How to Do Taco Night Right
Taco night is sure to be an absolute crowd pleaser! Part meal, part craft—tacos allow everyone to build to their exact taste, making every creation a one-of-a-kind original. Here, we dive into some of the details of planning a taco night of your own.
Choose Your Recipe
We have several traditional taco recipes you can try!
Crispy Potato and Beef Cheek Tacos from Chicano Eats
However, there are some trendy variations out there drawing from world cuisine. So if you want to mix it up and impress your guests, take a look at our fusion taco recipes.
Variety of Toppings
You’ll want to have a variety of ingredients on hand so people can best customize their taco creations. Consider traditional tacos, taco bowls or make it a burrito – the possibilities are endless! Suggestions for ingredients:
The Base
- Traditional: Small corn tortillas (yellow or white), warmed until pliable.
- Tex-Mex: Flour tortillas or “puffy” fried shells.
- Fusion Twist: Scallion pancakes (Chinese style), Bao buns, Bibb lettuce leaves, or fried wonton wrappers.
Proteins
- Korean Inspired: Bulgogi Beef Tongue
- Vietnamese: Ginger-soy Braised Beef Cheek
- Traditional: Barbacoa
- Mexican Soul Food: Chitterlings
- Beans: Black or Pinto Beans
Fresh Toppings & Slaws
- The “Street” Duo: Finely diced white onion and fresh cilantro
- Classic Mexican: Cabbage, lime, and salt.
- Asian Fusion: Kimchi or ginger-soy cabbage slaw
- Fruit Salsas: Mango-habanero or pineapple-serrano for a sweet/spicy contrast
- Added crunch & flavor: radish slices, pickled jalapeños, or even crushed peanuts/sesame seeds for fusion styles
Cheeses
- Traditional: Cotija, Queso Fresco (mild), or Oaxaca (melty)
- Fusion/Modern: Feta (a great substitute for Cotija), shredded Monterey Jack or drizzle of warm Queso Blanco
Sauces & Cremas
- Authentic Salsas: Salsa Verde (tomatillo-based) and Salsa Roja (charred tomato/chile).
- Creamy Additions: Mexican Crema, Sour Cream, Avocado Crema, Spicy Mayo and Gochujang Crema
Setting Up
Arrange each topping in its own dish and don’t forget a serving utensil for each! Check out our How to Set a Buffet Table for Celebrations for more tips!
Got Leftovers?
In the somewhat unlikely event that you have food left over from your taco night, congratulations! You now have the makings of yet another easy meal.
Got More Ideas?
Find Your Faves
Get the cuts you crave at a store near you.
