw (recipe below!)
• Optional Toppings: Sesame Seeds, Green Onions

Kimchi Slaw:

• 1 cup Kimchi, chopped
• 1/2 cup Shredded Cabbage
• 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar
• 1 tsp Sugar

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, gochujang, and ginger. Add the beef and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or longer, for more flavor).
2. While the beef is marinating, prepare the kimchi slaw by combining all ingredients in a bowl.
3. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Warm the flour tortillas.
5. Fill each tortilla with the Korean BBQ beef, kimchi slaw, and your favorite toppings.
6. Enjoy!

Recipe 5 Crispy Fish Tacos with Chipotle Lime Crema Fish Taco Recipe

These crispy fish tacos are a classic for a reason. The flaky white fish, crispy batter, and creamy chipotle lime crema are a match made in heaven.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb White Fish Fillets (Cod, Tilapia, or Mahi-Mahi recommended), cut into strips
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1 tsp Baking Powder
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Pepper
• 1 cup Beer (or Club Soda)
• Oil for frying
• 12 Corn Tortillas
• Chipotle Lime Crema (recipe below!)
• Shredded Cabbage

Chipotle Lime Crema:

• 1/2 cup Sour Cream
• 2 tbsp Mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce, minced
• Juice of 1 Lime
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in the beer (or club soda) until smooth.
2. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
3. Dip each fish strip in the batter and carefully drop it into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Remove the fish from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
5. While the fish is frying, prepare the chipotle lime crema by combining all ingredients in a bowl.
6. Warm the corn tortillas.
7. Fill each tortilla with the crispy fish, shredded cabbage, and chipotle lime crema.
8. Enjoy!

Recipe 6 Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa Pulled Pork Taco Recipe

Set it and forget it! These slow cooker pulled pork tacos are perfect for a busy weeknight. The sweet and tangy pineapple salsa adds a tropical twist that will transport you to the islands.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lb Pork Shoulder
• 1 tbsp Chili Powder
• 1 tsp Cumin
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
• 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 1 cup Chicken Broth
• 12 Flour Tortillas
• Pineapple Salsa (recipe below!)

Pineapple Salsa:

• 1 cup Diced Pineapple
• 1/2 Red Onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup Cilantro, chopped
• 1 Jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
• Juice of 1 Lime
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Rub the pork shoulder with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth over the pork.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, or until the pork is very tender and easily shreds.
4. Shred the pork with two forks.
5. While the pork is cooking, prepare the pineapple salsa by combining all ingredients in a bowl.
6. Warm the flour tortillas.
7. Fill each tortilla with the slow cooker pulled pork and pineapple salsa.
8. Enjoy!

Recipe 7 Buffalo Chicken Tacos with Blue Cheese Ranch Buffalo Chicken Taco Recipe

Spice lovers, rejoice! These buffalo chicken tacos are a fiery and flavorful twist on a classic appetizer. The blue cheese ranch dressing adds a cooling and creamy contrast to the spicy chicken.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Chicken Breast, cooked and shredded
• 1/2 cup Buffalo Wing Sauce
• 1/4 cup Butter, melted
• 12 Flour Tortillas
• Blue Cheese Ranch Dressing (recipe below!)
• Shredded Lettuce

Blue Cheese Ranch Dressing:

• 1/2 cup Ranch Dressing
• 1/4 cup Crumbled Blue Cheese
• 1 tbsp Milk (or Buttermilk)
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, and melted butter.
2. While the chicken is heating, prepare the blue cheese ranch dressing by combining all ingredients in a bowl.
3. Warm the flour tortillas.
4. Fill each tortilla with the buffalo chicken, shredded lettuce, and blue cheese ranch dressing.
5. Enjoy!

Essential Taco Night Equipment and Ingredient Recommendations Taco Equipment Recommendations

To elevate your taco game, consider investing in some quality kitchen tools and ingredients. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Taco Holders: Keep your tacos upright and prevent messy spills. Look for stainless steel or plastic options. Prices range from $10-$20 for a set of four. The ORBLUE Taco Holder Stand is a popular choice.
• Tortilla Warmer: Keep your tortillas warm and pliable. Electric tortilla warmers are convenient, or you can use a traditional cloth warmer. Prices range from $15-$30. The Elite Gourmet Electric Tortilla Maker is a good option.
• High-Quality Taco Seasoning: Skip the pre-made packets and make your own taco seasoning blend for a more flavorful and customizable experience. See our recipe above!
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Opt for ripe avocados, juicy tomatoes, and flavorful cilantro.

Hard Shell vs Soft Shell Tacos Which Taco Shell is the Best

The age-old question: hard shell or soft shell? The answer, of course, is personal preference! Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons of each:

• Hard Shell Tacos: Crunchy and satisfying, hard shells are great for holding lots of toppings. However, they can be prone to breaking and are not as pliable as soft shells.
• Soft Shell Tacos: More pliable and easier to wrap, soft shells are great for holding saucy fillings. They can also be warmed up easily in a skillet or microwave.

Ultimately, the best taco shell is the one you enjoy the most! Experiment with both and see which you prefer.

Spice Level Showdown Mild Medium and Hot Taco Options

Tacos are all about flavor, and spice is a key component! Here's how to adjust the spice level of your tacos to suit your preference:

• Mild: Use mild taco seasoning, skip the jalapeños in the salsa, and use a mild salsa.
• Medium: Use regular taco seasoning, add a small amount of jalapeño to the salsa, and use a medium-heat salsa.
• Hot: Use spicy taco seasoning, add plenty of jalapeño to the salsa, and use a hot salsa. Consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to your taco filling for an extra kick.

Remember, you can always add more spice, but you can't take it away! Start with a small amount and adjust to your liking.