Tacos, those delightful hand-held parcels of deliciousness, are a global favorite for a reason. But while the fillings often take center stage, the accompaniments can elevate a simple taco night into a verdadero fiesta. What you serve alongside your tacos is just as crucial as what you put inside them. It’s about creating a balanced and flavorful meal that caters to diverse tastes and dietary preferences.
The Essential Sides: Complementing the Core Flavors
Choosing the right sides for tacos is all about complementing, not overpowering, the main attraction. You want flavors and textures that enhance the taco experience, providing contrast and refreshment.
Rice: A Staple of Latin American Cuisine
Rice is a quintessential side dish for tacos, offering a comforting and familiar element. It’s versatile and can be adapted to suit different taco styles.
Mexican Rice: A Classic Choice
Mexican rice, also known as Spanish rice, is a flavorful and colorful option. The tomatoes, onions, and broth contribute a savory depth that pairs well with a variety of taco fillings, from carne asada to vegetarian options. The fluffy texture provides a pleasant contrast to the sometimes heavier taco ingredients.
Cilantro Lime Rice: A Zesty Alternative
For a lighter and brighter option, cilantro lime rice is a fantastic choice. The fresh cilantro and zesty lime juice add a refreshing element that cuts through rich or spicy taco fillings. This rice is particularly well-suited for fish tacos or shrimp tacos, where its citrusy notes complement the seafood beautifully.
Beans: A Hearty and Flavorful Addition
Beans are another staple in Mexican cuisine and a natural pairing for tacos. They provide a hearty and satisfying element, adding protein and fiber to the meal.
Refried Beans: Creamy and Comforting
Refried beans, whether made from pinto beans or black beans, are a classic choice. Their creamy texture and earthy flavor create a comforting counterpoint to the other taco ingredients. A dollop of refried beans on the side or even spread on the tortilla itself adds a layer of richness and depth.
Black Beans: A Versatile and Healthy Option
Black beans offer a slightly different flavor profile, with a subtle sweetness and a firmer texture. They’re also a great source of protein and fiber. Served whole, mashed, or as a component of a black bean salsa, they add a nutritious and flavorful element to the taco meal.
Salad: Adding Freshness and Crunch
A fresh salad provides a welcome contrast to the richer flavors of the tacos. It’s a chance to incorporate vibrant colors, crisp textures, and refreshing flavors.
Mexican Street Corn Salad: A Crowd-Pleaser
Inspired by the popular Mexican street food elote, this salad combines grilled corn kernels with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice. The sweet corn, creamy dressing, and spicy kick create a flavor explosion that complements a wide range of tacos.
Jicama Salad: A Crisp and Refreshing Choice
Jicama, a root vegetable with a crisp and slightly sweet flavor, makes a refreshing addition to a salad. Combined with oranges, red onion, cilantro, and a lime vinaigrette, it offers a light and tangy counterpoint to the richer taco fillings. This salad is particularly well-suited for spicier tacos, as the jicama’s cooling effect helps to balance the heat.
Toppings: Personalizing the Taco Experience
Toppings are where the fun really begins! Offering a variety of toppings allows everyone to customize their tacos to their liking, creating a personalized culinary experience.
Salsa: The Heart and Soul of Mexican Cuisine
Salsa is an indispensable taco topping, adding flavor, heat, and moisture. There are countless variations, ranging from mild to fiery, each with its own unique character.
Pico de Gallo: A Fresh and Vibrant Classic
Pico de gallo, also known as salsa fresca, is a simple yet flavorful salsa made from diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, and lime juice. Its fresh and vibrant flavors make it a versatile topping for any taco.
Salsa Verde: A Tangy and Zesty Option
Salsa verde, made from tomatillos, onions, cilantro, and chili peppers, offers a tangy and zesty flavor profile. Its bright acidity cuts through rich or fatty taco fillings, adding a refreshing element.
Salsa Roja: A Smoky and Spicy Kick
Salsa roja, made from roasted tomatoes, onions, garlic, and chili peppers, offers a smoky and spicy flavor. The roasting process deepens the flavors and adds a pleasant complexity. This salsa is a great choice for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Crema and Sour Cream: Adding Richness and Coolness
Crema and sour cream are popular toppings that add richness and coolness to tacos. They help to balance the heat of spicy salsas and provide a creamy texture that complements the other ingredients.
Mexican Crema: A Tangy and Slightly Thinner Option
Mexican crema is similar to sour cream but has a slightly thinner consistency and a tangier flavor. It’s a great choice for drizzling over tacos or using as a base for other sauces.
Sour Cream: A Familiar and Versatile Topping
Sour cream is a readily available and versatile topping that adds a creamy and tangy flavor to tacos. It’s particularly well-suited for spicy tacos, as it helps to cool down the heat.
Other Toppings: Expanding the Flavor Palette
Beyond salsa and crema, there are a multitude of other toppings that can elevate your taco experience.
Guacamole: A Creamy and Indulgent Treat
Guacamole, made from mashed avocados, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and chili peppers, is a creamy and flavorful topping that adds richness and healthy fats to tacos. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s always a welcome addition to a taco bar.
Shredded Cheese: A Melty and Savory Element
Shredded cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco, adds a melty and savory element to tacos. The cheese melts and binds the other ingredients together, creating a cohesive and satisfying bite.
Pickled Onions: A Tangy and Crunchy Contrast
Pickled onions add a tangy and crunchy contrast to tacos. The acidity of the vinegar cuts through rich or fatty fillings, while the crunch provides a pleasant textural element.
Drinks: Quenching Your Thirst and Enhancing the Meal
No taco feast is complete without a refreshing beverage to quench your thirst and complement the flavors of the food.
Classic Choices: Aguas Frescas and Mexican Sodas
Aguas frescas, traditional Mexican fruit-infused water, are a refreshing and hydrating choice. Common flavors include watermelon, horchata (rice milk), and hibiscus. Mexican sodas, often made with real sugar, also offer a variety of flavors that pair well with tacos.
Beer: A Natural Pairing
Beer is a natural pairing for tacos, especially lighter lagers and Mexican beers like Corona or Modelo. The crisp and refreshing flavors of these beers complement the savory and spicy flavors of the tacos.
Margaritas: A Festive Option
For a more festive occasion, margaritas are a classic choice. The tartness of the lime juice and the sweetness of the tequila create a flavor profile that complements a wide range of taco fillings.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options: Catering to Dietary Needs
It’s important to consider vegetarian and vegan options when planning a taco meal. There are plenty of delicious and satisfying plant-based sides and toppings that everyone can enjoy.
Vegetarian Sides: Expanding the Possibilities
Vegetarian sides can include grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and onions. These vegetables add a smoky and slightly sweet flavor to the meal. Vegetarian refried beans, made without lard, are also a great option.
Vegan Sides: Plant-Based Delights
Vegan sides can include black beans, rice, and a variety of salsas. Guacamole can also be easily made vegan by omitting any dairy-based ingredients. Consider adding grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted sweet potatoes as taco fillings for a fully vegan meal.
Choosing what to serve with tacos is an opportunity to showcase your culinary creativity and create a memorable dining experience. By considering the flavors, textures, and dietary needs of your guests, you can create a taco feast that is both delicious and satisfying. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and get ready to enjoy a verdadero fiesta!
What are some lighter side dish options to complement tacos?
For a lighter and healthier taco accompaniment, consider options like a refreshing cucumber and jicama salad tossed in lime vinaigrette. The crisp textures and bright flavors provide a counterpoint to the richness of the tacos, without being overly heavy or caloric. Alternatively, a simple black bean and corn salad, seasoned with cilantro and a touch of cumin, offers a boost of fiber and nutrients while still being light and flavorful.
Another great option is a vibrant Mexican slaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy lime dressing. The slaw’s crunch and acidity cut through the richness of the tacos and add a welcome textural element. You could also opt for a light and refreshing fruit salad, incorporating seasonal fruits like mango, pineapple, and watermelon, dressed with a hint of mint and lime.
Can you suggest some creative toppings beyond the usual salsa and sour cream?
Beyond the staples, think about incorporating pickled onions for a burst of tangy sweetness and vibrant color. Their sharp flavor cuts through the richness of the tacos, adding a welcome dimension. Also, consider a homemade chipotle crema, which offers a smoky and slightly spicy alternative to sour cream. It’s easy to make by blending sour cream or Greek yogurt with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
For a fresh and flavorful addition, consider adding a corn and black bean salsa with roasted red peppers and a lime vinaigrette. This provides a textural contrast and a healthy boost of nutrients. Additionally, crumbled cotija cheese adds a salty and slightly crumbly element, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your tacos.
What are some good vegetarian side dishes to serve with meat tacos?
Grilled corn on the cob, brushed with chili lime butter, is a classic and satisfying vegetarian side. The sweetness of the corn complements the savory meat filling, while the chili lime butter adds a touch of spice and tang. Alternatively, a creamy Mexican street corn salad (Esquites), made with grilled corn kernels, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice, offers a more decadent and flavorful option.
Consider roasted sweet potatoes with a smoky paprika seasoning. Their natural sweetness and earthy flavors pair well with the meat, and the smoky paprika adds a complementary spice. Another excellent choice is a hearty quinoa salad with black beans, corn, avocado, and a cilantro-lime dressing. This provides a substantial and nutritious vegetarian option that balances the richness of the meat tacos.
What kind of rice pairs best with tacos?
Mexican rice, also known as Spanish rice, is a classic and flavorful choice. Its vibrant color and seasoned flavor profile, typically including tomato, onion, and garlic, complement the flavors of the tacos. The slightly fluffy texture of the rice provides a satisfying base for the meal.
Alternatively, cilantro lime rice offers a brighter and more refreshing option. The zesty lime and herbaceous cilantro add a lightness that balances the richness of the tacos. For a spicier option, consider adding a touch of jalapeno to the rice. Both of these options are relatively quick and easy to prepare, making them ideal for weeknight meals.
Are there any soup options that go well with tacos?
A classic tortilla soup is a perfect pairing for tacos, especially on a cooler evening. The rich tomato-based broth, filled with shredded chicken, avocado, tortilla strips, and cheese, provides a comforting and flavorful counterpoint to the tacos. The soup’s warmth and heartiness make it a satisfying addition to the meal.
Another excellent choice is a creamy black bean soup, topped with a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema and a sprinkle of cilantro. The smooth and flavorful soup complements the texture and flavors of the tacos. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice for a touch of brightness. A lighter option would be a chilled avocado soup, which is refreshing and creamy, offering a cooling contrast to spicy tacos.
What are some good dessert options after a taco meal?
Churros, those crispy fried dough pastries dusted with cinnamon and sugar, are a classic Mexican dessert that’s perfect after tacos. Their sweetness and satisfying crunch provide a delightful end to the meal. They are often served with chocolate sauce for dipping.
Alternatively, a flan, a creamy custard dessert with a caramel topping, offers a rich and decadent option. Its smooth texture and sweet flavor provide a contrasting experience to the savory tacos. Another great choice is tres leches cake, a sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk, resulting in a moist and flavorful treat.
How can I prepare some of these side dishes in advance to save time?
Many side dishes can be prepped ahead of time. For example, salads like cucumber jicama or black bean and corn salad can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together and saves you time on the day of your taco feast. The dressings for these salads should be added just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Mexican rice can also be cooked ahead of time and reheated when needed. Just be sure to add a little extra water or broth when reheating to prevent it from drying out. Pickled onions can be made several days in advance, as they actually improve in flavor over time. By doing some of the prep work ahead of time, you can focus on enjoying your taco night without feeling rushed.