Introduction
Tacos. Just the word itself conjures up images of vibrant colors, sizzling meats, and the satisfying crunch of a perfectly filled tortilla. They’re a universally loved food, gracing everything from casual backyard barbecues to upscale restaurant menus. But let’s be honest, even the most perfectly crafted taco can benefit from a little companionship. Tacos are a star, but even stars need a supporting cast! The right sides and complements can transform your taco experience from a simple meal into a fiesta for the senses.
This isn’t just about throwing a handful of chips on the plate. This is about creating a balanced, flavorful experience that highlights the best aspects of your tacos. Whether you’re a seasoned taco aficionado or a newcomer to the world of Mexican cuisine, this guide will introduce you to a variety of incredible foods that go with tacos, guaranteed to elevate your next taco night. Get ready to discover a world of delicious possibilities!
Classic and Crowd-Pleasing Sides
When it comes to creating the perfect taco spread, some sides are just classics for a reason. They’re reliable, delicious, and consistently satisfy everyone around the table.
Mexican Rice: The Foundation of a Great Meal
Mexican rice is a fundamental side dish for any taco meal. Its fluffy texture and subtle flavors provide a blank canvas that complements the diverse flavors within your tacos. Think of it as the foundational layer upon which your taco masterpiece is built.
There’s no single “right” way to make Mexican rice. You can opt for the traditional Spanish rice, known for its rich tomato flavor and vibrant color. Or, for a lighter, brighter option, try cilantro-lime rice, bursting with fresh citrus and herbaceous notes.
The key to achieving perfect Mexican rice is nailing the rice-to-water ratio. A common mistake is using too much water, resulting in soggy rice. Also, don’t skip the step of sautéing the rice in a little oil before adding the liquid. This toasts the rice, enhancing its flavor and preventing it from becoming sticky. A little patience will reward you with perfectly cooked, flavorful rice.
Refried Beans: Creamy Comfort in Every Bite
Refried beans offer a fantastic contrast to the often crispy and crunchy textures of tacos. Their creamy, earthy flavor provides a grounding element to the meal, making it incredibly satisfying. Plus, they’re packed with protein and fiber, making them a surprisingly healthy addition to your taco feast.
When it comes to refried beans, you have a few options. Pinto beans are the most common, known for their mild flavor and creamy texture. Black beans, on the other hand, offer a slightly bolder, earthier flavor. The choice is really up to your personal preference.
The great debate: homemade versus canned. Homemade refried beans undoubtedly taste better, allowing you to control the flavor and texture. However, canned refried beans offer undeniable convenience. If you’re short on time, don’t hesitate to reach for a can. Just be sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly before heating to remove any excess sodium.
Guacamole and Chips: The Ultimate Taco Companion
Is there a more iconic pairing than guacamole and tortilla chips? Probably not! Guacamole’s creamy texture, fresh flavor, and healthy fats make it the ultimate taco sidekick. It adds a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness of the tacos.
The beauty of guacamole lies in its versatility. While the basic recipe of avocado, lime juice, salt, and cilantro is perfect on its own, you can easily customize it to your liking. Add diced tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, a pinch of jalapeno for a little heat, or even a dash of cumin for a smoky depth of flavor.
And let’s not forget the chips! Tortilla chips are the classic choice, but don’t be afraid to experiment. Blue corn chips offer a slightly nutty flavor, while plantain chips provide a touch of sweetness.
Elote: Mexican Street Corn Magic
Elote, or Mexican street corn, is a true culinary masterpiece. This grilled corn on the cob is slathered in mayonnaise, sprinkled with cotija cheese, dusted with chili powder, and drizzled with lime juice. The combination of sweet, savory, creamy, and spicy is simply irresistible.
The charred kernels of corn provide a satisfying crunch, while the creamy sauce and salty cheese create a flavor explosion in your mouth. Elote is the perfect way to add a touch of authentic Mexican street food flair to your taco night.
If you’re looking for an easier way to enjoy the flavors of elote, try making a corn salad with similar ingredients. Just grill or sauté the corn kernels, then toss them with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. It’s a delicious and less messy alternative!
Fresh and Flavorful Salads
Adding a salad to your taco spread is a fantastic way to incorporate fresh vegetables and lighten up the meal. These salads aren’t just afterthoughts; they’re designed to complement the flavors of your tacos and add a refreshing element to the overall experience.
Mexican Street Corn Salad: An Easier Elote
As mentioned above, the flavors of Mexican street corn are amazing! This salad makes it easier to eat and perfect for a bigger group!
The addition of mayo and cotija cheese is a must, and the corn should be either grilled or roasted. Diced red onion and jalapeño gives it a nice bite, and a lime-cilantro dressing brings it all together!
Jicama Salad: Crisp and Refreshing
Jicama salad is a hidden gem in the world of Mexican cuisine. Jicama, a root vegetable with a crisp, slightly sweet flavor, is the star of this refreshing salad. Its crunchy texture and subtle sweetness provide a welcome contrast to the savory flavors of tacos.
The combination of jicama, orange slices, red onion, cilantro, and a tangy lime dressing creates a vibrant and flavorful salad that is both healthy and delicious. The citrusy dressing brightens the flavors of the tacos, while the jicama adds a satisfying crunch.
Watermelon Salad: Unexpected Sweetness
Watermelon salad might sound like an odd pairing for tacos, but trust me, it works! The sweetness of the watermelon balances the savory flavors of the tacos, while the feta cheese adds a salty and creamy element. The mint and red onion provide a refreshing contrast, while the lime vinaigrette ties everything together. This is a great option for a hot summer day!
Hearty and Satisfying Complements
Sometimes you want something a little more substantial to accompany your tacos. These hearty complements provide a satisfying and comforting element to your taco feast.
Mexican Soup: A Warm and Comforting Embrace
A bowl of warm Mexican soup is the perfect way to round out your taco meal. Tortilla soup, with its rich tomato broth, crispy tortilla strips, and creamy avocado, is a classic choice. Pozole, a traditional Mexican stew made with hominy and meat, is another hearty and flavorful option.
These soups provide a comforting and satisfying element to your taco experience. They’re also a great way to use up leftover ingredients. You can customize your soup with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Queso Dip: Cheesy Goodness for Everyone
Who can resist a warm, gooey bowl of queso dip? This cheesy indulgence is the perfect way to start your taco night. Dip tortilla chips into the creamy queso, or drizzle it over your tacos for an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
Queso blanco, with its mild flavor and smooth texture, is a popular choice. Queso fundido, a baked cheese dip with chorizo and peppers, is another decadent option.
To keep your queso dip warm throughout your taco night, use a slow cooker or chafing dish. This will prevent it from becoming thick and gloppy.
Drinks That Pair Perfectly
No taco feast is complete without the right beverages. These drink pairings are designed to complement the flavors of your tacos and enhance the overall experience.
Margaritas: The Classic Choice
A margarita is the quintessential taco-pairing cocktail. The acidity and sweetness of the lime juice cut through the richness of the tacos, while the tequila adds a kick of flavor.
Whether you prefer a frozen margarita, a margarita on the rocks, or a spicy margarita, there’s a margarita for everyone. Experiment with different flavors, such as strawberry, mango, or cucumber, to find your perfect taco-pairing margarita.
Mexican Beer: A Refreshing Thirst Quencher
A cold Mexican beer is a classic and refreshing accompaniment to tacos. Light and crisp lagers, such as Modelo, Pacifico, and Corona, are excellent choices.
The crispness of the beer helps to cleanse the palate between bites of tacos, while the subtle flavors complement the spices and seasonings.
In Conclusion: Elevate Your Taco Night
Tacos are undeniably delicious on their own, but adding the right sides and complements can take your taco experience to a whole new level. From classic sides like Mexican rice and refried beans to fresh salads and hearty soups, there are countless ways to elevate your taco night.
So, the next time you’re planning a taco feast, don’t just focus on the tacos themselves. Take the time to consider the sides and complements that will complete the meal and create a truly memorable dining experience. Explore the variety of foods that go with tacos, and discover your own favorite pairings. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! Experiment, have fun, and enjoy the fiesta! Your next taco night will be a resounding success.
