Last Updated on February 13, 2023 by Lauren Beck
Tacos are a popular Mexican dish that has been embraced by many cultures around the world. They are versatile, easy to make and can be customized to suit individual tastes.
But what makes a good taco is not just the filling, it’s also the side dishes that complement it. From drinks to sides, this article will provide you with ideas on what to serve with tacos to make a complete and satisfying meal.
What Is a Good Side Dish With Tacos?
Tacos are typically served with a variety of sides to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. Here are 15 side dishes that are perfect to serve with tacos:
- Salsa: A fresh and tangy salsa made with tomatoes, onion, and cilantro is the perfect condiment to add to your tacos.
- Guacamole: Avocado-based guacamole is a creamy and delicious addition to tacos.
- Rice: Mexican-style rice with a touch of lime and cilantro is a tasty and filling side dish.
- Beans: Refried beans, black beans, or pinto beans are a staple side dish in Mexican cuisine.
- Salad: A fresh and crunchy green salad with a lime vinaigrette dressing is a great way to balance out the flavors of the tacos.
- Queso: A warm and creamy cheese dip is a perfect pairing for tacos.
- Corn on the cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a great addition to tacos.
- Cilantro-Lime Slaw: A light and refreshing slaw made with shredded cabbage, cilantro, and lime juice.
- Chips and Salsa: Serve a basket of crispy tortilla chips alongside your tacos for an extra crunch.
- Pico de Gallo: A fresh tomato salsa with diced onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
- Pickled Vegetables: Pickled jalapenos, carrots, or onions add a tangy and crunchy texture to tacos.
- Elote: Mexican street corn, seasoned with chili powder, lime, and cheese.
- Roasted Veggies: Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onion add color and flavor to tacos.
- Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative to traditional rice, perfect for those who are watching their carb intake.
- Potato Salad: A creamy and tangy potato salad is a delicious and filling side dish to serve with tacos.
Drinks to Serve with Tacos:
To complement the flavors of the tacos, here are some drinks that are perfect to serve with tacos:
- Margaritas: A classic Mexican drink, margaritas are the perfect addition to tacos.
- Mexican beer: A cold Mexican beer is a refreshing and crisp pairing for tacos.
- Horchata: A sweet and creamy rice-based drink that is a traditional Mexican beverage.
- Agua Fresca: A sweet and fruity drink made with fresh fruit and water.
How to Make Ahead and Store:
Tacos are best served fresh, but there are some side dishes that can be made ahead of time to save time. Here are some tips for making ahead and storing side dishes:
- Salsa and guacamole can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Rice, beans, and potato salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Slaw and pickled vegetables can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Chips can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain their crispiness.
What Goes Best With Tacos for Dinner?
When serving tacos for dinner, it’s best to include a variety of sides to balance out the flavors and textures. Here are some suggestions for a complete and satisfying dinner:
- Tacos filled with grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
- Rice or beans as a base.
- Salsa, guacamole, and queso for dipping.
- A side of roasted vegetables or a green salad.
- Chips and salsa or fresh fruit as a snack.
- A refreshing drink like margaritas or agua fresca.
Do Tacos and Fruit Go Together?
While it may seem unconventional, fruit can be a delicious addition to tacos. Here are some fruit combinations that work well with tacos:
- Sliced mango, avocado, and lime.
- Pineapple salsa with diced red onion and jalapeno.
- Grilled peaches with a sprinkle of chili powder.
- Sliced strawberries mixed with cilantro and lime juice.
What Goes Well With Beef Tacos?
Beef tacos are a classic and popular choice for taco night. Here are some sides that complement beef tacos:
- Refried beans or black beans as a base.
- Salsa, guacamole, and queso for dipping.
- A side of corn on the cob or roasted vegetables.
- Chips and salsa or fresh fruit as a snack.
- A refreshing drink like margaritas or Mexican beer.
How Much Meat Do You Need for Tacos per Person?
When planning for taco night, it’s important to estimate the amount of meat you will need per person. As a general rule, plan for about 4 ounces of meat per taco, and 2 tacos per person. This means that for 4 people, you will need approximately 1 pound of meat.
What Kind of Onion Do You Use for Tacos?
The type of onion used for tacos is largely a matter of personal preference. However, red onions and white onions are the most commonly used for tacos. Red onions add a sweet and tangy flavor to tacos, while white onions add a mild and slightly sweet flavor [1].
Conclusion
Tacos are a delicious and versatile dish that can be customized to suit individual tastes. From drinks to sides, there are many options to choose from to make a complete and satisfying meal. Whether you prefer classic beef tacos or want to try something unconventional like fruit tacos, the possibilities are endless. With a little planning and preparation, you can have a delicious taco night with a variety of sides to complement the tacos.
Reference:
- https://www.cookinglight.com/cooking-101/which-type-onions-are-best-for-cooking#:~:text=White%20Onions,on%20tacos%20as%20a%20garnish.
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