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Let’s Talk Tacos

Beef and Artichoke Salsa Tacos

This Mexican street food is so popular it seems everyone has added Taco Tuesday to their weekly menu. I know if you put a plate of tacos in front of me, you’ll see one big smile on my face. If you’re looking for a bit of taco inspiration, here are a few of what I think are the best taco recipes.

“In the words of my little brother these tacos are ‘freakin bomb’ and I would have to agree,” jokes Lauren Mitchell (Portland, OR).

What makes Lauren’s Grilled Fish Tacos with Chipotle Crema special is the marinade. Lime juice, olive oil, and garlic combine with seasonings like chili powder, cumin and Mexican oregano to pack one flavor punch. The chipotle cream tops the tacos off real nicely.

While Lauren uses mahi-mahi for her fish tacos, Stephanie Tate (Toledo, OH) chose tilapia or fresh cod for her Baja Style Fish Tacos.

“This recipe reminds me of summers in Mexico and buying a fish taco from the street vendors,” reminisces Lauren. “A traditional street fish taco has a flour batter, [but] I prefer using very fine cornmeal instead.”

I’ve never met a fish taco I haven’t enjoyed… and I loved these! I taste recipes as I go, and with each taste, these got better and better. The cornmeal adds a slight crunch and texture to the fish. These tacos are big on flavor and easy to make.

“Super easy to fix – just put the main ingredient in the crock pot in the morning and it’s ready at supper,” says Tommy Curtis (Sharps Chapel, TN) of his family-favorite Cantina Beef and Lime Tacos recipe. “This dish is also foolproof, you can’t mess it up!”

If you’re looking for a dinnertime fiesta, this is a fantastic go-to recipe. And the recipe seriously couldn’t be any easier. Put it in the crock pot in the morning, and your house will smell amazing all day while it’s simmering.

What I love most about Greg Fontenot (Spring, TX) Beef and Artichoke Salsa Tacos is the amazing salsa on top. By adding just lime juice and chili season, the steak is seasoned just enough so that unusual artichoke salsa can really shine.

“This is a taco I prepare in some form at least every week,” shares Greg. Serve these to your family once, and I guarantee they’ll become a staple on your taco night menu. These are tasty!

“We love to go to our favorite Mexican restaurant, but when we can’t get a sitter or we’re just too tired to go out, this dinner fits the bill,” explains Shanelle Long (Locust Grove, GA). “This recipe satisfies that need for quality Mexican food we enjoy out, but right in the comfort of our home.”

I love the yummy flavors in Shanelle’s Amazing “Date Night” Chicken Tacos. It may be the “stewing” of the chicken, I’m not sure, but something special definitely does make these guys amazing!

“This recipe takes some time but is well worth the time,” says Danielle Williams (Newport, RI) of her Pulled Pork Tacos with Pickled Red Onions and Cilantro Pesto.

My goodness, Danielle’s rub recipe is a real knock-out! Brown sugar, salt, pepper, cayenne, cinnamon (the secret ingredient I think), cumin… so much flavor soaking into the pork butt. Throw in the yummy cilantro pesto and delicately pickled red onions, and you have got one truly special meal.

Whether you decide to go traditional or mix your flavors up a bit, tacos are an easy weeknight meal or work great for a fiesta with friends (margarita anyone?). Let me know your favorite taco recipe… Happy Pinching!