Corned Beef Tacos: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Corned beef tacos, a delightful fusion of Irish-American tradition and Mexican flair, are about to become your new favorite weeknight meal! Forget everything you thought you knew about tacos because this recipe is a game-changer. Imagine tender, savory corned beef, perfectly seasoned and nestled in a warm tortilla, topped with your favorite taco fixings. Are you drooling yet?

While not steeped in centuries of tradition, the beauty of corned beef tacos lies in their innovative spirit. They represent a delicious collision of cultures, born from the creative minds of home cooks and chefs looking to reimagine classic dishes. Corned beef, a staple of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in America, gets a vibrant makeover in this unexpected taco format.

People adore this dish for its incredible flavor profile. The salty, slightly tangy corned beef pairs beautifully with the fresh, zesty toppings typically found on tacos. The soft tortilla provides the perfect canvas for this explosion of taste and texture. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! Using leftover corned beef from a holiday feast or a quick trip to the deli, you can whip up a batch of these tacos in minutes. Get ready to experience a taco night like no other!

this RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs Corned Beef, cooked and shredded
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 medium Yellow Onion, diced
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 Jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
• 1 tsp Chili Powder
• 1/2 tsp Cumin
• 1/4 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/4 tsp Onion Powder
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste
• 12 Corn Tortillas
• For the Slaw:
• 4 cups Shredded Green Cabbage
• 1 cup Shredded Red Cabbage
• 1/2 cup Shredded Carrots
• 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
• 1 tbsp Honey
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste
• Optional Toppings:
• Fresh Cilantro, chopped
• Lime Wedges
• Avocado, diced
• Hot Sauce
• Pickled Red Onions

Preparing the Corned Beef Filling:

1. Shred the Corned Beef: If you haven’t already, shred your cooked corned beef. I find it easiest to use two forks to pull it apart. You want it in bite-sized pieces so it fits nicely into the tacos.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Add Garlic and Jalapeño: Add the minced garlic and jalapeño (if using) to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Watch the garlic carefully, as it can burn quickly.
4. Bloom the Spices: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the spices become fragrant. This process, called “blooming,” helps to release the essential oils in the spices and intensifies their flavor.
5. Combine and Season: Add the shredded corned beef to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the spices and aromatics. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. I usually start with about 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, then adjust as needed.
6. Heat Through: Cook the corned beef mixture for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through and the flavors have melded together. If the mixture seems dry, you can add a tablespoon or two of beef broth or water to moisten it.
7. Taste and Adjust: Give the corned beef filling a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more chili powder for heat, cumin for earthiness, or salt and pepper for overall flavor.

Making the Slaw:

1. Combine the Cabbage and Carrots: In a large bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, shredded red cabbage, and shredded carrots. Toss them together to distribute the colors evenly.
2. Whisk the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey. The apple cider vinegar adds a tangy bite, the Dijon mustard provides a subtle sharpness, and the honey balances the acidity with a touch of sweetness.
3. Season the Dressing: Season the dressing with salt and black pepper to taste. Again, start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
4. Dress the Slaw: Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss well to coat evenly. Make sure all the cabbage and carrots are coated with the dressing.
5. Chill (Optional): For the best flavor, cover the slaw and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to soften slightly. However, if you’re short on time, you can serve it immediately.
6. Taste and Adjust: Before serving, give the slaw a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more apple cider vinegar for tanginess, honey for sweetness, or salt and pepper for overall flavor.

Warming the Tortillas:

There are several ways to warm your corn tortillas. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Skillet Method: Heat a dry skillet (cast iron works great) over medium heat. Warm each tortilla for about 15-30 seconds per side, until pliable and slightly charred. Keep the warmed tortillas wrapped in a clean kitchen towel or tortilla warmer to keep them warm and soft.
2. Microwave Method: Wrap a stack of tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat them, as they can become tough.
3. Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap a stack of tortillas in foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Assembling the Tacos:

1. Fill the Tortillas: Place a generous spoonful of the corned beef filling in the center of each warmed tortilla. Don’t overfill them, or they’ll be difficult to eat.
2. Top with Slaw: Top the corned beef filling with a generous amount of the slaw. The slaw adds a cool, crunchy contrast to the savory corned beef.
3. Add Optional Toppings: Add any of your desired toppings, such as fresh cilantro, lime wedges, diced avocado, hot sauce, or pickled red onions. I personally love a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of cilantro for a burst of freshness.
4. Serve Immediately: Serve the tacos immediately and enjoy! They’re best when the tortillas are still warm and the fillings are fresh.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it Up: If you like your tacos with a kick, add more jalapeño to the corned beef filling or use a spicier hot sauce as a topping.
• Add Cheese: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese over the corned beef filling before adding the slaw.
• Make it Vegetarian: While this recipe is centered around corned beef, you could adapt it for a vegetarian option by using seasoned and shredded jackfruit or seasoned black beans instead.
• Use Different Tortillas: While I prefer corn tortillas for their flavor and texture, you can also use flour tortillas if you prefer.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the corned beef filling and the slaw ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply warm the tortillas and assemble the tacos.
• Corned Beef Cooking Method: For the corned beef, you can boil it, slow cook it, or pressure cook it. I prefer slow cooking for the most tender results.
• Pickled Onions: Quick pickled red onions are a great addition. Simply thinly slice a red onion and soak it in a mixture of vinegar, water, sugar, and salt for at least 30 minutes.

Serving Suggestions:

These corned beef tacos are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of sides, such as:

• Mexican Rice
• Refried Beans
• Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
• Guacamole and Chips
• A Simple Green Salad

I hope you enjoy this recipe for corned beef tacos! They’re a fun and flavorful twist on a classic dish, and they’re perfect for a casual weeknight meal or a weekend gathering. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and variations to create your own signature taco.

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another taco recipe; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! The combination of savory, tender corned beef with the vibrant, fresh toppings creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. Seriously, these corned beef tacos are a game-changer, a delicious way to repurpose leftovers or simply enjoy a unique and satisfying meal.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s unexpectedly delicious, incredibly easy to make, and a fantastic way to break out of your usual taco rut. The salty, rich corned beef is perfectly balanced by the crisp vegetables and creamy sauce, making each bite an absolute delight. Forget boring lunches or predictable dinners; these tacos are here to inject some excitement into your culinary routine.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Feel free to get creative with your toppings and serving suggestions. For a spicier kick, add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the crema. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using lettuce wraps instead of tortillas. You could also experiment with different types of cheese, like crumbled cotija or a sharp cheddar.

Here are a few serving suggestions to get you started:

Serving Suggestions:

* Classic Corned Beef Tacos: Serve with shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, a drizzle of lime crema, and a sprinkle of cilantro.
* Spicy Corned Beef Tacos: Add sliced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce to the crema, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
* Cool and Refreshing Corned Beef Tacos: Top with a mango salsa, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime juice.
* Corned Beef Taco Bowls: Layer rice, corned beef, black beans, corn, and your favorite taco toppings in a bowl for a heartier meal.
* Corned Beef Taco Salad: Toss shredded lettuce with corned beef, tomatoes, onions, cheese, and a creamy dressing.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your perfect combination! The beauty of tacos is their versatility, so let your imagination run wild and create a masterpiece that’s uniquely yours.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! I know you’ll love the unexpected flavor combination and the ease of preparation. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to experience the magic of corned beef tacos. Once you’ve made them, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Share your photos, your variations, and your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s create a community of taco lovers and inspire each other with our culinary creations! I can’t wait to see what you come up with! Happy cooking!