If you think tacos are just about ground beef and shredded lettuce, I’ve got a delicious surprise for you. I’m sharing 27 different types of tacos that will totally shake up your dinner game. From classic carne asada to crispy carnitas and beyond, these are the mouthwatering recipes you need in your life.
1. Chicharron Tacos
Let’s talk chicharrones first. These are deep-fried pork rinds or belly that turn ultra crispy and make an incredible snack on their own.
Now, chicharron tacos happen when you simmer those crispy bits in salsa verde until they get super flavorful and tender. It’s a whole new level of delicious.
2. Tacos de Pescado
Tacos de pescado are a personal favorite of mine. They come from Baja, California, and are an absolute west coast staple.
Flaky fish fried until that outer crust turns golden brown? Sign me up right now. Drizzle on a creamy sauce, pile on some crunchy cabbage slaw, and you’ve got the ultimate taco experience.
3. Tacos de Lengua
If tongue is new to your kitchen, start right here. Tacos de lengua feature beef tongue cooked with a garlic and onion mixture that’s loaded with flavor—it’s a genuine Mexican classic. Finely chop the meat, tuck it into warm corn tortillas, and finish with salsa verde for that perfect spicy kick.
4. Tacos Al Pastor
Tacos al pastor are the kind of pork taco that makes my heart sing. That dreamy sweet and tangy sauce comes from a pineapple marinade that pairs beautifully with the salty pork.
When those flavors meld together, it’s just ridiculously good. Irresistible might be an understatement.
5. Sesos
No sugarcoating here: sesos are brains. They can come from cows or goats, and they make incredible tacos. Richly flavored on their own, and when you add spicy salsa, every bite of these daring tacos becomes something you’ll genuinely love.
6. Cueritos
Cueritos are another take on pig skin—not crispy like chicharrones, but every bit as tasty. They come in a brine, so they’re quite salty, but you can balance that out beautifully. Pile on some cabbage, squeeze of lime, and chili sauce, and you’ve got the best cueritos tacos.
7. Cecina
Cecina is a salted Spanish meat that’s dried or cured with air, sun, or smoke. While you can use many kinds of meat, beef and pork are the usual picks, with bull, goat, or rabbit being a bit more unconventional.
It needs a full 24 hours to marinate, but after that, it’s smooth sailing. Perfect for a free weekend project!
8. Carne Asada Tacos
Carne asada tacos are about as classic as it gets. I’m talking tender, juicy flank or skirt steak bathed in a marinade of olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, and spices.
That lime really helps soften the meat, but I always give it a good pounding with a meat tenderizer too. You end up with so much flavor in every bite.
9. Barbacoa Tacos
Barbacoa is that ultra moist, shredded meat that literally melts in your mouth. It’s a true Mexican staple.
Traditionally it’s made with beef cheeks, but you’ll find versions with lamb or goat too. No matter the meat, it’s loaded with tons of spices and chipotle peppers for that deep, savory kick.
10. Birria Tacos
So, what is birria? It’s a rich, flavorful stew from Jalisco, Mexico, often made with goat, but you’ll see lamb, beef, or chicken versions too.
Oh my goodness, it’s insanely good! For tacos, that tender meat gets tucked into corn tortillas that are dipped right in the fatty, delicious broth from the stew. Absolutely incredible.
11. Tacos de Cabeza
Tacos de cabeza traditionally use a whole pig or cow’s head—yes, the entire head. If you can’t track one down at your local market, pork shoulder makes a fine substitute.
But if you’re feeling adventurous, I can’t recommend finding the real thing enough. It’s an experience worth having.
12. Chicken Tinga Tacos
These chicken tinga tacos are seriously irresistible. You’ve got smoky chipotle shredded chicken, zippy lime, and tender corn tortillas—so fresh and wonderfully tasty.
Once you take a bite, you’ll be hunting them down everywhere. But homemade wins every time, so hang onto this recipe tight.
13. Tripitas Tacos
Tripitas tacos are made with small intestines, another unusual ingredient that might seem a little scary. But trust me, this meat tastes delicious.
Soft inside with a crispy outside. Push past any nerves, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by just how good they are.
14. Carnitas Tacos
Speaking of homemade, you just can’t beat crispy-tender carnitas. Imagine pulled pork, but with way more flavor and texture.
I start with a dry rub of oregano, cumin, black pepper, salt, and chili powder, then slow-cook the pork with onion, garlic, jalapeños, and orange juice. The result is nothing short of amazing.
15. Shrimp Tacos
Shrimp tacos are another coastal treasure you absolutely need to try. Plump, meaty shrimp tucked into warm tortillas is downright unbeatable.
Add crispy cabbage, creamy avocado, and salty cheese, and you can’t go wrong. These colorful, flavorful tacos are summer perfection and party ready—or just make them for yourself for an insanely good meal.
16. Tacos de Pollo
Pollo simply means chicken, and it’s the most common Tex-Mex taco out there. Whether you use chopped, shredded, or sliced chicken, don’t hold back on the spices. I promise, no matter how you slice it, it’ll be delicious.
17. Huitlacoche Tacos
Huitlacoche tacos are made from a type of fungus that’s similar to mushrooms. It starts as a corn kernel infected with fungus, then blooms and shifts color into a whole new edible delight. In English, you’ll hear it called “corn fungus,” “corn mushrooms,” or even “corn truffles.” So intriguing.
18. Chorizo Tacos
For a memorable taco night, grab this chorizo tacos recipe. Making your own chorizo is incredibly flavorful, and honestly, surprisingly easy.
But store-bought totally works if you’re short on time. Either way, top it with diced onions, cilantro, and a creamy crema sauce. Delish!
19. Tacos de Suadero
Tacos de suadero are a big deal in Mexico City. The cut can be confused with hanger steak or brisket, but if you spot “rose meat” at the market, that’s suadero. Grab a nice chunk, shred it up, and turn it into irresistible tacos.
20. Tacos Arabes Puebla
I love that these are a fusion of Mexican and Middle Eastern flavors. Tacos Arabes Puebla, which means “Arab tacos,” are usually tucked into pita bread instead of a tortilla, making them wonderfully unique.
The pork gets marinated in orange juice, onions, and spices, and it absolutely needs at least two hours for all those flavors to soak in and make the meat super tender. So yummy and unexpected.
21. Cochinita Pibil
Cochinita pibil is a dreamy pulled pork from the Yucatán Peninsula, and this recipe calls for just five ingredients. Even better, it goes straight into your slow cooker. The meat soaks up a lovely citrusy flavor that works in all sorts of dishes, but honestly, tacos are the very best way to enjoy it.
22. Tacos de Buche
Tacos de buche, which are pork stomach tacos, might sound a little adventurous, but trust me, they’re worth a try. If you’re new to cooking with organ meats, don’t stress one bit.
It’s way less intimidating than you think. And the result? Tender, delicious bites that’ll make you a believer.
23. Nopales Tacos
I brought up nopales earlier, but this recipe really lets them shine. Prickly pear cactus tacos are wildly popular in Mexico and parts of the southern US, though they’re still flying under the radar for a lot of folks.
Did you know you could eat cactus? I sure didn’t at first!
24. Tacos de Canasta
Tacos de canasta, or basket tacos, are a vegetarian gem I just know you’ll adore. Fill corn tortillas with beans and potatoes, then steam them in hot chile oil. It’s a terrific Mexican street food snack, especially when served with tangy salsa verde.
25. Chapulines
If you ever took Spanish class, you might blink twice at this one. Chapulines are grasshoppers—yes, for real!
It might sound odd, but these crunchy little guys can be surprisingly yummy. Just give them a chance, okay?
26. Tacos Campechanos
Craving a taco hybrid? Tacos campechanos are exactly that.
The traditional combo of carne asada, longaniza sausage, nopalitos, and chicharrones is fantastic, but this version keeps it more accessible with chorizo, pork steak, tomatillo salsa, and pickled onion. It’s a flavor party you’ll want to join.
27. Tacos de Papa
Fried, crispy tortilla shells stuffed with mashed potatoes—yep, you heard me right. Tacos de papa are wonderfully unique and completely irresistible. They come topped with shredded cabbage, tomato, onion, and a garlicky tomato sauce that brings it all together.