Our Tips for Making & Serving the Best Tacos Ever

A plate of tacos with a side of garnishes

Al pastor. Pescado. Carnitas. Carne Asada. Picadillo. Cochinita ... 

If you're reading this, chances are that you, like us, think tacos should be considered their own food group. Balanced, packed with flavor, infinitely versatile, deeply satisfying — we could go on. Whether you're making just a few for your crew or hosting a full-fledged party, here's how to strive for taco perfection every time.

1. Keep Your Tortillas Warm

A cold taco is a criminal offense. Keep your tortillas warm, soft, and pliable in a tortillero until you're ready to serve. If you're feeding a crowd over the course of a long evening, keep them swaddled in a dish towel inside an electric lunchbox. (It works, we promise.)

2. Remember the Order of Operations

A layer of crema, avo, or spicy mayo applied directly onto the tortilla will create a moisture barrier, acting as a protection from the ever-dreaded sog and helping prevent breakage. Ain't no shame in adding them atop your filling, too!

3. Say No to Overstuffing

Tortillas are indeed magical, but they are not impervious to the forces of gravity. Instead of loading up one tortilla with heaps of filling, set out to make a handful of smaller, well balanced tacos. Just remember, more tacos = more happiness.

4. Con Copia

Now if you do happen to prefer to overstuff your taco, use two tortillas (a.k.a. con copia) to make a second taco with anything and everything that falls out.

5. The Right Salsa for the Job

A good salsa can transform the ordinary into the sublime. It should not be an afterthought. Take your game to the next level with a Molcajete, which not only helps grind out exquisite salsa, but also looks mighty fine as a serving vessel.

6. Don't Forget the Lime

A squeeze of lime will bring your taco's flavors into Technicolor. For a more traditional vibe, cut your limes into cheeks rather than wedges.

7. Never Let Me Go

Once you pick a taco up, you should never set it back down. One bite, two bites, three bites, maybe four. Then it's on to the next.

8. And Whatever You Do...

Tilt your head, not the taco.

Looking for Recipes?

We're sure you're feeling hungry after all these tips, so below are some of our favorite recipes for tacos.

For the Traditionalist 
Cutting board with chopped carnitas, fresh tortillas, and garnishes like cilantro, onion, jalapeños on the side

These simple carnitas, slow-cooked in their own rich fat, are sure to impress your friends.

For the Protein-Chaser

Plate of tacos de picadillo, topped with queso fresco, salsa, and lettuce

This flavorful ground beef and vegetable guiso, known as picadillo, is quick, versatile, and perfect for tacos with your favorite toppings.

For the Breakfast-Lover  

Breakfast Tacos with chorizo and coffee

We love a 50-50 tortilla for a breakfast taco — that's half corn, half flour. It's most certainly a best-of-both-worlds scenario.  

But First, You'll Need Tortillas