16 Different Types of Tacos for Any Fiesta
Officially declared as one of Ree's favorite "food groups."
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Forget Taco Tuesday, you can have tacos every night of the week—and then, some! That's because there are so many different types of tacos. Whether you're looking for authentic Mexican recipes or a fun twist on the popular weeknight dinner, tacos can come in all different varieties. It's no wonder Ree Drummond considers it to be one of her favorite "food groups." But what are some of the traditional types of tacos you need to try? Read on to learn more about the history of tacos and find taco recipes for carnitas, al pastor, fish tacos, chicken recipes, and more Tex-Mex foods.
In case you didn't know, tacos are one of the most popular street foods in Mexico. Although the origin is unknown, the first record of tacos was called the taco de minero ("miner's taco") referring to 18th century silver mines. Most traditional types of tacos are made with small, soft corn tortillas that are warmed and folded around a variety of fillings (no hard-shell tacos here). Some recipes even use two tortillas to prevent the tacos from tearing. You'll find an array of flavorful fillings like steak, pork, fish, or vegetables. No matter which type of taco you prefer, be sure to top them with these traditional, zesty garnishes: onion, cilantro, and lime juice.
Carne Asada Tacos
The term carne asada in Spanish literally translates to "grilled meat" but these tacos are so much more than just that. The charred meat is also typically marinated in a flavorful mixture like the one you'll see here, made with adobo sauce, oregano, and cumin. It's typically served at parties and celebrations, especially in northern Mexico.
Get the Carne Asada Tacos recipe.
Carnitas Tacos
A big batch of meltingly tender pulled pork is the perfect filling for tacos! Originating in the state of Michoacán, the meat is typically cooked until it gets those crave-worthy crispy edges. You can make the pork in a slow cooker first, but be sure to let the pork sit in a skillet to crisp up before serving.
Get the Carnitas Tacos recipe.
Pollo Asado Tacos
For a twist on the typical grilled steak taco, this recipe uses chicken thighs instead! It's still marinated in a flavorful mixture of orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, and garlic, then it's sliced and tossed with those beautiful pan juices.
Get the Pollo Asado Tacos recipe.
Al Pastor Tacos
Pork and pineapple are the unlikely combo in this Mexican staple. But when you think about, they make a sweet and smoky taco that anyone would love! Traditionally, the pork is prepared on a trompo, which is a vertical spit, but you can also make it in a cast iron skillet.
Get the Al Pastor Tacos recipe.
Chorizo Tacos
Chorizo is a type of spicy, smoky pork sausage that's used in many Mexican dishes. It's often paired with eggs for breakfast which is why these breakfast tacos are so much fun! Just be sure to check out the difference between Mexican and Spanish chorizo.
Get the Chorizo Tacos recipe.
Shrimp Tacos
A traditional taco from Mexico’s Pacific coast, camarones (or shrimp tacos) are made with flavorful shrimp and fresh toppings. It’s perfect for a healthy, quick-cooking, weeknight dinner.
Get Ree's Shrimp Tacos recipe.
Tacos de Birria
Traditionally, birria is a dish served as a stew for special occasions. In northern Mexico, the saucy meat (often goat, lamb, or beef) began being served as tacos, and we can’t get enough!
Tacos de Pescado
Take a drive along Mexico’s Baja California coast and you’ll likely come across multiple carts serving fresh fish tacos. Whether you get them fried or grilled, the flaky white fish is typically topped with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, or sour cream. Perfect for eating beachside!
Tinga Tacos
These flavorful chicken tacos from the city of Puebla are cooked in a smoky tomato-chipotle sauce that has a hint of spice. You can use shredded rotisserie chicken for easy weeknight cooking.
Get the Tinga Tacos recipe at Muy Delish.
Barbacoa
You’ll need an underground oven to make this traditional taco. The term “barbacoa” refers to the way the meat (usually lamb or goat) is prepared—topped with leaves and slowly cooked in a pit dug into the earth. To make barbacoa at home, you can use a slow cooker for tender, juicy tacos.
Get the Barbacoa recipe at Cooking Classy.
Campechanos
Meat lovers, this one’s for you! Tacos campechanos are made with a combination of several types of meat—often sliced beef, pork sausage, and chicarrón (pork rinds). It’s spicy, crunchy, and layered with flavor.
Tacos de Papa
These crispy potato tacos are popular in Mexico during Lent, but they’re just as tasty all year long. The pan-fried tacos are filled with creamy, cumin-spiced mashed potatoes.
Cochinita Pibil
On the southern tip of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, cochinita pibil is the taco of choice. The pulled pork filling is braised in achiote paste (a flavorful seasoning made with annatto seeds) and citrus juices. While it’s typically slow cooked in a pit in the ground, you can easily make these tacos in your slow cooker right at home.
Lengua Tacos
When it’s cooked the right way, this popular Mexican street food is extremely tender and perfect for layering into warmed tortillas. Top the cooked beef tongue with your favorite toppings—salsa, chopped onion, cilantro, or avocado.
Nopales
If you’re looking for a vegetarian taco, you’ll love nopales! It’s the edible, paddle-shaped part of the cactus. Just be sure all those prickly spines are removed before cooking!
Tacos de Canasta
Most tacos are best eaten right away, but these "basket" tacos can actually be made in advance, since they get better as they sit. It’s perfect for potlucks! Fill them with whatever you like, then once cooked, they're wrapped up in a basket to steam and stay warm.
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