Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Shredded-Beef Soft Tacos

Shredded-Beef Soft Tacos

Chilies spice up this easy-to-make Mexican dish

We can’t say no to tacos. Who can resist their luscious combination of corn tortillas, spicy chilies, savory meat, and cheese?

In the US, most people seem to favor ground beef for taco filling. But we prefer to use Mexican-style braised beef that’s been shredded. The flavor is deeper, plus the shredded meat has a more interesting texture.

And what about the tortillas? Well, we love the crispy Hard-Shelled Tacos that are a tradition in many Tex-Mex restaurants. But given a choice, we’ll take soft tacos any day of the week.

With soft tortillas, you don’t have to worry about the taco shell shattering when you take your first bite (there’s nothing messier than a taco that disintegrates in your hands). More important, when making soft tacos, you can use your own Homemade Tortillas. Freshly baked tortillas are amazing, and we grab any opportunity to use them.

So soft tacos give you wonderful flavor and loads of zip in an easy-to-eat package. Don’t you love the taste of Mexico?


Shredded-Beef Soft Tacos

Recipe: Shredded-Beef Soft Tacos

Tacos are endlessly versatile, and you can use almost any ingredient as the filling. If it sounds good to you, it probably will be. We have a special fondness for beef tacos, so that’s what we’re featuring here (but we give some alternative suggestions in the Notes).

There are two parts to this recipe. First, you need to prepare the shredded beef. Then you assemble the tacos. For that you’ll need corn tortillas, preferably homemade. But if you don’t have those on hand, store-bought tortillas will work fine. BTW, homemade tortillas are thicker and sturdier than the commercially made variety. So if you’re using thin store-bought tortillas, you may want to use two for each taco to make sure everything holds together.

Cooking time for the shredded beef is about 1½ hours, and you can do much of the cooking ahead of time (see Notes). Assembly time for the tacos is a few minutes.

This recipe yields about a dozen tacos. Leftover shredded beef will keep in the fridge for a few days if stored in an airtight container.

Ingredients

For the shredded beef:
  • ~1 pound chuck roast (we often double or triple the recipe, then freeze the extra; see Notes)
  • 1 medium onion, divided (white onions are traditional in Mexican cooking, though yellow ones work fine)
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • water or beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Kosher salt (see Notes)
  • 2 tablespoons lard or olive oil
  • additional salt to taste
For assembling the tacos:
  • ~12 corn tortillas (if using thin store-bought ones, you may want to double this number; see head note)
  • the shredded beef (prepared according to Procedure below)
  • 2 to 3 handfuls of greens (such as spinach or arugula)
  • 3 to 4 jalapeño and/or serrano pepper chilies, diced or sliced (to taste)
  • 2 to 3 tomatoes, chopped; or about a cup of Fresh Salsa 
  • additional ½ onion, chopped (white is our preference, but yellow work too) 
  • 3 to 4 ounces shredded queso fresco or Monterrey Jack; and/or cheddar cheese 
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped (or to taste; optional)
Procedure

For the shredded beef:
  1. Cut the chuck roast into squares of 1 inch or so. Add the beef pieces to a 3- or 4-quart cooking pot.
  2. Peel the onion, then cut it in half. Slice half the onion thinly, then add it to the cooking pot (reserve the other half for Step 6).
  3. Peel the garlic cloves, then slice them thinly. Add the garlic slices to the cooking pot.
  4. Add enough water or beef broth to the cooking pot to just cover the beef (see Notes). Add salt.  Bring the cooking pot to a simmer on the stovetop, then gently simmer for 1½ hours (until meat is tender).
  5. When done, allow the meat to cool in the cooking broth. When cool, remove the beef from the broth and shred it with two forks. (If you’re preparing the beef ahead of time, you can stop at this point and store the beef until you’re ready to use it—see Notes).
  6. Heat the lard or olive oil in a large frying pan. While it’s heating, chop the reserved ½ onion. Add the onion to the frying pan and cook until it’s soft but not yet translucent—3 to 5 minutes. Add the shredded beef and sauté until it’s brown and crispy (a few minutes). Taste, then add salt if necessary. At this point, the beef is ready to be used in tacos.
For assembling the tacos:
  1. Gather the tortillas and other ingredients, then complete the prep work: Chop the chilies, tomatoes, and onions. Shred the cheese. Chop the cilantro (if using).
  2. Unless the tortillas you’re using are freshly made, you’ll need to warm them (so they’ll soften). The easiest way to do this is to sprinkle a clean towel with 2 or 3 tablespoons of water. Wrap the tortillas in the towel, then microwave them for 2 or 3 minutes until soft.
  3. To assemble each taco: Lay a softened tortilla (or two) out on your kitchen counter. Then add a tablespoon or so of each filling ingredient—shredded beef, greens, chile peppers, tomatoes or salsa, onions, and shredded cheese. Sprinkle on a little cilantro, if using. Repeat until you’ve used all the tortillas.
  4. When assembling the tacos, feel free to pick and choose the ingredients you want as the filling. We usually make each taco a bit differently—some without tomato, some without salsa, some with more greens, etc. 
  5. You can serve the tacos flat on plates or rolled up. Or you can serve them in taco holders, which can accommodate several assembled tacos (see top picture).
Shredded-Beef Soft Tacos

Notes
  • If you want to prepare the beef ahead of time, just pause after Step 5 of the Shredded Beef Procedure. Place the cooked beef in an airtight container, then cover it with the cooking liquid (to keep the meat moist). Refrigerate the beef if you’re not planning to use it immediately. When you’re ready to prepare the tacos, drain the beef (and warm it briefly if necessary). Then continue with Step 6 of the Procedure.
  • BTW, you can also freeze the shredded beef (in its cooking liquid, to keep it moist). In fact, we like to double or triple this recipe, then do exactly that with the extra beef.
  • You can use this shredded beef in enchiladas, quesadillas, gorditas—almost any Mexican dish that requires beef.
  • We’ll be using the same basic shredded meat preparation next week for an enchilada recipe, although we’ll finish the meat (Step 6) in a different manner.
  • If you prefer pork in tacos, just substitute pork for beef in this recipe—and prepare it exactly the same way.
  • For an alternative filling, you could try shredded grilled chicken (or rotisserie chicken) or fish. Both make wonderful tacos.
  • For a vegetarian taco, use Mexican-style beans as a filling.
  • If you want to serve soft tacos for breakfast, just fill them with scrambled eggs and sausage.
  • Lard is the traditional fat for Mexican cooking. But if you don’t want to use it, olive oil makes a good substitute.
  • We like to use Kosher salt in our cooking. Because it’s coarser than table salt, it’s less salty by volume. So if you use table salt, reduce the amount by about half.
  • The level of water or beef broth you use (see Step 4 of the Procedure for shredded beef) isn’t critical. You want to cover the beef while it’s cooking, but it’s OK if the tops of some pieces aren’t completely submerged. The meat will have better flavor if you use beef broth, but water works OK.
  • Tacos originated in Mexico, and traditionally were made with soft tortillas. Hard-shelled tacos were developed in the US during the 20th century. They were put on the culinary map by businessman Glenn Bell, who eventually founded Taco Bell—a fast-food chain found throughout the US.
Shredded-Beef Soft Tacos

Loco Motion

“I’ve always loved hard-shelled tacos,” said Mrs. Kitchen Riffs. “But the soft ones are even better.”

“I can see you like them,” I said. “But then, you’ve always been a taco belle.”

“Holy guacamole, that was a terrible joke,” said Mrs K R.

“Yeah, my sense of humor is cheesy,” I said. “But I guess that’s nacho problem.”

“Stop it,” said Mrs K R. “I don’t wanna taco ‘bout it.”

Guess now is not a good time for enchilada puns.


You may also enjoy reading about:
Hard-Shell Tacos
Mexican Charro Beans
Salsa and Picante Sauce
Peach Salsa
Plum Salsa
Taco Salad
Frito Pie with Chili
Or check out the index for more recipes

116 comments:

Easyfoodsmith said...

Oh yes, home made tortilla is so much better. I do not eat beef but I do eat lamb and I can imagine all those flavors...yum

Denise Browning@From Brazil To You said...

What a great dish -- both for lunch and dinner (or for a snack as well). Although I am not a fan of Mexican cuisine, I do enjoy some dishes such as soft tacos. These beef tacos look so appetizing! I'd not hesitate to devour more than one.

Liz said...

This looks yummy. I love beef tacos, but I have yet to try shredded beef. Thanks for the tip!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Taruna, aren't homemade tortillas wonderful? Perfect in this dish! And lamb would be superb! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Denise, you forgot breakfast. ;-) These really are good any time of the day. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

HI Liz, shredded beef really make a nice taco -- worth trying. Thanks for the comment.

Rocquie said...

These look so beautiful--I love the colors from the spinach, pepper, and the homemade tortillas. Not to mention that your shredded beef sounds scrumptious. --Rocquie

Dottie said...

Hi John,
I am back and lovin this dish. I enjoy Mexican food as well as Tacos, and I agree the soft ones are better. I like the hard taco shells in chips with Salsa or Guacamole. Another favorite of mine is enchiladas. But your homemade "Shredded Beef Soft Tacos" is very mouthwatering. I could use one of these goodies! What is good about these is that you can add anything you would like to them. I enjoyed and laughed when I read Loco Motion, you and Mrs. K R are really too funny. Love this thanks for sharing....enjoy the week..I have to see your last post..have not had a chance to read it yet.
Dottie :)

GiGi Eats Celebrities said...

And now you've got me craving DA BEEF!! :)

Madonna/aka/Ms Lemon of Make Mine Lemon said...

I have lost my taste for ground beef, but roasted/shredded is delish. Tortillas have been on my to-do list for a while. Looks like I need to get going on these.

thelady8home said...

I don't eat beef, but I can very well imagine how delicious these must be. The colors are so crisp.

Tricia Buice said...

My hand is raised John - yes I love the flavors of Mexico! I've never loved ground beef so this recipe really appeals to me. Love soft tacos!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Rocquie, the beef is wonderful, but in truth the other ingredients taste even better! Funny how it works like that sometimes. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dottie, welcome back! We love enchiladas too, although we're more than happy with tacos. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi GIGI, we know how much you enjoy beef! ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Madonna, we find that when we grind our own meat it's pretty good, although really prefer the shredded beef in this dish. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

HI Minnie, almost any other meat (or beans) would work really well in this dish. And don't you love the colors? My favorite part of the dish! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Tricia, soft tacos really are nice, aren't they? My favorite! Thanks for the comment.

Food Gal said...

Tacos are such a great weeknight dinner. So easy, and you can customize them to however you like. It's a perfect way to satisfy even the most finicky of households.

~ Nee ~ said...

Hi John , had a few minutes , dropped in to see what's cooking . Glad I did , we love tacos and these are easy ... I need easy right now .Thanks John for the well wishes it did so mean a lot . :) Nee

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Carolyn, tacos are the perfect quick meal, aren't they? Easy to put together, and so tasty! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Nee, so nice of you to drop by when you're so busy! Nothing easier than tacos, is there? Well, except for take out. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Amy (Savory Moments) said...

Tacos are one of our most favorite foods in this household - we love them and have all kinds of varieties we like. These look super tasty, John!

Abbe@This is How I Cook said...

Soft tacos are where it's at. Manservant would love shredded beef! I think I would like to be at your house for Cinco de Mayo. And I would really like to hear those enchilada puns!

Pam said...

They look delicious, John! I used to like the hard shells but I agree with you all the way on the soft shells now, they are so much better, with no shattering, like you say. There are many Mexican restaurants by us, but one serves tacos with shredded beef that is really very good. I've never tried that at home, but want to now after reading this. And, lard and tacos for breakfast, works for me. Thanks for the recipe and tips!

Maureen | Orgasmic Chef said...

I can just imagine the puns that fly past during every meal at your place. We love tacos too. John loves the hard shell and I'm more a softie. He'd love these after the first bite.

Bam's Kitchen said...

Loving this delicious beef recipe. It is great for tacos but also would be great on a taco salad or even the meat for a really hearty chili. I love your homemade shells and I have pinned and shared them and they going around like wild fire... Awesome! The most frustrating thing about hard taco shells is they for some reason always closing up during the baking process and then I end up with more of a nacho with everything scattered all over the plate instead of inside the shell. Beautiful photos as usual! Take Care, BAM

Karen Harris said...

Love both types of tacos, but I am in the crispy camp if forced to choose. I love that you changed yours up a bit with the arugula and spinach additions. I can't wait to give that a try. These look delicious.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amy, tacos are up there in our house too. Best thing about them is you can make a taco out of virtually anything! So versatile. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Abbe, don't know what we're doing yet for Cinco de Mayo, but it'll definitely involve tacos. And enchiladas. And probably Margaritas. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pam, I really like shredded beef in tacos (or anything Mexican). I like ground beef too, but the flavor just seems better with the shredded beef. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Maureen, we do have fun conversations. :-) And we'd definitely fry up some hard-shell tacos for John! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Bam, oddly enough we've never used shredded beef on a taco salad. Need to do that -- it's a natural. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Karen, we'd never do only soft tacos or hard-shell -- love to have choices! They're both so good. :-) Thanks for the comment.

mjskit said...

Those are some beautiful tacos John! Love your pictures!!! This summer I attended a chat amount 4 local chef about "tacos". Someone asked "What makes a taco a taco?" The answer was unanimous - "good tortillas'! I'm with you on soft tortillas and homemade of the best. I'm not sure how you could stuff all of those awesome ingredients in a crispy tortilla. Great tacos!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi MJ, there's probably too much stuff in those tacos! But it's all good. ;-) Agree it's the tortillas that really make tacos. Thanks for the comment.

Hotly Spiced said...

I agree with you that slowly-braised beef is a more interesting flavour and a better texture for a taco than minced beef. I like your taco stand! I don't have one of those. I prefer soft tacos - I think they're less messy to eat xx

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Charlie, those taco holder are really nifty! We saw one in a restaurant, so of course we had to get some. Thanks for the comment.

Gourmet Getaways said...

Word play at its finest, once again Mr and Mrs KR! And Julie is missing Mexico because of your tacos! That shredded beef looks really tasty!

Julie & Alesah
Gourmet Getaways xx

Zoe said...

Hi John,

Your 100% homemade beef taco look fantastic! I'm impressed that you even made your own tortilla.

Zoe

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Julie & Alesah, the shredded beef is dynamite! Really worth trying. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Zoe, these are so good! Love them. And making tortillas is loads of fun and easy. And really so good in tacos. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

I always use ground beef for a speedy taco recipe, but your photos have convinced me to make shredded beef ASAP! Pinning :)

Anonymous said...

Braising adds tons of irresistible flavor and delicious texture to food...so if we would have had meat...braised Mexican style ones would have been our favorite way to enjoy tacos too....nothing beats homemade tacos and this dish looks so delicious we have started feeling hungry right after lunch....superb dish,thanks :-)

Adri said...

I love tacos, and these sound great. What enticing photos. Bravo!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Liz, ground beef is good, but shredded beef has so much to offer! Really worth trying, at least once. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Kumar, sorry about that hunger thing -- one of the problems with reading food blogs, isn't it? :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Adri, tacos are so tasty, aren't they? Real favorites of ours! Thanks for the comment.

Unknown said...

couldn't agree more: we much prefer shredded beef (or chicken) over crumbled ground beef for tacos any day of the week. there's something much more luxurious about it (and way less messy b/c the meat doesn't fall out while you eat them). Looks perfect!

Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes said...

I can't say no to tacos - ever!! And corn tortillas are a MUST so I'm excited to try this one!

Unknown said...

I love beef tacos, we usually make tacos once a week, especially during spring/summer. On Sunday we are going to Mexico for one week, so I will be eating my fare share of tacos :)

Sue/the view from great island said...

omg you're after my own heart with all those colorful hot peppers!

Glamorous Bite said...

Tacos are always a good idea all year around, especially when there are vibrant peppers involved!

Laura Dembowski said...

I make all kinds of tacos - ground beef, steak, salmon. Now I can't wait to try these!

Beth said...

Delicious recipes and painful puns. No wonder I love this blog!

Carol at Wild Goose Mama said...

YES, always prefer the soft or the hard taco for the very reason you mentioned. I don't use shredded beef, BUT your reason for your preference seems most logical. I might become a shredded beef convert. Wow my friend, you really had to dig deep for the puns this week. But I am such a pun lover, I am laughing as usual.

Sippity Sup said...

The creative possibilities for taco is just endless. Part of the allure is how beautiful they can be. These look like the floral arrangements at my brother's wedding! GREG

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Shannon, hadn't thought about it, but you're right that shredded meat falls out of a taco much less than ground! Another reason to prefer shredded. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ashley, tacos are great, aren't they? One of our favorite meals. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Katalina, how nice to be able to travel to Mexico! Have a great time! And thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Sue, those pepper are really pretty, aren't they? Not to mention tasty. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Judit, vibrant peppers are always good, aren't they? We just love their big flavor! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Laura, tacos are so great because you can put almost anything in them. Really, really versatile! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Beth, those puns really are pretty painful, aren't they? Glad you put up with us! ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Carol, we really did have to dig deep for puns this week. We enjoyed it, but those were pretty marginal, I must admit. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Greg, tacos taste great, of course, but I agree it's their "pretty" factor that's the most interesting part of them. Thanks for the comment.

Juliana said...

Wow John...these shredded beef tacos look delicious...mouthwatering...especially with homemade soft corn tortillas...the pictures are just amazing...they really reflect all the flavors in these tacos...
Enjoy the rest of your week :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Juliana, they really are good! Shredded beef is amazing stuff, and tacos are, well, tacos. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Brooks said...

John, you've done these tacos up nicely! I'm with you - shredded braised beef any day, regardless of soft or hard shell.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Brooks, love shredded beef! Although I certainly won't turn up my nose at ground beef. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Pat said...

This looks terrific, John! Just the way I like them, too. I have made the flour tortillas before but not corn tortillas, I must give that a try. Thanks for the great post. :)

Amanda@ChewTown said...

I adore soft taco's and with shredded beef can only imagine how wonderful it would taste.

CQUEK said...

I absolutely love that you posted this!

Judy @Savoring Today said...

That does it, I need a taco stand. No, not a place to peddle street food, something like that stainless steel number holding your tacos at attention -- I need one of those! Looks delicious, as always, John.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pat, we really like corn tortillas -- so much character! But the flour tortillas tend to be bigger, which has benefits, too. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

HI Amanda, aren't soft tacos wonderful? But then, any taco is wonderful! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Candy, glad you like it! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Judy, those taco holders are really nifty! We had seen them at restaurants, and were smitten. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

mymansbelly said...

Homemade tacos from the ground...errr...tortilla up are soooo good! Once you have one of those, restaurant tacos just won't do!

Unknown said...

Tacos are the best and you can never go wrong with all the goodness stuffed in. Home mode tacos are some of the best and those soft tacos, wow. You just reminded me to have a taco night at home.
Have a great weekend.

lisa is cooking said...

I can never say no to tacos either, and yes, I love the taste of Mexico! I've still never made tortillas, and I really need to do it. I guess it's a little like Parisians never baking their own baguettes at home. Still, I want to make some tortillas!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pamela, one's own tacos are so good, aren't they? And so much fun to make! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Asha, always fun to have a taco night, isn't it? One of my favorite dinner! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Lisa, you can probably buy really, really good tortillas in loads of places! Most of us can't. ;-) But they're fun to make -- definitely worth trying. And I did make my first ones when we lived in Texas -- loved the inspiration. Thanks for the comment.

Amira said...

I've never made homemade tortilla nor have I had tacos with shredded beef!!! so this will be considered a whole new experience for me.. loved the idea and will try this for sure. Thanks.

Paula @ Vintage Kitchen said...

uh uh, guess I'm a bit behind with my feed... I just left a comment on the tortilla post about waiting for these tacos. I ask for them, and they're here, haha! Love these!

Marcela said...

Thank you so much for this recipe! I totally love tacos! Mexican food is so delicious...!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amira, once you get the hang of making them, tortillas are really easy to make. And making tacos becomes a snap! ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Paula, you ask, we deliver. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Marcela, isn't Mexican food the best? We love the stuff! Thanks for the comment.

Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) said...

I'm with you, you can't beat a shredded beef taco. And I've been looking for taco holders like that. Thanks for the reminder that I need to keep looking. Can't find any.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Lea Ann, we got those taco holders from Amazon. They have several different ones to choose from. Thanks for the comment.

Everyday Maven said...

Love that taco holder - such a smart idea!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Alyssa, isn't that taco holder fun? Such nice presentation! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen said...

Oh my gosh, I am into tacos lately and anything wrapped. This looks so delicious!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Peachy, tacos are wonderful, aren't they? So many different things you can put in them -- and I love making every one a bit different. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Lux G. said...

I love tacos. This one looks especially delish.

Shashi at SavorySpin said...

Tacos are endlessly versatile indeed and make dinner "nacho problem"! :)

Raymund said...

I feel like having some of those now

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Lux, aren't tacos good? And shredded beef ones are particularly nice. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Shashi, :-) Love it when dinner is to tasty, and relatively easy! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Raymund, me too! Need to make them again. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Dawn @ Words Of Deliciousness said...

I love the shredded beef in these taco. I believe that I would prefer the shredded beef too.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dawn, this shredded beef has such great flavor! Really like its texture, too. Thanks for the comment.

Daniela Grimburg said...

I couldn't agree more with you that shredded meat tastes so much better.
This is a fantastic taco version and I'm so going to prepare this next weekend.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Daniela, isn't this nice? Loads of flavor, and so much fun to play with different ingredients as you put together your tacos. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Nancy said...

Your tacos are making my mouth water. Shredded meat, or chopped up, is how we Mexicans actually eat are tacos. The ground beef thing is strictly American.:) Great tip on the tortillas too, John.

Kitchen Riffs said...

HI Nancy, I like both ground and shredded beef in tacos, but the texture (and flavor) in shredded really is superior. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Nami | Just One Cookbook said...

Sounds wonderful! We eat tacos at least once a week at our neighborhood place usually between shooting videos. I almost always order the same thing, al pastor with soft corn tortilla. Maybe because we go to pretty authentic Mexican place...I didn't know some places serve ground meat - it would have been easy for my kids to chew meat when they were young! I remember it was always hustle cutting meat with fork and knife back then. :D I have to eat tacos today!!! Lunch in one hour... :) I'll come back for this recipe when we have our kitchen back!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Nami, I love tacos al pastor! We actually had some pork tacos for dinner last night -- now you have me thinking I need to do al pastor ones, and soon. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Hannah said...

Oh, I need to make these tacos very soon! Shredded beef is the best by far, especially in homemade tortillas. Thank you for the inspiration, John! They look mouthwatering!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Hannah, these are really good! We need to make them again, soon. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Maureen said...

I don't know about other people but I know I can't resist these tacos! It's delicious and bursting with flavors! Yummy!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Maureen, who can resist tacos? ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Nagi@RecipeTinEats said...

Made this last night. SO GOOD! Used leftover beef to make freezer burritos. Thanks for this brilliant recipe John!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Nagi, isn't this really good stuff? Deep flavor. ;-) Thanks for the comment.