What to Cook with Tacos? The Ultimate Guide
Tacos are incredibly versatile! The best things to cook alongside tacos include a vibrant variety of sides, such as flavorful rice, refreshing salads, and complementary salsas and dips, to create a complete and satisfying meal.
Taco Night: More Than Just Tacos
Tacos are a beloved culinary staple, celebrated for their adaptability and ease of preparation. However, a truly memorable taco night transcends simply assembling fillings within tortillas. It’s about crafting a well-rounded dining experience, showcasing a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. From simple sides to more elaborate accompaniments, understanding what to serve with tacos can elevate your meal from a quick bite to a fiesta of deliciousness.
The Importance of Side Dishes
Side dishes play a crucial role in balancing the richness of tacos. They offer contrasting flavors, textures, and temperatures that enhance the overall enjoyment of the meal. A crisp salad can cut through the richness of seasoned meat, while a creamy dip provides a cooling counterpoint to spicy salsa. Consider the following when planning your taco night sides:
- Balance: Aim for a mix of flavors – sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory.
- Texture: Include both crunchy and creamy elements.
- Temperature: Offer both warm and cold options.
- Dietary Considerations: Be mindful of any dietary restrictions among your guests.
Classic Taco Side Dishes
These are the go-to choices that consistently deliver a delightful complement to tacos:
- Mexican Rice: A flavorful and fluffy rice dish, seasoned with tomatoes, onions, and garlic.
- Refried Beans: A creamy and comforting side, often topped with cheese.
- Guacamole: A classic avocado dip, perfect for adding richness and flavor.
- Pico de Gallo: A fresh and vibrant salsa, made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños.
- Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn on the cob, slathered in mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and chili powder.
Elevating Your Taco Experience: Creative Sides
Beyond the classics, explore these innovative side dishes to add a unique twist to your taco night:
- Mexican Street Corn Salad: A deconstructed version of elote, perfect for spooning onto tacos or enjoying as a side.
- Black Bean and Corn Salad: A refreshing and flavorful salad with black beans, corn, bell peppers, and a zesty lime dressing.
- Cucumber and Jicama Salad: A light and crunchy salad with a refreshing citrus vinaigrette.
- Spicy Coleslaw: A creamy and flavorful coleslaw with a kick of chili powder and cumin.
- Queso Dip: A warm and cheesy dip, perfect for dipping tortilla chips or spooning onto tacos.
Salsa Selection: A World of Flavor
No taco night is complete without a selection of salsas. Offer a variety of flavors and heat levels to cater to different preferences:
- Mild: Tomato salsa, corn salsa, fruit salsa (mango, pineapple)
- Medium: Salsa verde (tomatillo salsa), roasted tomato salsa, black bean salsa
- Hot: Habanero salsa, ghost pepper salsa, chipotle salsa
Consider offering homemade salsas for a truly authentic experience.
Drinks to Pair with Tacos
Pair your tacos with refreshing beverages that complement the flavors of the meal:
- Mexican Beer: Corona, Modelo, Pacifico
- Margaritas: Classic, strawberry, mango
- Agua Frescas: Watermelon, hibiscus, lime
- Horchata: A creamy rice milk drink
- Soda: Jarritos (Mexican soda)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Table: Choose a manageable number of side dishes to avoid overwhelming your guests.
- Ignoring Dietary Restrictions: Be mindful of allergies and dietary preferences when selecting side dishes.
- Forgetting the Garnishes: Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and chopped onions add visual appeal and enhance the flavor of your tacos.
- Using Bland Rice: Season your rice well to complement the flavors of the tacos.
- Not Having Enough Variety: Offer a range of flavors and textures to keep things interesting.
Table: Comparing Side Dish Options
| Side Dish | Flavor Profile | Texture | Complexity | Dietary Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexican Rice | Savory, Tomato-based | Fluffy | Medium | Vegetarian, Gluten-Free (usually) |
| Refried Beans | Creamy, Earthy | Smooth | Easy | Vegetarian, Gluten-Free |
| Guacamole | Rich, Avocado-based | Creamy | Easy | Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free |
| Pico de Gallo | Fresh, Tangy | Crunchy, Juicy | Easy | Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free |
| Elote | Sweet, Savory, Spicy | Creamy, Crunchy | Medium | Vegetarian (check mayonnaise), Gluten-Free |
| Black Bean & Corn Salad | Sweet, Tangy, Savory | Crunchy, Juicy | Easy | Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best kind of rice to serve with tacos?
The best type of rice to serve with tacos is traditionally Mexican rice, also known as Spanish rice. It’s cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and broth, giving it a distinct and flavorful taste that complements the savory fillings of tacos. However, plain white rice or cilantro lime rice can also be good alternatives.
Can I serve pasta salad with tacos?
While not a traditional pairing, pasta salad can be a refreshing and unexpected side dish with tacos. Choose a pasta salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a creamy dressing that complements the flavors of the tacos. Avoid heavy, mayonnaise-based pasta salads that might clash with the richness of the fillings.
What kind of beans go best with tacos?
Refried beans are the most common and arguably the best bean choice for serving with tacos. Their creamy texture and mild flavor provide a comforting counterpoint to the often-spicy and savory fillings. Black beans, pinto beans, or even spiced lentils can also be good alternatives.
How can I make my guacamole stand out?
To make your guacamole stand out, consider adding unique ingredients such as roasted corn, chopped mango, diced pineapple, or a splash of lime juice infused with jalapeño. Using high-quality avocados is also crucial. Don’t forget to season it properly with salt, pepper, and a touch of cumin.
What’s a good vegetarian side dish for tacos?
There are numerous fantastic vegetarian side dish options for tacos. Some excellent choices include: Mexican rice, refried beans (check ingredients for lard), black bean and corn salad, elote (Mexican street corn), and various salsas like pico de gallo or salsa verde.
What’s a good vegan side dish for tacos?
Many of the vegetarian options also work well for vegans. Choose side dishes like black bean and corn salad, pico de gallo, guacamole (ensure no honey added), and Mexican rice (made with vegetable broth). You can also create vegan “cheese” sauce with blended cashews to make a queso alternative.
What kind of dessert pairs well with tacos?
Desserts that are light and refreshing are ideal after a savory taco meal. Consider options like churros with chocolate sauce, flan, tres leches cake, or fruit salsa with cinnamon chips. These sweet treats provide a balanced and satisfying end to the meal.
How can I make my taco night healthier?
To make your taco night healthier, use lean protein sources like ground turkey or chicken. Opt for whole-wheat tortillas, load up on vegetables, and choose lighter toppings like plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Also, consider grilling your protein instead of frying it.
How far in advance can I prepare the side dishes?
Many side dishes can be prepared a day or two in advance. Salsa, guacamole (with proper storage to prevent browning), and rice can all be made ahead of time. Refried beans can also be made in advance and reheated. Some salads are best made fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead of time.
What is the best way to store leftover taco side dishes?
Store leftover taco side dishes in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Rice, beans, and cooked vegetables should be consumed within 3-4 days. Guacamole is best consumed within 1-2 days to prevent browning. Salsa can typically last longer, up to a week.
How do I reheat leftover rice without drying it out?
To reheat leftover rice without drying it out, add a tablespoon or two of water to the rice before reheating it in the microwave or on the stovetop. Cover the rice while heating to trap the steam and prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
What if I don’t have time to make side dishes from scratch?
If you’re short on time, don’t hesitate to use store-bought options. Pre-made salsa, guacamole, and rice mixes can be convenient shortcuts. Look for high-quality brands with fresh ingredients. You can also enhance store-bought items by adding your own personal touch, such as fresh herbs or spices.