Soft Taco 101: A Guide to Making Delicious Tacos at Home

Are you craving for some mouth-watering soft tacos? Tacos are one of the most popular Mexican dishes around the globe, and making soft tacos at home is not only easy but also exciting! The great thing about soft tacos is that you can fill them with almost anything and make them as spicy or mild as per your taste buds.

If you want to make some soft tacos at home and are unsure where to start, you’re in the right place! In this article, you’ll find a straightforward and easy-to-follow guide on making delicious soft tacos. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, these tacos will surely impress everyone at the table. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let’s get started!

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Introduction:

Soft tacos are undoubtedly one of the most delicious Mexican dishes out there. They are a great alternative to traditional hard shell tacos and are perfect for those who enjoy a more subtle crunch. Making soft tacos from scratch might seem a bit daunting, but we’re here to show you just how easy it is!

Below are ten simple and easy steps that will guide you through the entire process of making delicious soft tacos from scratch:

1. The Ingredients:

The first step in making soft tacos is to gather all of your ingredients. You will need flour, salt, baking powder, lard, vegetable shortening, and warm water. It is always better to use high-quality ingredients, as they can greatly enhance the taste of your tacos.

2. Mixing the Dough:

The next step is to mix your dough. Start by mixing the flour, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl. Then add the lard and vegetable shortening, and mix until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Finally, add warm water and mix the dough until it comes together.

3. Kneading the Dough:

Once your dough has come together, it’s time to knead it. Sprinkle some flour on a flat surface and knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. This can take anywhere from 5-10 minutes.

4. Resting the Dough:

After kneading, cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the gluten in the dough to relax, making it easier to roll out later.

5. Dividing the Dough:

Once your dough has rested, divide it into small balls of equal size. This will ensure that all of your tacos are of the same size.

6. Rolling the Dough:

Now it’s time to roll out your dough! Sprinkle some flour on a flat surface and roll each ball out into a thin circle. You can use a rolling pin or your hands for this step.

7. Cooking the Tacos:

Once your dough is rolled out, cook your tacos in a hot skillet or griddle. Cook each taco for around 30 seconds on each side, or until they start to puff up.

8. Keeping the Tacos Warm:

To keep your tacos warm, you can wrap them in aluminum foil or place them in a tortilla warmer. This will prevent them from getting cold and help them retain their shape.

9. Filling the Tacos:

Now it’s time to add your favorite filling! You can add a variety of fillings such as grilled chicken, beef, vegetables, or beans. Don’t forget to add some toppings like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

10. Enjoying Your Tacos:

And there you have it! Your delicious soft tacos are ready to enjoy. Bite into the soft and fluffy taco shell and savor the burst of flavors from the fillings. Perfect for a family dinner, party, or just a quick lunch fix.

Conclusion:

Making soft tacos is a relatively easy and straightforward process that can yield delicious and satisfying results. By following these ten easy steps, you’ll be on your way to enjoying soft tacos that are just as good (if not better) than ones you would find at your favorite Mexican restaurant. So, what are you waiting for? Get your ingredients ready, and let’s start cooking!

Preparing the Meat filling

When it comes to meat, the choice of filling is up to you – chicken, beef, pork, or even shrimp. Whatever you choose to use, it’s important to season it well.

1. Seasoning for the meat filling
Like any good Mexican dish, seasoning is everything. Seasoning your meat filling is easy and can be achieved with a few simple spices. You can add a tablespoon of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt to the cooking meat. Cook seasoned meat until it’s browned and fully cooked.

2. Cooking the meat filling
To cook the meat filling, you can use either a pan or a slow cooker. Personally, I prefer using a slow cooker as it allows the meat to cook slowly and absorbs all of the flavors from the seasoning fully. On the other hand, cooking a seasoned mixture of ground beef, chicken, or pork in a hot pan on the stove is an excellent option too.

3. Creating a Vegetarian Meat Filling
You can create a vegetarian meat filling by preparing mushrooms, sweet potatoes, or other vegetables as a meat substitute, seasoning with various spices, and then cooking until tender.

4. Add beans
Other than meat, you can add cooked refried beans to your filling to add extra flavor, protein, and veggies to your recipe.

5. Cheese and Tomatoes
One of the best ways to take the taste of your meat filling up a notch is by adding cheese, fresh tomatoes, and onions. It also gives color and makes it quite appealing to the eye.

6. Spicing it up
If you prefer a spicier meat filling, You can add hot sauce or diced jalapenos to the frying pan while cooking your meat mixture or sprinkle some diced Thai chilies over the tacos before serving.

7. Nutritious Meat Filling
A nutritious meat filling is a great way to promote healthy eating. You can use leaner cuts of meat, stuffing it with vegetables like bell pepper, onions, or carrots to make the filling healthier.

8. Defrosting meat for the filling
If you’re using frozen meat, take it out of the freezer and let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. If you’re in a hurry and need to defrost the meat quickly, you can also use the microwave.

9. Preparing the meat for cooking
Before cooking your meat filling, chop it into small pieces so it can cook uniformly. When cooking meat, it’s important to cook thoroughly. It can prevent food-borne illnesses like salmonella or E.coli.

10. Using a pressure cooker for the meat filling
Using a pressure cooker to cook meats is quicker and creates more flavorful dishes with meats that are that are fall-off-the-bone tender. However, there also is a chance of overcooking in a pressure cooker, so make sure to follow the cooking instructions to avoid a meaty disaster.

Ingredients for Soft Tacos

Soft tacos are a quick, easy and crowd-pleasing meal that can be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you are hosting a casual get-together or looking for a fun weeknight dinner idea, soft tacos are always a good choice. Here are some ingredients you need to have on hand to make delicious and soft tacos at home.

Tortillas

The most critical element of a soft taco is a tortilla. The tortilla is the foundation of the taco and deserves to be treated with the utmost respect. For soft tacos, corn tortillas are the best option as they are more pliable and flavourful than flour tortillas. If you prefer flour tortillas, ensure they are warmed before filling.

Protein

Protein is the heart of tacos, and there are endless options to choose from. Chicken, steak, or tofu would be a perfect choice if you are looking for something healthy and flavourful. Ground beef or pork is a great option if you are cooking for a crowd or want something family-friendly. Fish tacos can also be an excellent option for those who love seafood.

Vegetables

Veggies are essential for adding texture, flavour, and colour to your taco. Fresh vegetables like tomatoes, lettuce, avocados, and onions are excellent options. Cooked veggies like peppers, mushrooms, and zucchinis also work well. Vegetables can be roasted, chopped, sauteed, or pickled based on your preference to add to your taco.

Sauces and Salsas

Tacos are incomplete without a good salsa or sauce to add a punch of flavour. Salsa is the most popular choice for tacos, and it can be anything from mild to hot based on preference. Guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo and a squeeze of lime juice are also great additions. Sauces like hot sauce or chipotle sauce can also be used to add a kick of spice to your tacos.

Cheese

Adding cheese to tacos brings a lovely creaminess and a salty kick. Mexican-style cheeses like queso fresco, cotija, and Panela are popular for tacos. Shredded cheddar or Monterrey Jack is a fantastic melting cheese option for tacos. If you are using a chicken or beef filling, a sprinkle of crumbled bacon over the cheese is a great addition.

These are the basic ingredients you need to make soft tacos at home. Once you have all the ingredients, you are ready to make soft tacos. The best thing about tacos is that you are free to customize them based on your preferences and availability of ingredients. So, let’s move on to the next section where you learn how to make the perfect soft taco.

Enjoy Your Soft Tacos!

Thanks for sticking till the end. I hope you found this article useful and are excited to make your own soft tacos. Remember, the key is to keep it simple and use fresh ingredients. Don’t be afraid to try out different filling combinations and experiment with different seasoning blends to make your own signature taco dish. And if you ever need inspiration or guidance, come back and visit us again. We’ll be here to help you create the perfect taco every time, wherever you are. Happy cooking and bon appétit!