There is no denying that tacos are beloved around the world! No matter what they are filled with, or if you use a corn or flour tortilla to wrap everything together, it’s hard to deny a tasty taco. Even better yet, is when they are homemade!
So, the next time you want to wow your friends and family on Taco Tuesday or at a Cinco De Mayo fiesta, you’ll want to check out these delicious taco recipes. Whether you’re a meat eater or a vegetarian, Carolina® Rice has you covered with some of our favorite taco recipes with loads of salsa to dollop on top.
However, before we begin, we need to make sure our pantry is well stocked!
Typical Taco Toppings
The great thing about tacos is that you can fill them with whatever ingredients you want! That said, when making these taco recipes make sure you have at least some of the following ingredients on hand:
- Your choice of Carolina® Rice
- Vegetables and fruits (onions, chilis, garlic, avocado, tomatoes, lettuce, mango)
- Spices and seasonings (pepper, sazon, cumin, chili powder)
- Fresh Herbs (cilantro or parsley)
- Beans (black beans, kidney beans, red beans)
- Cheese (feta, queso fresco, Cheddar, Cotija, manchego, etc.)
- Meat (beef, chicken, pork or meat-free alternative like tofu and tempeh)
- Sour Cream
- Lime Juice
- Sauces (tomato, chipotles in adobo sauce, guacamole, pico de gallo, salsa)
Next up we need to make sure that we have some taco shells, use corn or flour, and the size that you prefer. If you’re in the mood for a bit more filling, take a look at our guide to filling and rolling burritos!
Tip: How to Make Homemade Hard/Crispy Taco Shells
To make your own homemade hard taco shells, coat your tortillas in cooking oil, fill them and fold over in half. Then bake in a preheated oven for around 10 minutes or until they reach that desired consistency.
You can also get that crispy texture before you fill them by heating them in the microwave and checking on them at one minute intervals to see if they are crispy enough. Or, simply put them in a preheated oven for around 10 minutes to make tostadas.
Taco Recipes
Traditional Tacos
Made using Carolina® Brown Rice, these tangy Grilled Chicken Tacos with Rice Salsa offer a hearty meal with an authentic flavor. For fans of spice, try including some diced jalapeño to the salsa for an added kick.
This Chicken Tinga and Rice Tacos recipe with Carolina® White Rice, avocado and feta cheese mixes two Mexican-inspired delicacies into a tasty combination. This recipe calls for chicken, but feel free to swap in another type of meat like beef or pork.
Tacos Dorados
Tacos dorados, also known as golden tacos or taquitos, are another Latin American favorite. The main difference between this type of taco and more traditional tacos is that they are baked until they are golden and crispy. There are a few ways of preparing tacos dorados. For example, fans of avocados will love this Tacos Dorados With Rice and Beans recipe made with Carolina® White Rice and sautéed with onion, garlic and chipotle.
These Black Bean and White Taquitos will give you the perfect excuse to dust off your air fryer! These taquitos made with fluffy Carolina® White Rice make a great lunch or dinner option and work just as well if you are entertaining guests. If you really want to turn up the smokiness of this dish, try adding in some crumbled bacon bits to proceedings.
Taco Rice Bowls
No matter how you like your tacos, we know that the filling is the best part. With these taco rice bowls you can create a bowl of delicious filling and serve with whichever type of taco you want, or maybe just enjoy them alone without having to worry about a taco shell.
This vegetarian Roasted Squash Taco Rice Bowl recipe made with Carolina® Organic White Rice and topped with lettuce, guacamole, pico de gallo and black beans is a surefire way to get more vegetables into your diet. Although a plant based meal, the organic white rice and beans work together to create a complete protein which will leave you feeling full for longer. This recipe calls for a delicata squash, however this can easily be swapped for sweet potato or another type of squash if you are making this dish out of season.
Not only does it go great with tacos, but a Rice and Beans Taco Bowl with Quinoa also makes a great breakfast or lunch if you’re pushed for time and need something on the go. This recipe includes premade taco seasoning, however feel free to experiment yourself with different herbs and spices to find your own unique flavor.
What to Serve With Tacos
Tacos go great when paired with a dipping sauce like avocado or sour cream. Though If you are looking for a Latin American rice side dish to serve with your tacos, recipes like Tres Quesos Rice, Salsa Verde Rice or Cilantro Rice are always good options.
For more great recipes and meal inspiration, stay tuned to Carolina® Rice.
