The recipe we'll be showing today, dear Paulina Cocina readers, takes us straight to the streets of Mexico! So, welcome, and get ready because we're going to delve into the wonderful world of tacos and share a recipe you're going to love. We're going to make steamed tacos , and for this recipe, you can use store-bought corn tortillas or make your own homemade masa tortillas.
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About steamed tacos
Tacos here, tacos there! This traditional Mexican dish is now eaten everywhere in the world, not only in traditional restaurants but also at home. We usually see traditional Mexican tacos with a dry corn tortilla, but steamed tacos are also common on the streets of Mexico .
Is it called tacos al vapor or tacos de canasta?
While the most common word for tacos is "tacos al vapor" (steamed tacos) due to the cooking method , if you've had the chance to travel around Mexico, you've probably also heard the term " tacos de canasta" (basket tacos ). Tacos de canasta and "tacos al vapor" are actually two names for the same dish.
Let me tell you why: both terms are commonly used in Mexico and refer to hot, soft tacos that are steamed and kept in a basket to stay hot and soft until they are sold.
And what are sweaty tacos?
In some parts of Mexico, steamed tacos are also known as tacos sudados or tacos de sudado due to the moisture that accumulates in the basket during the steaming process. Regardless of the name used, these tacos are a delicious and popular street food option in Mexico and other countries.
Its origin and history
There's no precise record of who invented tacos al vapor or their exact origins. However, there are two versions :
- The less popular story is that steamed tacos are a very old Mexican culinary tradition dating back to pre-Hispanic times, when ancient Mexicans used steam to cook food.
- The most popular and established version says that this Mexican street food originated in Mexico City at the beginning of the 20th century. The first steamed tacos are said to have been created by street vendors. It's believed that street vendors were looking for a way to keep the stewed meat they used for their tacos warm and tender. To do so, they began steaming the tacos in wicker baskets covered with a cloth to keep them warm and tender throughout the day.
Since then, tacos de canasta, or steamed tacos, have become a popular street food option in Mexico , especially during breakfast and lunchtime. They can be found at many street taco stands and fast food establishments throughout the country.
4 interesting facts about the popular steamed tacos
- Although traditional tacos al vapor are made with pork or chicken, there are also vegetarian varieties that use beans or stewed potatoes as fillings. You can even find tacos al vapor with seafood or exotic meats.
- Steamed tacos have been the subject of various culinary innovations, including the addition of hot sauces and other ingredients, such as pork rinds, cheese, and avocado.
- Steamed tacos can be a healthy meal option if made with fresh ingredients and cooked with minimal oil. Steaming also preserves the ingredients' nutrients.
- In some parts of Mexico, steamed tacos are served with a piece of paper placed at the bottom of the basket to prevent them from sticking together. They are also commonly served with a choice of salsas, such as green or red salsa, to add extra flavor.
The different methods of steaming
The traditional cooking method is through the use of bamboo steamers . The meat is placed in a cloth-covered basket over a pot of boiling water. The lid is closed and left to cook for a specified time.
But today there are different ways to cook them to suit each person's needs. Each cooking method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the final result will depend on the technique used. So, you can use a steam oven, a pressure cooker, or an electric steamer and they will all turn out perfectly.
5 important tips to prevent steamed tacos from breaking
- Use fresh tortillas.
- Heat the tortillas before filling them.
- Fill the tacos carefully.
- Wrap the tacos in paper or cloth.
- Use a suitable steamer basket.
The NOs when steaming tacos
- It is important to always use cookware made of safe materials suitable for steaming foods, such as wicker baskets or stainless steel steamers.
- If you want to transport tacos , you can use plastic or stainless steel containers that are specifically designed for hot foods and are heat and steam resistant.
- Steaming tacos in aluminum is not recommended. This is because aluminum can react chemically with certain foods and release harmful substances if ingested in large quantities. Also, if overheated, it can break off and contaminate the food.
Steamed Taco Recipe
This steamed taco recipe, besides being very easy, is also the most popular and well-known. But, as we mentioned before, it's a very versatile dish that can be used with many different fillings. So, keep trying, because there's nothing wrong with trying. Let's get to the recipe!
- Yields : 20 tacos
- Preparation time : 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 kg of taco meat (beef or pork)
- 1 package of corn tortillas
- 1/2 onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 jalapeño peppers (optional)
- 1/2 cup of water
- Salt and pepper to taste
To serve:
- Lemons
- Sauce of preference
- Chopped fresh coriander
- Chopped spring onion
- Sliced radishes
How to make steamed tacos
- Prepare the tortillas. Heat the tortillas in a pan and wrap them in a cloth to keep them soft.
- Cut the meat into small pieces and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finely chop the onion, garlic, and jalapeño peppers (optional).
- Place the meat in a large pot or skillet and add the chopped onion, garlic, and chilies. Add 1/2 cup of water and mix well.
- Cover the pot or pan and cook over medium-high heat until the meat is well cooked and tender.
- When the meat is ready, remove the pieces from the pot or pan and let them cool slightly.
- Once the meat has cooled slightly, fill the tortillas with the meat stew. Fold the tortillas and place them in a steamer basket.
- Steam the tacos for 10-15 minutes or until piping hot.
- Serve the steamed tacos hot with limes, salsa, fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, and sliced radishes.
