Tacos are a beloved dish around the world, known for their versatility and endless flavor possibilities. Whether you’re hosting a taco night, preparing a family dinner, or simply looking to elevate your taco game, choosing the right side dishes can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll explore what to serve with tacos to create a truly memorable meal.
Classic Side Dishes
Rice Dishes
When it comes to traditional Mexican cuisine, rice is a staple side dish that pairs perfectly with tacos. Here are two classic rice options that complement the flavors of tacos:
Spanish Rice
Spanish Rice, also known as Mexican Rice, is a vibrant and flavorful side dish made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices. Its slightly tangy and savory taste makes it an excellent accompaniment to tacos, especially those with beef or chicken.
Cilantro Lime Rice
For a fresher and zesty option, Cilantro Lime Rice is a great choice. The combination of lime juice and fresh cilantro gives the rice a bright, citrusy flavor that pairs beautifully with seafood tacos or those with lighter fillings like grilled vegetables.
Beans
Beans are another essential side dish in Mexican cuisine. They are not only delicious but also add a good source of protein and fiber to the meal. Here are two popular bean options to serve with tacos:
Refried Beans
Refried Beans are a creamy and savory side dish made from pinto beans that are cooked, mashed, and then fried with lard or oil. Their rich and hearty texture makes them a perfect pairing with tacos, adding a satisfying element to the meal.
Black Beans
For a healthier alternative, Black Beans are an excellent choice. They are packed with nutrients and have a slightly sweet and earthy flavor. Black beans pair well with almost any type of taco, from beef to vegetarian options.
Fresh and Healthy Sides
If you’re looking to add a fresh and healthy touch to your taco meal, these side dishes are perfect:
Salads
Salads offer a light and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of tacos. Here are some salad options that pair well with tacos:
Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote)
Mexican Street Corn Salad, also known as Elote Salad, is a tangy, creamy salad made with grilled corn, mayonnaise, lime juice, cheese, and spices. It captures all the flavors of the traditional Mexican street food but in a salad form. This salad is a delightful side that adds a burst of flavor to your taco spread.
Pico de Gallo
Pico de Gallo is a fresh tomato-based salsa made with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, and lime juice. It’s a simple yet flavorful side that pairs well with all types of tacos, providing a fresh and slightly spicy contrast to the dish.
Guacamole Salad
Guacamole Salad is a vibrant mix of avocados, tomatoes, onions, lime juice, and cilantro. This salad is creamy, tangy, and refreshing, making it an ideal companion for tacos, especially those with spicy fillings.
Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables are a healthy and flavorful side that pairs well with the smoky and spicy flavors of tacos. Here are some grilled vegetable options:
Grilled Peppers and Onions
Grilled Peppers and Onions add a smoky and slightly sweet flavor to your taco meal. These vegetables are easy to prepare and complement both meat and vegetarian tacos.
Grilled Zucchini and Squash
For a lighter side, Grilled Zucchini and Squash are excellent choices. Their mild flavor and tender texture make them a perfect pairing with tacos, especially those with fresh, light fillings like fish or shrimp.
In Part 1 of our guide, we explored classic and healthy sides that pair perfectly with tacos. Now, let’s dive into more unique and creative side dishes, beverages, and desserts to complete your taco feast.
Comfort Food Sides
Sometimes, you want a bit of indulgence to go with your tacos. These comfort food sides are rich, satisfying, and sure to please any crowd.
Cheesy Options
Queso Dip
Queso Dip is a rich, melted cheese dip that’s seasoned with spices like cumin and chili powder. It’s a perfect companion for tacos, offering a creamy, savory contrast to the bold flavors of the taco fillings. Serve it with tortilla chips for a classic pairing.
Mexican Mac and Cheese
If you’re looking for a side that’s both comforting and full of flavor, Mexican Mac and Cheese is a great choice. This dish combines the creaminess of traditional mac and cheese with a spicy kick, thanks to ingredients like jalapeños, chorizo, and a blend of Mexican cheeses.
Fried Sides
Churros
Though traditionally a dessert, Churros can also serve as a sweet and crunchy side dish to your taco meal. These fried dough sticks are coated in cinnamon sugar and are deliciously addictive, especially when paired with a rich chocolate dipping sauce.
Tortilla Chips with Salsa
You can’t go wrong with Tortilla Chips and Salsa. This classic combo is a must-have at any taco night, offering a crunchy, spicy, and fresh complement to your tacos. Whether you opt for a traditional tomato salsa, a fruity mango salsa, or a spicy habanero salsa, this side is always a crowd-pleaser.
Unique and Creative Sides
For those who want to add a bit of creativity to their taco meal, these unique sides offer interesting twists on traditional flavors.
Fusion Dishes
Taco-Inspired Pizza
Taco-Inspired Pizza is a fun and unexpected side dish that combines the best of both worlds. Imagine a pizza crust topped with taco-seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of sour cream. It’s a creative fusion that’s sure to impress your guests.
Mexican Sushi Rolls
For something truly unique, try Mexican Sushi Rolls. These sushi rolls feature traditional Mexican ingredients like avocado, jalapeños, and seasoned rice, wrapped in seaweed or a tortilla instead of the usual sushi rice. They’re a fun way to mix up your taco night and introduce new flavors to the table.
International Flavors
Korean BBQ Tacos
Korean BBQ Tacos are a delicious fusion of Korean and Mexican cuisines. The smoky, sweet, and savory flavors of Korean BBQ beef or pork pair wonderfully with the fresh toppings and tortillas of traditional tacos. This dish brings a unique flavor profile to your taco spread.
Caribbean Slaw
For a tropical twist, Caribbean Slaw is a vibrant side dish made with shredded cabbage, mango, cilantro, and a tangy lime dressing. It’s a refreshing and fruity accompaniment that pairs well with fish or shrimp tacos, adding a burst of flavor to every bite.
Drinks to Serve with Tacos
No taco meal is complete without the perfect drink to wash it down. Here are some traditional and alcoholic beverage options to serve with your tacos.
Traditional Beverages
Horchata
Horchata is a classic Mexican beverage made from rice, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon. It’s sweet, creamy, and incredibly refreshing, making it an ideal drink to serve with spicy tacos.
Agua Fresca
Agua Fresca is a light and fruity drink made by blending water with fresh fruits, sugar, and lime juice. Popular flavors include watermelon, pineapple, and hibiscus. Agua fresca is perfect for cooling down the palate between bites of spicy tacos.
Desserts to Pair with Tacos
Finish off your taco meal with a sweet treat. These desserts are the perfect way to end your taco night on a high note.
Sweet Treats
Flan
Flan is a creamy caramel custard that’s smooth, rich, and deliciously satisfying. This traditional Mexican dessert pairs beautifully with the bold flavors of tacos, offering a sweet and creamy contrast.
Tres Leches Cake
Tres Leches Cake is a moist sponge cake soaked in three types of milk: evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream. This dessert is light, airy, and wonderfully sweet, making it an excellent choice to serve after a taco meal.
Fruit-Based Desserts
Mango Sorbet
For a light and refreshing dessert, Mango Sorbet is a fantastic option. The sweet and tangy flavor of mango pairs well with the spicy and savory flavors of tacos, providing a cool and refreshing finish to the meal.
Churros with Chocolate Sauce
Churros with Chocolate Sauce offer a sweet, crispy treat to end your meal. The combination of cinnamon sugar-coated churros dipped in rich, melted chocolate is irresistible and a perfect complement to any taco feast.
FAQ Section
Here are some frequently asked questions about what to serve with tacos, providing you with more ideas and tips:
- What are the best sides for tacos? The best sides for tacos include classic dishes like Spanish rice, refried beans, and fresh salads such as Pico de Gallo or Guacamole Salad. Comfort food sides like Queso Dip and Tortilla Chips with Salsa are also popular choices.
- Can I serve tacos with non-Mexican dishes? Yes, tacos are incredibly versatile and can be paired with non-Mexican dishes. Fusion sides like Korean BBQ Tacos or Taco-Inspired Pizza bring unique flavors to the table.
- What are healthy side dishes for tacos? Healthy sides include Cilantro Lime Rice, Black Beans, Mexican Street Corn Salad, and Grilled Vegetables like zucchini and peppers. These options are nutritious and flavorful.
- What drinks go well with tacos? Traditional drinks like Horchata and Agua Fresca pair well with tacos. For alcoholic options, Margaritas and Mexican beers are classic choices.
- Can I serve tacos with soup? Yes, a light soup like Chicken Tortilla Soup or a spicy Black Bean Soup can be a great starter to serve alongside tacos.
- Are there vegetarian sides for tacos? Absolutely. Vegetarian sides like Guacamole Salad, Pico de Gallo, Grilled Vegetables, and Mexican Street Corn Salad are excellent options to pair with tacos.
- What are quick and easy sides to prepare for tacos? Some quick and easy sides include Tortilla Chips with Salsa, Pico de Gallo, and Cilantro Lime Rice. These dishes are simple to make and complement tacos perfectly.
Conclusion
Tacos are a versatile and delicious meal that can be paired with a wide variety of sides, drinks, and desserts. Whether you prefer classic Mexican dishes, fresh and healthy options, or something a little more creative, there’s no shortage of ways to enhance your taco experience. By choosing the right accompaniments, you can create a taco meal that’s not only satisfying but also unforgettable. he content is formatted in Markdown, with key terms italicized for emphasis.