For Mexicans eating tacos is almost a spiritual experience. If a Taco is not well made or  lacks of flavour Mexicans can get really mad (of course, I’m part of the statistics).

To master the art of making great tacos in Down Under just like Mexicans do you can follow this practical guide with my 5 essential tips to make the most delicious and authentic Mexican taco. After this, you will never see tacos in the same way again.

1. Good quality corn tortillas

Forget about El Paso tortillas. If you want to be serious about eating real tacos you need to get the best quality corn tortillas and this brand El Paso is very far away of that.

Fortunately, thanks to the popularity of Mexican food in Australia the availability of good quality corn tortillas is also increasing.  Take as an example La Tortilleria, which is my favorite brand.

This Australian company is making corn tortillas the same way as the locals in Mexico does, using simple and local produced corn. These tortillas are delicious and so very authentic.

You can buy La Tortillera products in many delis across Australia, Wollies Metro supermarkets and online through the website: www.latortilleria.com.au.

Another great alternative to buy authentic corn tortillas is El Cielo. Their products are 100% organic and preservative free. To find out more about El Cielo goodies, including their delicious organic corn chips visit: www.elcielo.com.au. 

Perfect way to heat tortillas

A nice warm tortilla is the key to success in your taco experience. If you don’t do this properly the tortillas will break down and everything inside the taco will fall apart, which is the nightmare for any taco lover.

To avoid any disappointment heat the tortillas – one at the time – in a high temperature saucepan or cast iron griddle (comal), for about 15 seconds each side. Then transfer the heated tortillas to a clean cooking napkin and wrap them well to keep them warm. Alternatively, you can also use a tortilla warmer.

Once your tortillas are perfectly heated you are ready to build your tacos. If you are having guests leave the fun part to them in building their own tacos with many fillings to choose from. It’s fantastic!

2. Taco filling

Similar as a sandwich a taco filling could be almost everything. Literally anything that is able to be rolled inside a tortilla, becomes a taco.

In Mexico some of the most popular taco fillings are fajitas (beef, chicken, seafood or vegetarian), chorizo and potatos, pork carnitas (slow cooked pork) and refritos beans (refried beans).

Let your creativity shine and experiment with everything you might like to put in your tacos. I’m sure it will taste absolutely delicious. But if you need a little bit of inspiration, feel free to browse into my blog to get some recipe ideas.

3. Toppings

Mexican love toppings. We never hesitate to add as many as possible. Toppings give balance, texture and extra flavor to every taco bite.

From guacamole to fresh cheese, beans, chopped vegetables and pickles the variety of toppings can be as big as your imagination.

Taco toppings are usually presented in small individual bowls or plates around the table for everyone to choose from. A few drops of lime, some fresh chopped coriander and onion is highly recommended to put on top of any taco.

4. Salsa taquera (Taco stand salsa)

The last addition to go on a taco is a Mexican salsa taquera (sauce) to wrap up the taco experience. Depending of your chili tolerance it could be mild, hot or super hot.

I strongly recommend to make your own Mexican salsa with fresh and natural ingredients. It’s very easy and super quick.

Try to make my All purpose Mexi salsa recipe, the easiest salsa in the world. Or maybe you can choose one from some of my favorite Mexican food blogs listed below. They all are fantastic!

– AVOCADO GREEN SALSA by Mexico in my kitchen

– THREE SALSAS by Mexican food memories

– DO YOU DARE? HABANERO SALSA by Pati Jinich Blog

5. Agua fresca

The best way to complement your taco journey is with an agua fresca (fresh fruit water, Mexican style). It’s an iconic  drink that its available in any Mexican taqueria (taco stand).

My Cucumber & Lime Agua Fresca recipe is superb. You can have it for a very light and refreshing drinking option. It’ll nicely match with any variety of taco.

But if you are feeling like having something stronger to share with your tacos grab a Corona beer (mate). It’ll always be a fantastic choice

This is just a quick guide of what I think are the fundamentals for a real Mexican taco experience. If you like this article or if you have any other tip that you think it could be share to this list, please feel free to leave a comment below.  I’ll love to hear from you.

Happy Taco Journey and remember to build tacos no borders

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The post 5 ESSENTIAL TIPS TO MAKE THE PERFECT TACO appeared first on Chilisalt Mexican Food Blog.