70 Incredible Taco Recipes

September 28, 2016
Photo: Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Serve a do-it-yourself Mexican dinner and let friends and family pile on the seafood, pork, chicken, beef, or fresh veggie toppings into soft or crispy tortillas. Every night can be taco night when the main dish is this easy, delicious, and customizable for every taste. Whether you love crispy or soft shells, a lot or toppings or very little, you'll find the perfect plate of tacos just for you. 
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Sheet Pan BBQ Fish Tacos With Mexi Corn

Meredith Food Studios 
Sheet Pan BBQ Fish Tacos With Mexi Corn Recipe

This easy and impressive sheet pan dinner is from Julie Grimes' $10 Dinners: Delicious Meals for a Family of 4 that Don't Break the Bank.

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Family-Style Taco Night

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas
Family-Style Taco Night Recipe

For family taco night, set out the filling, taco shells, and toppings, and let everyone craft their own unique creations. Rather than a store bought taco mix pack, we created a simple homemade blend of basic pantry spices. It takes no more than five minutes to measure it all out and blend it up, and provides excellent flavor to a comforting, uncomplicated meal.

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Fish Tacos with Sweet Pickle Sauce

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine 
Fish Tacos with Sweet Pickle Sauce Recipe

The creamy sauce offers a cool counterpoint to the bold blackening spices. Not in the mood for tilapia? The recipe is also great with chicken, sliced flank steak, or shrimp. Toss some avocado, tomato, and cilantro into the mix, and you're ready to knock Taco Tuesday out of the park.

 

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Crispy Tilapia Tacos

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen
Crispy Tilapia Tacos Recipe
Aim for just a light coating of flour on the fish for minimal oil absorption--you should only use about 1/4 cup of the flour mixture. We attempted this recipe with whole-wheat flour, but the natural oils from the whole grain didn't allow the crust to crisp properly.

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Mushroom and Charred Corn Tacos with Guacamole

Photo: Jennifer Causey Styling: Lydia Degaris Pursell
Mushroom and Charred Corn Tacos with Guacamole Recipe

This quick taco filling is perfect for weeknight dinners. Poblano chiles bring rich, earthy flavor but little to no heat. (Every once in a while you can get a hot one, though.) If you want to add a little spice, add some crushed red pepper when you sauté the mushrooms.

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Carnitas Tacos with Pickled Red Onion

Photo: Jennifer Causey Styling: Lydia Degaris Pursell
Carnitas Tacos with Pickled Red Onion Recipe

The pork gets a big flavor boost from achiote paste, a mix of ground annatto seeds, vinegar, salt, and spices. Find it at Latin markets.

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Chicken Verde Tacos

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Missie Neville Crawford
Chicken Verde Tacos Recipe

We like a warm taco filling, but if you're going for something a little cooler and more refreshing, skip step 1 and drizzle the salsa over assembled tacos.

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Slow Cooker Barbacoa Brisket

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Lindsey Lower
Slow Cooker Barbacoa Brisket Recipe

Slow cooking tougher cuts of meat, such as beef brisket, gives you a meltingly tender texture. For tacos, serve the saucy barbacoa in tortillas with green and red onion, cilantro leaves, jalapeño slices, and fresh lime wedges.

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Slow Cooker Chicken Mole

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen
Slow Cooker Chicken Mole Recipe
Serve the whole leg quarters over brown basmati rice, or shred the chicken off the bone and layer onto corn tortillas with cilantro, radishes, and a squeeze of lime for family taco night.
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Pan-Seared Tuna Tacos with Avocado and Mango Salsa

Photo: Jennifer Causey Styling: Claire Spollen
Pan-Seared Tuna Tacos with Avocado and Mango Salsa Recipe

These simple, vibrant tacos rely largely on superfresh ingredients for the fullest flavor potential. Opt for just-ripe avocados and tuna from a source you trust.

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Grilled Flank Steak with Chipotle-Orange Mojo

Photo: Christopher Testani; Styling: Paige Hicks
Grilled Flank Steak with Chipotle-Orange Mojo Recipe

This delicious steak tostada recipe cuts back on calories and sodium by using 6-inch whole-grain corn tortillas instead of flour, meaning you can afford to eat two.

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Flank Steak Tacos with Avocado and Red Onion Salad

Photo: Annabelle Breakey; Styling: Jeffrey Larsen
Flank Steak Tacos with Avocado and Red Onion Salad Recipe
These juicy flank steak tacos are topped with an avocado, onion, jalapeño, and lime juice mixture. Serve steak with salad and tortillas.
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Shrimp Tacos

Photography: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Fonda Shaia
Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Get a taco dinner on the table in 10 minutes with a simple recipe that quickly infuses bold flavor into raw shrimp by boiling them for two minutes with black peppercorns, lime juice, and red pepper. Spoon the shrimp into corn tortillas and top with tomatoes, sour cream, and green onions, for a pop of color.

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Grilled Buffalo Chicken Tacos

Photo: Jennifer Causey Styling: Claire Spollen
Grilled Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe

We took the finger-licking beauty of a Buffalo wing experience and wrapped it in a tortilla--because that's how you win a weeknight.

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Spiced Beef Tostadas with Cilantro-Lime Rice

Photo: Greg Dupree; Styling: Claire Spollen
Spiced Beef Tostadas with Cilantro-Lime Rice Recipe
These tostadas are inspired by classic taco night toppers and sides. Our version amps up the spice while keeping sodium numbers in check.
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Crab Tacos

Photo: Annabelle Breakey; Styling: Randy Mon
Crab Tacos Recipe
Serve these crab tacos family-style. Place fillings in bowls and let everyone make their own taco. This recipe uses ready-made taco shells, but soft tortillas are good too.

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Pulled-Pork Tacos

Photo: Beatriz Da Costa
Pulled-Pork Tacos Recipe
Top  these pulled-pork tacos with chopped red onion, sliced jalapeños, and fresh cilantro for a spicy south-of-the-border taco dinner. Serve with Mexican rice and canned refried beans.

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Brisket Tacos with Summer Salsa

Photo: Alison Miksch; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
Brisket Tacos with Summer Salsa Recipe
Slow-cooker beef brisket and crunchy fruit salsa make these tacos a perfect blend of savory and sweet.
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Tofu Tacos

James Carrier
Tofu Tacos Recipe
Marinate extra-firm tofu in a mixture of soy sauce, lime juice, and spices for about five minutes, then skewer them and cook in a frying pan, turning until browned on all sides. Fill tortillas with tofu and cabbage drizzled with seasoned rice vinegar. Top with salsa and sour cream and serve.

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Grilled Fish Tacos with Jalapeño-Cabbage Slaw

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Linda Hirst
Grilled Fish Tacos with Jalapeño-Cabbage Slaw Recipe
We surround these savory Grilled Fish Tacos with our zesty Jalapeño-Cabbage Slaw that add flavor and crunch to each bite.

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Huevos Rancheros Tacos

Photo: Marcus Nilsson; Styling: Theo Vamvounakis
Huevos Rancheros Tacos Recipe
This is more of a knife-and-fork taco. The soft egg yolk oozes and coats the filling.
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Chimichurri Steak Tacos with Pickled Vegetables

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen
Chimichurri Steak Tacos with Pickled Vegetables Recipe
Though the amount of chicken skin may seem like a lot, it renders out most of its fat so that you only end up with 2.3 ounces after cooking. Use the cilantro stems for the sauce; the leaves will go in the rice. You'll use the parsley stems and carrot trimmings in the stock for Dinner 3 and the broccoli florets in Dinner 5.

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Steak Tacos

Photo: Jennifer Causey Styling: Lydia Degaris Pursell
Steak Tacos Recipe
These hearty tacos are the perfect entree for steak lovers.

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Garlicky Shrimp-Cilantro Tacos (Tacos de Camarones al Mojo de Ajo)

Photo: James Carrier; Styling: Karen Shinto
Garlicky Shrimp-Cilantro Tacos (Tacos de Camarones al Mojo de Ajo) Recipe
Tacos don't have to be simple tomato-lettuce-and-cheese stackers. Serve an easy, upscale version that calls for Serrano chiles, white onion, garlic, and shrimp. Plate the taco filling in double tortillas to soak up any excess sauce.
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Pork Tacos with Mango Slaw

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Cindy Barr
Pork Tacos with Mango Slaw Recipe
Whole tenderloin is seared and sliced for these quick pork tacos. Serve with lime wedges.

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Blackened Shrimp Tacos

Photo: Marcus Nilsson; Styling: Theo Vamvounakis
Blackened Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Blackened Shrimp Tacos take a Cajun spin in preparation and flavor. These tacos are so easy to put together and make a nice addition to your dinner rotation.

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Peanut-Crusted Tofu Tacos with Tangy Slaw

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Lindsey Lower
Peanut-Crusted Tofu Tacos with Tangy Slaw Recipe
Give traditional tacos a run for their money with Peanut-Crusted Tofu Tacos with Tangy Slaw. This vegetarian dish may be the one to convert non-tofu eaters in your house.
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Steak Tacos with Charred Salsa

Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
Steak Tacos with Charred Salsa Recipe
Here's a fresh serving idea: Assemble and serve tortillas in parchment paper-lined cups.

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San Antonio Beef Puffy Tacos

Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Kay Clark
San Antonio Beef Puffy Tacos Recipe
Original tacos were a little different than the U-shaped tortillas invented by entrepreneur Glen Bell of Taco Bell. The real deal begins with a ball of masa flattened into a thin round that's fried to a golden crispness. The masa puffs up a bit, which is how the moniker "puffy taco" came into play. Stuff with ground taco meat, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese.

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Ancho Chicken Tacos

Photo: John Autry; Styling: Cindy Barr
Ancho Chicken Tacos Recipe

Create authentic Mexican-style tacos by cooking the chicken in a mixture of ancho chili powder and cumin and serving over corn tortillas topped with slaw and avocado cream.

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Chicken Soft Tacos with Sautéed Onions and Apples

Photography: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Fonda Shaia
Chicken Soft Tacos with Sautéed Onions and Apples Recipe
Give Tex-Mex a savory-sweet punch of flavor by serving tacos with a chicken filling cooked with ground nutmeg, tart Granny Smith apples, and caramelized onions. Pair with a bright cole slaw and you'll have dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes.

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Kung Pao Chicken Tacos

Photo: Brian Woodcock; Styling: Mary Clayton Carl
Kung Pao Chicken Tacos Recipe
Chinese takeout is even tastier when it gets wrapped in a tortilla. Plus, you get to ditch those pesky chopsticks and use your hands instead.

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Black Bean Tacos with Feta Slaw

Photo: Jason Wallis; Styling: Cindy Barr
Black Bean Tacos with Feta Slaw Recipe
Tacos are extremely friendly to vegetarians, too! Canned beans that are already seasoned help bring these meatless tacos together in a flash.
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Cola Shredded Beef Tacos

Photo: Annabelle Breakey; Styling: Randy Mon
Cola Shredded Beef Tacos Recipe
This recipe features shredded beef chuck roast flavored with cola, tomatoes, chiles, and cumin. Bet 'cha can't eat just one.

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Chicken Tinga Tacos

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen
Chicken Tinga Tacos Recipe
Spice up your standard taco by adding loads of fresh spices and ingredients that make these flavors soar.

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Crisp Chicken Tacos

James Carrier
Crisp Chicken Tacos Recipe
Make your favorite fried taco dish at home by following our easy tips. Fry an empty shell on one side, then flip and fill it with grilled chicken. Fold the tortilla in half and fry until one side is crispy (about 20 seconds), then flip and fry the other side. Drain the taco of excess oil then let it rest in a baking dish before transferring it to a warm oven, where it will stay warm and crisp until you're ready to eat. Serve with hot sauce and condiments.
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Three-Bean Tacos

HOWARD L. PUCKETT
Three-Bean Tacos Recipe
Skip the ground beef and serve a dinner stuffed with fresh vegetables, dried spices, and three kinds of beans. Chickpeas, black beans, and pinto beans simmer in a fragrant mixture of chili powder, oregano, cumin, and garlic while the simmer with diced bell pepper and onion. Layer the beans in crispy shells and top with the standard Mexican toppers: shredded cheese, tomato, lettuce, sour cream, and salsa.

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Shredded Chicken Tacos with Mango Salsa

Photo: Justin Walker; Styling: Carla Gonzalez-Hart
Shredded Chicken Tacos with Mango Salsa Recipe
Look for crema, the Mexican version of sour cream, in Mexican markets or the international aisle of most supermarkets. You could also thin sour cream with 1/2 teaspoon lime juice.

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Deep-Dish Taco Pizza

Photo: Oxmoor House
Deep-Dish Taco Pizza Recipe
Mix the best of easy Mexican and Italian favorites by serving a zesty taco pizza. Top refrigerated pizza dough with cooked ground round and onion, cooked with canned tomatoes and Mexican seasoning. Bake for 12 minutes, then top with cheese and bake again until the cheese is melted. This recipe is a guaranteed kid-pleaser.
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Spicy Flank Steak Tacos with Watermelon Salsa

Photo: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Ginny Branch
Spicy Flank Steak Tacos with Watermelon Salsa Recipe
The three-pepper spice rub gives the steak wonderful complexity. Minty watermelon salsa is an unexpectedly delicious addition.

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Chocolate Tacos

Photo: Marcus Nilsson; Styling: Theo Vamvounakis
Chocolate Tacos Recipe
Tacos... for dessert? Finish off your taco night with these crunchy chocolate shells stuffed with ice cream, peanuts and more chocolate.

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Tacos al Carbon

Photo: Lee Harrelson
Tacos al Carbon Recipe
"Al carbón" tacos are typically cooked over charcoal, but it's easy to mimic that flavor inside by cooking steak, onions, and peppers in a skillet to make a one-pan meaty main dish. Pile the saucy fajita-like mixture into warm corn tortillas and top with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream.
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Shrimp Tacos with Corn Salsa

Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Cindy Barr
Shrimp Tacos with Corn Salsa Recipe
Grilled shrimp pairs well with the natural sweetness in the fresh corn salsa. We recommend squeezing fresh lime over any taco just before digging in!

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Shredded Pork and Pinto Tacos with Pepita Slaw

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen
Shredded Pork and Pinto Tacos with Pepita Slaw Recipe
A half-pound of pork is a gracious plenty for these tacos, which are beefed up with pinto beans, Greek yogurt-amped avocado crema, and a crunchy slaw topped with pumpkinseeds.

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Crunchy Jerk Tacos with Watermelon-Mango Salsa

Photo: Alison Miksch; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham
Crunchy Jerk Tacos with Watermelon-Mango Salsa Recipe
The watermelon-mango salsa on these tacos offers the perfect tart and sweet compliment to the spiced jerk chicken.