These corned beef tacos are a fun twist on traditional tacos! They combine tender corned beef with fresh toppings, all wrapped in warm tortillas—yum!
Honestly, who knew corned beef would make such tasty tacos? I love loading mine up with salsa and avocado, and I bet you will too! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corned Beef: The star of the show! You can use leftover corned beef or store-bought for convenience. If you prefer a different protein, shredded chicken or pulled pork can work well too!
Tortillas: I love using corn tortillas for their authentic taste, but flour tortillas are also a great option. If gluten-free is a must, look for corn tortillas free from cross-contamination.
Cabbage: Cabbage adds crunch and color. If you want something different, try using shredded carrots or coleslaw mix. Both can give a fresh twist.
Mayonnaise: For a lighter option, swap out mayo for Greek yogurt. It gives a similar creaminess with a bit of tang and is healthier too!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens the dish but if you’re not a fan, parsley or chives can make great substitutes.
How Do You Properly Heat Tortillas Without Drying Them Out?
Warming tortillas correctly is key to soft, pliable tacos. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a dry skillet and heat it over medium-high heat.
- Place a tortilla in the skillet and warm it for 30 seconds to 1 minute, flip it over, then warm for another 30 seconds.
- Keep the warmed tortillas in a clean kitchen towel to retain heat and moisture while you warm the others.
This method ensures your tortillas stay soft and won’t crack when you fill them!
How to Make Corned Beef Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb cooked corned beef, shredded or thinly sliced
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded green cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Lime wedges
- Optional: hot sauce for extra zing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend a few minutes making the sauce, warming the tortillas, and then just a little more time assembling the delicious tacos!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
Start by making the sauce! In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until it’s nice and smooth. Give it a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if you want—maybe a little more salt or a touch of honey! Set your sauce aside for later.
2. Heat the Tortillas:
Next, it’s time to warm the tortillas. Place a dry skillet on the stove over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, lay one tortilla in the skillet and heat it for about 30 seconds to 1 minute on each side. You want them soft and slightly toasted. Keep the tortillas warm by wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel while you warm the others.
3. Warm the Corned Beef:
In a separate skillet, add the shredded corned beef. Heat it over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through. Smell that deliciousness!
4. Assemble the Tacos:
Now, let’s build those tacos! Take a warm tortilla and layer on some shredded corned beef. On top of that, add a mix of green and red cabbage for crunch, and sprinkle with fresh cilantro for a pop of flavor. You can really pile it on!
5. Add the Sauce:
Drizzle your prepared sauce generously over the top of each taco. It’s all about that creamy goodness!
6. Serve:
Serve your corned beef tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. If you like a little heat, feel free to add some hot sauce for an extra kick!
Enjoy your flavorful and hearty corned beef tacos!
Can I Use Leftover Corned Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover corned beef is perfect for these tacos. Just shred or slice it thinly, warm it up, and you’re ready to go!
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
Store leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you have any toppings like cabbage or sauce left over, store them separately to keep everything fresh.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the sauce a day in advance! Just store it in a sealed container in the fridge. Give it a quick stir before using to mix everything back together.
What If I Don’t Have Mayonnaise?
If you’re out of mayonnaise, you can substitute Greek yogurt for a healthier option. It will provide similar creaminess with a tangy flavor that works great in the sauce!
