Tacos are a beloved dish that can transform any meal into a vibrant, festive occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party or simply craving a fun, flavorful meal, knowing what goes well with tacos for dinner can elevate your dining experience. Let’s dive into the world of delicious pairings that complement tacos perfectly, creating a feast that’s sure to impress.
What Goes Well with Tacos for Dinner?
What Sides Go Well with Tacos for Dinner?
Tacos, with their rich, savory flavors, can be wonderfully enhanced with the right side dishes. Here are some mouth-watering options:
Fresh Guacamole and Chips
Fresh guacamole is a classic side that never fails to please. Made with ripe avocados, lime juice, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, it’s a creamy, tangy complement to the bold flavors of tacos. Pair it with crispy tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients:
- Avocados
- Lime juice
- Tomatoes
- Onions
- Cilantro
- Salt
Guacamole Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (100g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Sodium | 7mg |
| Potassium | 485mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 9g |
| Protein | 2g |
Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Elote, or Mexican street corn, is a flavorful side that pairs perfectly with tacos. Grilled corn on the cob slathered in a creamy mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, and cotija cheese, then sprinkled with chili powder and lime juice, is a taste sensation.
Ingredients:
- Corn on the cob
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Cotija cheese
- Chili powder
- Lime juice
Spanish Rice
Spanish rice, also known as Mexican rice, is a fragrant and colorful addition to any taco dinner. Made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and chicken broth, it’s a comforting and flavorful side that balances out the spices in your tacos.
Ingredients:
- Rice
- Tomatoes
- Onions
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
Spanish Rice Cooking Tips
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use Long-Grain Rice | Prevents stickiness and ensures fluffiness |
| Sauté Rice First | Adds a nutty flavor |
| Use Fresh Ingredients | Enhances overall taste |
What Drinks Pair Well with Tacos?
The right drink can enhance the flavors of your taco dinner and make the meal even more enjoyable. Here are some refreshing beverages to consider:
Margaritas
No taco dinner is complete without a classic margarita. This iconic cocktail, made with tequila, lime juice, and triple sec, perfectly balances the heat and spice of tacos with its tangy and refreshing taste.
Ingredients:
- Tequila
- Lime juice
- Triple sec
- Salt (for rimming the glass)
Margarita Variations
| Variation | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Classic Margarita | Tequila, lime juice, triple sec |
| Mango Margarita | Tequila, mango puree, lime juice, triple sec |
| Spicy Margarita | Tequila, lime juice, triple sec, jalapeños |
Mexican Beer
A cold Mexican beer is another great choice to accompany tacos. Beers like Corona, Modelo, and Pacifico have light, crisp flavors that complement the rich and spicy notes of tacos.
Popular Mexican Beers:
- Corona
- Modelo
- Pacifico
- Dos Equis
Agua Fresca
For a non-alcoholic option, consider serving agua fresca. These light, fruit-based beverages are refreshing and come in a variety of flavors, such as hibiscus, tamarind, and watermelon.
Ingredients:
- Fruit of choice (e.g., watermelon, hibiscus)
- Water
- Sugar
- Lime juice
Popular Agua Fresca Flavors
| Flavor | Main Ingredient |
|---|---|
| Hibiscus | Dried hibiscus flowers |
| Tamarind | Tamarind pods |
| Watermelon | Fresh watermelon |
What Desserts Go Well with Tacos?
No meal is complete without dessert. When thinking about what goes well with tacos for dinner, consider these delicious sweet treats:
Churros
Churros, the popular Mexican pastry, are a delightful way to end a taco dinner. These fried dough sticks, coated in cinnamon sugar and often served with chocolate sauce for dipping, are both crispy and sweet.
Ingredients:
- Flour
- Water
- Butter
- Eggs
- Cinnamon sugar
Tres Leches Cake
Tres leches cake, a sponge cake soaked in three types of milk (evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream), is a moist and decadent dessert that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- Sponge cake
- Evaporated milk
- Condensed milk
- Heavy cream
Tres Leches Cake Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (100g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Sodium | 80mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Protein | 6g |
What Vegetables Go Well with Tacos?
Vegetables can add a refreshing crunch and a burst of flavor to your taco dinner. Here are some great vegetable options:
Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and onions, bring a smoky flavor and satisfying texture to your meal. Simply toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill until tender.
Ingredients:
- Bell peppers
- Zucchini
- Onions
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Pico de Gallo
Pico de gallo, a fresh salsa made with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, and lime juice, is a vibrant and zesty topping for tacos. It adds a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the main dish.
Ingredients:
- Tomatoes
- Onions
- Cilantro
- Jalapeños
- Lime juice
Pico de Gallo Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | 2 cups, diced |
| Onions | 1/2 cup, diced |
| Cilantro | 1/4 cup, chopped |
| Jalapeños | 1-2, minced |
| Lime juice | 2 tablespoons |
Pickled Jalapeños
Pickled jalapeños add a tangy and spicy kick to your tacos. They are easy to make and can be prepared in advance, adding an extra layer of flavor to your meal.
Ingredients:
- Jalapeños
- Vinegar
- Water
- Salt
- Sugar
What Sauces and Condiments Go Well with Tacos?
Enhancing your tacos with the right sauces and condiments can take them to the next level. Here are some must-try options:
Salsa Verde
Salsa verde, made from tomatillos, green chilies, cilantro, and lime juice, offers a tangy and slightly spicy flavor that complements tacos beautifully. It’s versatile and can be used as a topping or a dip.
Ingredients:
- Tomatillos
- Green chilies
- Cilantro
- Lime juice
- Salt
Salsa Verde Recipe
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1. Prep Ingredients | Husk tomatillos and chop chilies |
| 2. Blend | Combine all ingredients in a blender |
| 3. Season | Add salt to taste |
| 4. Serve | Enjoy with tacos or as a dip |
Chipotle Mayo
Chipotle mayo is a creamy, smoky, and spicy sauce that adds a delicious kick to tacos. It’s made by blending mayonnaise with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and a touch of lime juice.
Ingredients:
- Mayonnaise
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- Lime juice
Crema
Crema is a Mexican-style sour cream that’s smoother and slightly tangier than regular sour cream. It adds a cooling element that balances out the heat in spicy tacos.
Ingredients:
- Heavy cream
- Lime juice
- Salt
Crema vs. Sour Cream
| Feature | Crema | Sour Cream |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Smoother | Thicker |
| Flavor | Tangy | Tangy, but milder |
| Usage | Topping, dip | Topping, dip |
Conclusion
Tacos are a versatile and delicious dish that can be paired with a variety of sides, drinks, desserts, vegetables, and sauces to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Whether you prefer classic accompaniments like guacamole and margaritas, or more unique pairings like pickled jalapeños and chipotle mayo, there’s no shortage of options to explore. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect taco dinner experience!
FAQs
What drinks pair well with tacos?
Margaritas, Mexican beer, and agua fresca are popular choices that complement the flavors of tacos.
Can I serve tacos with rice?
Yes, Spanish rice or Mexican rice is a delicious side dish that complements tacos well.
What desserts go well with tacos?
Churros and tres leches cake are sweet treats that make a perfect ending to a taco dinner.
How do I make guacamole?
To make guacamole, mash ripe avocados with lime juice, diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and salt to taste.
What vegetables can I serve with tacos?
Grilled vegetables, pico de gallo, and pickled jalapeños are excellent choices to add freshness and crunch to your taco dinner.
This comprehensive guide has covered everything you need to know about what goes well with tacos for dinner, ensuring your next taco night is a flavorful fiesta!