These corned beef tacos are a fun twist on a classic! You take tasty, tender corned beef and wrap it in soft tortillas. Topped with fresh veggies, they are a real treat!
I love how easy these are to whip up, and they always impress my friends. Plus, who can resist tacos? You can even add your favorite salsa for an extra kick! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn Tortillas: Corn tortillas are a must for authentic tacos. If you’re gluten-free, these are perfect! If you can’t find them, you could substitute with flour tortillas, but they won’t have the same texture and flavor.
Corned Beef: The star here is corned beef. You can use leftover corn beef or even brisket for a similar taste. Vegan alternatives could involve shredded jackfruit or tofu, seasoned well to add flavor.
Cabbage Slaw: A mix of green and purple cabbage adds crunch and color. For a lighter option, consider using a mix of shredded lettuce or adding some carrots for sweetness. You can also swap in pre-made coleslaw mix.
Spicy Mayo: This creamy sauce gives a kick. If you want less heat, reduce sriracha or mix in a bit of yogurt for a creamier texture. Alternatively, you could use a store-bought spicy sauce or a drizzle of hot sauce instead of mayo.
How Can I Warm Tortillas Perfectly?
Warming tortillas is key to preventing them from cracking! Heat your skillet to medium and add a splash of oil. This helps enhance the tortilla’s flavor.
- Warm each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side until they’re pliable.
- For a bit of char, cook them a little longer, but don’t let them burn!
- Keep them warm in a clean kitchen towel or a tortilla warmer while you cook the others.
How to Make Delicious Corned Beef Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 1 lb cooked corned beef, thinly sliced or shredded
- 2 cups cabbage slaw (mix of shredded green and purple cabbage)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Spicy Mayo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sriracha or another hot sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
For Warming the Tortillas:
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil (for warming tortillas)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Making these corned beef tacos will take about 20 minutes. This includes mixing the spicy mayo, warming the tortillas, and assembling everything together. It’s a quick and delightful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Spicy Mayo Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice. Stir everything together until well mixed. Taste it to see if you’d like more heat, and feel free to adjust the amount of sriracha if you want it spicier!
2. Warm the Corn Tortillas:
Heat a skillet over medium heat and pour in a little olive oil. Take each corn tortilla and warm it for about 30 seconds on each side until it’s soft, pliable, and maybe just slightly charred. Once warmed, keep the tortillas wrapped in a clean kitchen towel to stay warm while you finish up!
3. Prepare the Corned Beef:
In a mixing bowl, toss your shredded corned beef with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance its flavor. This step ensures your beef is tasty in every bite!
4. Assemble Your Tacos:
Take a warmed tortilla and pile on a portion of the seasoned corned beef. Don’t be shy; make it a nice, hearty serving!
5. Add the Cabbage Slaw:
On top of the beef, add a generous amount of the cabbage slaw for a wonderful crunch and freshness.
6. Drizzle with Spicy Mayo:
Now, take your spicy mayo sauce and drizzle it all over the slaw. It adds creaminess and extra flavor!
7. Top with Cilantro:
Sprinkle the chopped cilantro on top for an extra burst of freshness and color.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
These tacos are best enjoyed fresh! Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side, allowing everyone to squeeze over as much lime juice as they like. Enjoy your flavorful Corned Beef Tacos!
Can I Use Leftover Corned Beef?
Absolutely! Leftover corned beef works wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure to warm it up before assembling your tacos for the best flavor and texture!
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best results, keep the ingredients separate to prevent sogginess. Reheat the beef and tortillas separately before assembling again.
Can I Make the Spicy Mayo Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the spicy mayo sauce in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it will keep well for about a week. Give it a good stir before using it in your tacos.
What Can I Use Instead of Mayonnaise?
If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, consider using Greek yogurt or avocado for a creamy substitute. These alternatives will add a different flavor profile but will still work beautifully in the tacos!