What to Put in Tacos: Taco Bar Recipe Ideas and Popular Taco Toppings
By Lisa Bot | Published 5 December 2023
Introduction
The Joy of Tacos
Tacos take an ordinary mealtime and transform it into something extraordinary. These handheld delights are versatile, flavourful, and perfect for a casual hangout or a party atmosphere. From the joy of a DIY filling station where you can explore unique mixes, to the delightful crunch or soft texture of the taco itself, tacos offer a variety-packed experience. So let's dive right into building the perfect taco bar for your next Taco Tuesday!
Read our guide to learn all about the most popular types of traditional tacos.
Crafting the Perfect Taco Bar
Creating a taco bar is much more than just laying out ingredients. It's like composing a flavourful combo, a symphony of textures and tastes, guiding your guests to construct their own heavenly creations. Sourcing inspiration from fusion cookbooks, such as Julia Turshen’s cookbook Simply Julia, you can include exciting options like Jackfruit Taco filling, or opt to stick with Tex-Mex favourites, the universally loved cheese, lettuce, and tomato.
From various meats to an array of veggies, innovative sauces, and garnishes, you can assemble an impressive spread that pleases every palate. Drawing on the variety and vibrancy of a true Tex-Mex cookbook, be prepared to transform an ordinary meal into the ultimate fiesta with just a little planning and many a culinary creativity.
Read our blog post for more inspiration: 34 Best Taco Toppings For A Taco Bar That Get Rid Of Your Taco Recipe
Main Protein Filling Ideas
Ground Beef: The Classic Choice
Ground beef is the quintessential filling in a taco, offering a rich, hearty flavour. Lean ground beef, or even better, a savoury steak cut, offers amazing taste but isn't overly greasy. The steak beef, particularly a 90% to 93% lean cut, has great flavour and minimal fat content that doesn't require draining after cooking – a boon for those looking for a simple, time-efficient taco recipe.
When seasoning your beef, a mix using ingredients like chilli powder, cumin, salt, dried oregano, garlic powder, ground black pepper, steak sauce, and a bit of water can create an aromatic, mouth-watering blend that'll make your steak tacos unforgettable.
Believe it or not, mince tacos aren't authentic to Mexico, but steak is, even though they're a staple of many American taco nights!
Note: If you use beef steak with a higher fat content, just remember to drain off the fat before adding seasonings to keep it from becoming too greasy.
Untraditional Proteins: From Pork to Fish Tacos
When you want to push the envelope and offer an unexpected twist, think about veering away from traditional and explore options such as fish, tofu, prawns, or slow-cooked beef. Why not add a serving of cauliflower tacos or veggie tacos on the side? It can surely add a pleasant surprise to your guests' plates.
Pulled pork, for instance, gives a melt-in-the-mouth, juicy alternative to the classic choices. Slow-cooked until it is tender and easy to shred, it can take the flavour quotient of your taco to a whole new level.
Fish tacos, on the other hand, offer a lighter, yet equally delicious alternative, especially grilled white fish. Gently seasoned with chipotle spice, it can pair wonderfully with cabbage salad, coriander, and chilli in soft tortillas. On the seafood front, prawns or shrimp can add a sophisticated twist to your taco bar.
Or consider tofu, a delightful addition for those searching for veggie options. Grilled and glazed with your favourite marinade, tofu can indeed be a substantial and satisfying addition. Also, let's not forget air fryer cauliflower tacos, which have gained immense popularity recently!
Remember, variety is the spice of life, so don't hesitate to offer multiple choices.
Fact: Fish tacos have ratings of 4.8 out of 5 on a popular recipe site, indicating their popularity and deliciousness. But don't be surprised if your cauliflower tacos steal the spotlight!
Hearty Vegetable Fillings
Bell Peppers: Sweet and Colourful
Bell peppers (or capsicum) breathe life into your taco bar with their sweet, crisp bite and riot of colours, from green and yellow to striking red and orange. Each colour represents a different flavour profile - green is the most bitter, red is the sweetest, and yellow and orange taste somewhere in between, adding complexity to your flavourful dishes.
Don't forget another ingredient; the sliced radishes. They can add a nice crunch and a punchy flavour to your meal that you don't want to miss out.
You can grill, sauté, or indeed serve them raw, just like how sautéed poblano slices or coughed onions could be served. Sautéed bell peppers are particularly good in tacos, especially when paired with charred corn or diced mango, adding a dash of smoky char flavour to your creations.
Consider using bell peppers as a wrapper for a low-carb, nutritious alternative to traditional tacos! Include a generous helping of cilantro lime dressing for that burst of freshness. A garnishing of fried tortilla strips would create an interesting play on textures.
Fact: Despite their differences in taste and colour, all bell peppers come from the same plant. They simply have different maturity levels – green bell peppers are harvested earlier, while the others are left on the plant longer. Much like how a radish's flavour can vary depending on its size and maturity.
I hope this post inspires you to host a family-style meal, experimenting not only with bell peppers but also with sliced radishes and other interesting ingredients.
Cilantro and Lime: The Secret Salsa Ingredients
Adding cilantro and lime to your taco bar brings a refreshing, zesty twist to your fillings and salsas. Cilantro, also known as coriander, presents an earthy flavour, while lime provides tart notes that highlight the robustness of the main fillings. Combined with tomato, green onions, and the spicy kick of jalapeño, cilantro and lime make up the base for a traditional Mexican treat - Pico de Gallo. This tomato-onion-cilantro-jalapeño sauce, which is essentially an explosion of fresh and zesty flavours, is a favourite addition to tacos. You can make this jalapeño sauce from scratch by blending together these ingredients along with a splash of lime juice and seasoning them to taste. Gauge the smoothness or texture - it's your call! Moreover, consider embarking on a culinary adventure with mango salsa too, it'll add a sweet and tropical flair to your spread.
Aside from that, you can also use the cilantro-lime-jalapeño combo to whip up an enticing vinaigrette. This dressing, combining fresh cilantro, olive oil, jalapeño, lime juice, and the unique flavour of mango, adds a sensory storm to your salad dressings. But remember, whether you choose to dip, slather, top, or stir in these sauces at your taco bar, it's all up to you!
Rich and Creamy Taco Toppings
Guacamole or Avocado: A Must-Have
Without question, guacamole or avocado is a must when setting up a taco bar. The creamy texture and distinct flavour of avocado make it an all-time favourite. Our special guacamole recipe involves ripe avocados mixed with onions, lime juice, and seasonings to add a punch to your taco experience — especially if you aren't adding other toppings.
The beauty of fresh, homemade guacamole is that you can adapt it to your preference. Whether you like it chunky or smooth, spicy, or mild, all you need are ripe avocados, tomatoes, jalapenos, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Alternatively, consider opting for an equally appetising and zesty avocado salsa recipe that will transport your taste buds into a state of ecstacy.
If making guacamole seems too complicated, you can always serve freshly sliced or diced avocados, or even opt for a creamy avocado sauce. This versatile topping not only adds colour but also enriches the flavour of your tacos. The avocado slices provide a pleasing fresh crunch, the latter, a creamy base that beautifully accentuates the existing flavours.
Tip: To ensure that your guacamole doesn’t brown until serving time, stick the avocado pit in the bowl of your prepared guacamole.
Sour Cream: Simple and Delicious?
Oh, sour cream! It's a staple in many taco bars thanks to its creamy texture and slightly tangy taste. Just one dollop can elevate your taco experience instantly. Now, imagine enhancing this experience further with delicious cremas like a cilantro and lime crema. Such cremas, aiolis, and creamy sauces are popular options and work well especially with spicy tacos. They complement the various taco fillings beautifully with a creamy base that can be both tasty and healthier, like an avocado crema.
Sour cream, although rich and butterfat nature (an astonishing 18% fat), isn't the healthiest topping on the lot. An alternative for those conscious about their health is plain yogurt or even crema. Plain yogurt can offer a similar taste and texture to sour cream, but with less fat and more protein. But you needn't rule out sour cream completely. Using it sparingly, or by using crema as an option, can balance both taste and health.
Both sour cream or yogurt have the ability to cool down the palate after a bite of a spicy taco, giving your taco bar a full spectrum of flavours.
Tip: You can spice up your sour cream or yogurt, or even crema, by adding flavours like lime zest, jalapenos, or cilantro. Cilantro and lime crema comes together quickly and can transform your fiesta-inspired foods in an instant.
Spicing it Up: Traditional Salsas and Hot Sauces
Pico de Gallo: Fresh and Zesty
Enter Pico de Gallo, the simple, fresh, and vibrant salsa that you can make ahead in minutes! It's chunky, made with chopped tomatoes, onions, serrano peppers, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. The beauty of pico de gallo lies in its distinctive texture – while all salsa ingredients are typically blended together, pico de gallo keeps them separated, adding a lovely chunkiness to your tacos.
Another advantage of using Pico de Gallo as a topping is its versatility. You can add it to your taco, dip your tortilla chip in it, or even serve it with a salad. Plus, an added convenience of using Pico de Gallo is that it's easy to make at home.
Feel like enhancing the Pico de Gallo? Adding an avocado is a delightful idea. Now known as Pico de Gallo with avocado, this twist can add more depth to your salad, tacos, chicken, and even toast, turning them into a flavour-packed meal. Happy munching!
Hot Sauce: For Those Who Like It Fiery
Some like it hot, and for those heat-seekers, a selection of hot sauces is a must-have for your taco bar. Adding a noticeable dose of magic, hot sauces not only pack a punch of heat, but they also enhance the overall flavours without overpowering the primary ingredients.
Consider showcasing a range of hot sauces, each with a different heat level and flavour profile. For instance, Harissa, a Tunisian hot sauce, brings in smoky notes with its combination of dried chilis, paprika, caraway, tomatoes, and hot oil. Sriracha, a Thai hot sauce, has a beautiful mix of tanginess, sweetness, and of course, heat— a spicy magic of its own. Chipotle sauce is smoky and earthy, while traditional Mexican hot sauces like Valentina or Tapatio add a familiar fiery flavour. Imagine blending the tart juicy bite of fresh cranberries with fiery jalapeños — now that's a magical touch for a hot sauce addition!
Remember to label the heat level of each hot sauce, as some guests may not be as adventurous at the taco bar!
Tip: Create a mini hot-sauce station on your taco bar for guests to sample and select their preferred magical blend.
Carbs: Tortillas and Taco Shells
Corn vs Wheat Tortillas: What's the Difference?
Let's talk tortillas. They are, after all, the vessel for your delicious taco fillings. Corn tortillas, often smaller and thicker, have a robust flavour and a slightly crumbly texture, while wheat tortillas, also known as flour tortillas, are larger, thinner, and sport a mild, slightly sweet flavour.
Choosing between them usually boils down to personal preference, but it’s also worth mentioning the benefits they respectively provide. For instance, corn tortillas are high in fiber and low in fat, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a healthy, gluten-free variant. On the other hand, the flour tortillas are praised for their pliability - they are less likely to crack when filled, making them ideal for larger, fully-loaded tacos, burritos, or wraps. In fact, our favourite flour tortillas are the raw flour refrigerated option from the local grocery store. They are easy to cook and serve and surely add a charming touch to your meal.
Regardless of your choice, both types of tortillas are delicious and provide a fantastic base for your taco creations, letting people relish the rich flavour of corn tortillas and the pliability of flour tortillas all in one! If you're feeling adventurous, why not mix and match? You can even enhance their taste by heating them on a dry skillet, comal, or directly over the flame.
While they can be enjoyed solo, it's also common to serve guacamole with tortilla chips on the side for dipping. Whether homemade or store-bought, tortilla chips are excellent accompaniments providing a crunchy balance to the softness of tacos.
Tip: While they should puff slightly and start getting toasty brown spots, be sure not to overcook your tortillas.
Crunchy Taco Shells: A Different Approach
When it comes to crunchy vs. soft, the crunch of a hard shell taco is a joy that many taco lovers, particularly black bean tacos enthusiasts, won't pass up. Known for its distinctive texture, biting into a crunchy taco shell makes taco eating a fun, textural experience.
While you can always buy pre-made hard shells, making your own is surprisingly satisfying. All you need to do is lightly brush corn tortillas with oil and bake until they're crispy. You can either drape them over the oven rack to achieve a classic U shape or lay them flat for tostada-style shells.
For those filled taco shell aficionados, try a spicy Mexican-style pulled pork or black bean filling in your hard-shell tacos. You can also use these for taco salads, where you fill them up with layers of black beans, cheese, lettuce, and salsa. This could also be a great opportunity to explore other fillings like steak, chicken, or even portobello mushroom tacos. However, just remember they are more prone to breaking and not as easy to stuff to the brim.
Regardless, crunchy taco shells are a great way to add another dimension of texture to your taco bar featuring black bean tacos.
Tip: To keep them from getting soggy, fill your crunchy taco shells with the chosen filling, such as black beans or carne asada, at the last minute just before eating.
Tips and Tricks for Creating a Stunning Taco Bar
Mixing and Matching for Unique Flavours
One of the biggest joys of a taco bar is the freedom it grants each person to customise. From a myriad of protein choices to an array of toppings, sauces, and garnishes, your guests can let their imagination run wild. Think tangy shrimp with sweet and sour pineapple salsa, soft tofu with spicy sriracha sauce, or slow-cooked beef with crunchy red cabbage, all crowned with a sprinkle of queso fresco for an authentic touch.
The blending of spicy, sour, sweet, and salty flavours along with the mild, crumbly texture of queso fresco, can elevate your taco and create a remarkable culinary experience. For something unusual, introduce pickled vegetables like cabbage or carrots to your taco bar. These can provide acidity and crunch, a delicious contrast that makes your taco taste even better when paired with queso fresco.
Do not forget to offer a variety of cheeses as well – traditional options like the saltier, drier Cotija, and the more familiar crumbly queso fresco, alongside the commonly shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese. These varied cheese options can lend a creamy layer to your tacos that is palatably satisfying.
Get ready to marvel at the unique combinations your guests will create with these additions!
Presentation Tips for a Fun and Inviting Taco Bar
The look and feel of your taco bar are just as important as the food itself - a captivating presentation can get your guests excited to build their own tacos. Here are a couple of tips:
- Layout: Organise your layout with thought. Start with plates and napkins, followed by tortillas or taco shells. Next should be proteins, then vegetables, and finally, toppings and sauces. This creates a logical flow, preventing any congestion around the bar. Don’t forget to include a Pinteresting variety of sauces, one of which might be a drizzle of salsa or hot sauce perfect for traditional Mexican tacos.
- Labels: Use markers or cute little chalkboard signs to label each ingredient. This is especially considerate when ingredients like a drizzle sauce are involved that might be unknown to some. It’s particularly helpful if you're hosting guests with food allergies or dietary restrictions.
- Variety: Variety is key. Set up different shapes, colours, and sizes of serving dishes - it adds depth and interest to your taco bar.
- Decor: Lastly, add some fun elements. Add a colourful tablecloth, fun throw pillows, or even a cute festive banner. Pinterest-worthy, Mexican-style décor can amp up the Fiesta vibe!
Remember, the goal is not to be perfect, but to create a casual and inviting atmosphere where your guests will have a great time!
Check out our article for more: 34 Best Taco Toppings For A Taco Bar That Get Rid Of Your Taco Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular taco toppings?
There are as many taco toppings as there are preferences, but some wildly popular options include:
- Guacamole or Avocado slices: These add a creamy richness that is a fan favourite.
- Sour Cream or Yogurt: Balance the heat of the spices in your tacos with a dollop of these.
- Pico de Gallo: A generous topping of these assorted, chopped fresh vegetables adds a welcome crunch.
- Cheese: Whether it's Grated Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or crumbled Cotija, cheese is always a good idea.
- Cilantro: Not just for colour, but for a distinct herbaceous flavour, cilantro is a gem.
- Pickled onions or jalapenos: These pack in acidity for a refreshing bite, akin to a palette cleanser.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime provides that essential burst of fresh tang every taco begs for.
- Hot Sauce: For those who can handle the heat and love it too!
- Refried Beans: A delicious twist that adds a new texture and a hearty flavour.
Remember, the best taco toppings are those that please your palate, achieving the ideal balance between salty, spicy, sweet, tangy, and even hearty, like with refried beans.
How can I make my taco bar more exciting?
Great question! Here are a few tips to enhance your guests' taco bar experience:
- Variety: In addition to offering a variety of proteins, you can also send an email to your guests asking them if they'd prefer traditional or plant-based options. Of course, you should also make sure to include both soft and hard taco shells.
- Theme it up: Shooting a quick email can help determine the night's theme. Would they enjoy an exotic fusion night that includes Indian-spiced paneer, Korean BBQ pork, or Thai chicken?
- Interactive Elements: Consider having a station where your guests can squeeze their own fresh lime juice or make their own salsa.
- Add a Drink Station: Suggest an assortment of flavoured margaritas or a DIY 'agua frescas' station — the perfect pair for your taco feast.
- Dessert Tacos: Tacos aren't just for lunch or dinner, dessert tacos are also a hit. Consider options such as choco-tacos or fruit tacos with whipped cream.
- Cooking Contest: Encourage guests to experiment and have a friendly contest on who can make the tastiest taco!
- Fun Decorations: Share photos of vibrant Mexican-themed decor such as colourful table runners or cactus centrepieces to inspire your guests.
Remember, a variety of options ensures an exciting taco bar experience.
