HOW TO MAKE AUTHENTIC TACOS

Okay, let the arguments begin. This article is based on research, and interviews of Mexican food professionals with a history of preparing traditional Mexican cuisine. However, like any other "historic" article, we expect pushback from some of you. And you know what? That's alright. Why? Because we love all kinds of tacos. And if you say you make the "Real, True, Traditional, Authentic Taco... we'd like to try it!

 

In the meantime, we'll show you what we believe to be exactly How To Make Authentic Tacos.

"Ain't no party

like a taco party!"

INGREDIENTS To Make Authentic Tacos

Mexican cuisine is delicious largely due to the use of fresh ingredients in their dishes. This is certainly true with tacos as well. With the diversity of Mexico, the ingredients used in tacos vary from region to region.  Sorry to burst your bubble. This is likely the main source for so many disagreements about what an authentic taco really is (it varies). However, there are staples that you will find in most all authentic tacos:

  • Onions
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Radishes
  • Limes
  • Avocado
  • Tomatoes
  • Chili Peppers
  • Tortillas

 

MEAT for Authentic Tacos

Finally, we come to the main ingredient, the meat. Believe it or not, the meat used in authentic tacos varies greatly (often influenced by region or availability). However, the key here is to have fresh cooked. The most often used are beef and pork, but you will also find fish, chicken, tripa (tripe), lengua (beef tongue), suadero (thin cuts of beef, often called "rose meat"), and buche (crop or esophagus). To keep it simple we suggest you start with pulled pork or pulled chicken, thinly sliced marinated beef.

 

TOPPINGS for Authentic Tacos

The first bite of an authentic Mexican taco should deliver a huge burst of flavor, tantalizing your taste buds and flirting with your senses. Like many dishes, it's the toppings that make authentic tacos so delicious. When it comes to ingredients, the traditional authentic toppings for tacos would typically include Cilantro, Diced Onion, Radish, and Tomatoes. However, we've included a more comprehensive list of toppings that are often found in the making of this delicious food:

  • Pico de Gallo
  • Cilantro
  • Diced Onion
  • Radish
  • Tomatoes
  • Avocado
  • Pickled onions
  • Salsa

Once you've added your toppings remember to finish your tacos with a squeeze of lime juice. This will make the flavors explode!

"Let's give 'em
something to
taco 'bout!"

SALSA to Make Authentic Tacos

Some will say this should have been placed in the Toppings Section. Hell No! Salsa can make or break a taco (even soft shells. In Mexico, each region has its own way of making their salsa. The most popular salsas are typically tomato-based with chilis, onions, and often garlic, some salt, and a bit of lime juice. For spicier salsa, dry chilies are used (much hotter). You will also find green tomatillo-based salsa verde. 

Salsa Roja - Authentic Homemade Salsa
INGREDIENTS
5 - 7 Roma tomatoes if you intend to Rdy Roast your tomatoes otherwise, use a 14 oz can of stewed tomatoes (include the juice)
1 Medium Yellow onion
2 - 4 Garlic Cloves
2 Jalapenos (deseed)
1 handful of Chopped Cilantro
10 - 20 Dried Arbol Chilies (the more the spicier)
1 Teaspoon of Lime Juice
1/2 Teaspoon of Salt
1/2 Teaspoon of Pepper

 

 

Remove Jalapenos stems
Place Jalapenos and seeds in. a blender and blend well
Add the tomatoes, one sliced jalapeno, 1 - 2 garlic cloves, the chilies, a small handful of cilantro, the lime juice, salt, and pepper, and blend for desired consistency. Make sure that you don't blend it too much and let it get runny.

 

If you are pre-making your salsa, refrigerate it; just remember to take it out early enough so that it isn't cold when serving.

​​​​​

"Tacos are cheaper than therapy."

HOW TO MAKE AUTHENTIC TACOS

Let's start by saying this ain't rocket science. Making Authentic Tacos is relatively simple. You already have all of your ingredients laid out. Now, there are just a couple of critical issues to remember. 

TORTILLAS

The first mistake most people make... hard taco shells. Many of you believe that hard taco shells are the foundation for making authentic tacos. WRONG! There is nothing wrong with crunchy taco shells. In fact many of you grew up on them. Can you say Taco Bell? However, we're talking about how to make Authentic Tacos. Authentic Mexican tacos are served on warm and freshly made flour or corn tortillas (almost always corn). However, whether corn or flour tortillas depends on the region. 
 

 

To warm tortillas, heat them on a dry, hot skillet over medium heat for a few seconds on each side. Do not use a high heat (a common mistake). Do not add oil (another common mistake). You can also wrap them in a foil packet and warm them in an oven on low heat.  

 

This is the foundation for great authentic tacos.
 

 

THE MEAT
The next important aspect of your taco is the meat. As mentioned above, you can use most any meat you like however, the most authentic will typically be pork or beef (shredded to keep it authentic). Here is what we suggest when it comes to meat. Here are the actual names of the meat tacos

Carne Asada: Grilled, thinly sliced beef

Carnitas: Slow-cooked, shredded pork

Al Pastor: Marinated pork, often cooked on a vertical spit

Tacos de Pollo: Slow-cooked, shredded chicken 

"Taco walk on the Wild Side!"

LET'S DO THIS!!!
STEPS IN MAKING YOUR AUTHENTIC TACOS

Let's keep it simple. 

1. Marinate, slow cook, or grill your meats. This is going to come down to your preference. I suggest marinating your pork or chicken as you slow-cook it in a crockpot. Don't add too many spices, but enough to give it the flavor that you like. I use salt, pepper, and garlic and will often add some lime juice. This keeps the flavor strong but not complicated. This goes for chicken or pork.

If you are going to go with beef, use skirt steak. Cut it into thin slices and marinate it overnight in some oil, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Then grill it just before you are ready to serve. This will deliver a lot of flavor and tenderize the beef.

 

2. PRE-MAKE YOUR SALSA - See above

 

3. Get your ingredients out and organized on a counter

 

4. Dice the onions and the tomatoes, keeping them separate. Thinly slice the radishes. Cut the avocados last and keep them in a bowl with the seeds. Cut them lengthwise and then cut the slices in half.

 

5. Get your meat warmed up if you have pre-cooked it

 

6. Have your skillet ready to start warming your tortillas. Remember, this only takes a few seconds on each side, and you do not want to use oil.

 

7. Set up bowls with all ingredients divided to make it easy to serve when you start pulling your tortilla shells off of the heat or out of the oven

 

8. First, add the meat, followed by the cilantro and onions or any of your other toppings that you or your guests prefer.

 

9. Spoon on the salsa! Then, add your toppings. Remember, for authenticity and a big bust of flavor, give each taco a generous squirt of lime!

Now you're making Authentic Tacos that everyone will love!

Denada!

"Forget the Democratic Party!

Forget the Republican Party! 

Let's all agree on

A TACO PARTY!"