Ibotta loves to love tacos! Americans alone eat over 4.5 billion a year, but it’s time to make a day of celebrating authentic tacos – for National Taco Day. But what is an “authentic” taco? Hailing from Mexico, tacos are prepared with care and awareness. Tex-Mex tacos may be more what the States are used to, but there are a few key details that create the classic Mexican tacos.
We’re sharing special considerations so you can celebrate this perfect food – the auténtico way. So let’s celebrate traditional Mexican tacos by enjoying the simplicity of a few tasty taco ingredients.
Tips for creating authentic Mexican tacos
You don’t need to spend a lot of money to celebrate delicious taco time. In fact, one of the best ways to celebrate tacos authentically is to keep your toppings minimal – most authentic tacos usually have two or three ingredients. To save even more money on grocery purchases, download the free Ibotta app today!
The essentials
#1 – Soft corn tortillas, only.
Use soft corn tortillas, which have been handmade for centuries in Mexico – and always double-stack them! By double stacking your corn tortillas, you help the integrity of the taco, and when toppings fall out you have a bonus tortilla piece to scoop whatever falls off.
#2 – No ground beef.
Traditionally, tacos are made more with pork, lamb, or goat than beef. We suggest a protein a little more familiar and super tasty with an al pastor taco – chicken! Perdue chicken is always organic and never contains antibiotics.
#3 – Skip the cheese.
Many tacos in Mexico won’t come with any kind of cheese! If you need that cheesy fix in your life (we know we do!), go for one of Mexico’s white cheeses like queso blanco, cotija, or panela.
Condiments
When it comes to taco toppings, a simple pico de gallo is all you need. This classic condiment is made with only four ingredients: peppers like jalapeño accompany onions, tomatoes, and cilantro. And if you want guac, keep this simple, too! Authentic guacamole is also made from four ingredients: avocados, serrano peppers, onion, and tomatoes. Fun fact: the use of tomatoes in pico de gallo and guacamole gives acidic balance, so lime juice isn’t needed – nor traditionally added.
While tomatoes and lettuce are often on a plate of tacos in Mexico, it’s considered a salad and not a taco topping left on the side! Toppings like raw white onion, pickled red onion, cilantro, and sliced radish, cucumber, or peppers are all great options if your taco still needs a little extra sparkle.
Feelin’ hungry? For more taco inspiration, check out this recipe for Slow Cooker Enchilada Chicken Tacos or this one featuring grilled shrimp!
Now let’s celebrate one of the best national holidays the auténtico way – with traditional ingredients and tons of cash back savings from Ibotta!