If you’re looking for a unique way to spice up your taco night, look no further than chicharron tacos. Chicharrones, or fried pork skins, are a popular Mexican snack food usually served in taco form.
These crunchy tacos are the perfect combination of crunchy and savory flavors and can be adapted to suit any taste. Read on to learn how to make chicharron tacos that will be the hit of your next taco night.
Chicharron tacos
Chicharron tacos are a popular Mexican street food made of fried pork skins, usually served as a taco. It is a crunchy, savory snack that has become increasingly popular due to its unique flavor and texture. The tacos are filled with chopped chicharrones that have been deep-fried until they are crispy, then accompanied by various toppings such as salsa, onion, cilantro, cheese, and lime.
History of chicharron tacos
Chicharron tacos have been a staple of Mexican cuisine for centuries. Originally from the state of Puebla, it is believed that chicharron tacos originated in the 17th century when indigenous people would fry pork skins as a way to preserve them and make them last longer.
Over time, they began to be served as tacos, with various toppings such as salsa, onion, cilantro, and cheese to enhance the flavor even further.
Importance of chicharron tacos in Mexican cuisine
Chicharron tacos have become an important part of Mexican cuisine. They are a popular street food enjoyed by people all over the country. The fried pork skins’ crunchy, savory flavor makes these tacos so beloved.
Moreover, they are easy to make and can be adapted to suit any taste. In addition, chicharron tacos are a great way to use leftover pork skins and make a delicious meal.
Ingredients
Chicharrones
Chicharrones are the main ingredient in chicharron tacos. They are made from pork skin fried pieces until they are crispy and golden brown. The pork skins can be purchased pre-fried from a store, or you can make your own at home by frying chunks of pork skin in hot oil until they reach the desired level of crispiness. Once the pork skins have been fried, they should be chopped into small pieces before being added to the tacos.
Tortillas
Tortillas are an essential component of any chicharron taco. The best tortillas for this dish are corn tortillas, as they are sturdy enough to hold the fried pork skins without breaking apart. When selecting your tortillas, make sure to choose fresh and soft ones. To heat them, simply place the tortillas on a hot skillet for a few seconds on each side.
Salsa
Salsa is an essential topping for chicharron tacos as it adds flavor and color. The type of salsa used will depend on personal preference, but it is usually a red-based salsa spiced with garlic and chili peppers. However, many varieties of salsa, such as green tomatillo or mango, can also be used.
Other toppings
Other toppings are what make chicharron tacos stand out. Common toppings include chopped onion, cilantro, cheese, and a squeeze of lime juice. These ingredients provide a bright contrast to the savory pork skins and add texture to the dish. For those looking for extra spice, diced jalapenos or hot sauce can also be added. Once all the ingredients have been added, the tacos are ready to be served.
Preparation
Method for cooking chicharrones
The first step in cooking chicharrones is to prepare the pork skins. This can be done by cutting the pork skin into small pieces or strips and then boiling them for about 10 minutes until tender. Once the pork skins have been boiled, they should be drained of excess water and then deep-fried in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. It is important to ensure the oil is hot enough so the pork skins do not absorb too much of it and become greasy.
Assembling the taco
Once the pork skins have been cooked and the necessary ingredients are prepped, it’s time to assemble the tacos! Start by laying a warm tortilla on a plate or cutting board. Next, add a few pieces of chicharron to each taco and top with your desired toppings, such as salsa, onion, cilantro, cheese, and lime juice. Finally, fold the tacos up and enjoy!
Variations
Chicharron prensado tacos
Chicharron prensado tacos are a delicious variation of traditional chicharron tacos. Instead of frying the pork skins, they are pressed and cooked in a skillet until they become crunchy on the outside while maintaining their juicy interior. The result is a taco with all the fried version’s flavor but with a unique texture.
To prepare chicharron pre ado tacos, you only need to press the pork skins into a skillet until they are about ½ inch thick and then cook for about 10 minutes. Once cooked, top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Chicharron verde tacos
Chicharron verde tacos are a delicious and unique twist on traditional chicharron tacos. Instead of using fried pork skins as the main ingredient, these tacos are made with a green tomatillo salsa cooked with pork skin.
The resulting taco has a bright and flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the pork skins’ crunchy texture. To prepare ch chicharron verde tacos, heat a skillet and add a few tablespoons of oil.
Once the skillet is hot, add the diced pork skins and cook for about 5 minutes. Then add the tomatillo salsa and simmer until thickened. Once ready, top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Chicharron en salsa roja tacos
Chicharron en salsa roja tacos are a delicious variation of the traditional chicharron taco. Instead of frying the pork skins, this recipe simmers them in a spicy red salsa until they become tender and juicy.
The resulting tacos have all the flavor of the fried version with an added kick from the salsa. To prepare chicharron en salsa roja tacos, heat a skillet and add a few tablespoons of oil. Once the skillet is hot, add diced pork skins and cook for about 5 minutes.
Then add your desired red salsa and simmer for another 10 minutes until the pork skins are tender. Finally, top with your favorite toppings, such as chopped onion, cilantro, cheese, and lime juice, and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Side dishes that go well with chicharron tacos
Chicharron tacos are best enjoyed with a variety of side dishes. Here are some delicious ideas to complement your tacos:
• Refried beans – these creamy and flavorful beans provide a great contrast to the crunchy pork skins in the tacos.
• Mexican rice – this classic accompaniment is perfect for any taco meal.
• Roasted vegetables – roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions are a delicious way to add extra nutrition to your meal.
• Guacamole – this creamy and spicy dip is the perfect accompaniment for chicharron tacos.
• Salsa – no taco meal is complete without salsa! Try making your own with fresh tomatoes, onion, garlic, jalapeno, and cilantro for a flavorful addition to your tacos.
Drinks that complement chicharron tacos
A perfect accompaniment to chicharron tacos is a cold and refreshing beverage. Here are some delicious drinks that pair perfectly with chicharron tacos:
• Margaritas – Margaritas are a classic Mexican drink and the perfect way to cool off from the spicy flavors of the tacos.
• Beer – an ice-cold beer is a great addition to chicharron tacos.
• Agua fresca – this refreshing fruity drink is the perfect way to cleanse your palate between bites.
• Horchata – this sweet, creamy rice-based drink pairs perfectly with chicharron tacos.
Nutritional Value
Calorie count
Chicharron tacos are a delicious and flavorful dish, but it is important to know their nutritional value. One taco can range from 200-300 calories, depending on the added toppings. To keep your calorie count lower, opt for leaner pork skins and fresh vegetables as toppings instead of cheese and sour cream. Additionally, you can use low-calorie cooking oils such as olive oil to prepare the chicharron.
Carbohydrates and protein
Chicharron tacos are a great source of carbohydrates and protein. The pork skins provide both macronutrients, with about 3-4 grams of protein for every 2 ounces of pork skin used. Additionally, the toppings such as refried beans and Mexican rice can add even more carbohydrates to the meal. Eating chicharron tacos can be a great way to help meet your daily nutrient needs.
Conclusion
Chicharron tacos are a delicious and unique twist on the traditional taco. With their bright, flavorful sauce and crunchy texture, these tacos will surely be a hit with any crowd. Not only are they tasty, but they also offer various nutritional benefits such as protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Whether you opt for the chicharron verde or chicharron en salsa roja, these tacos will surely be a hit with everyone at your next meal.
Chicharron tacos have become increasingly popular in recent years, and the trend shows no sign of slowing down. As more people discover the deliciousness of this dish, it is sure to become a staple in many households. Furthermore, due to its versatility, chefs are beginning to experiment with different chicharron taco recipes, from classic chicharron en salsa roja to chicharron tacos with cilantro and lime. As the popularity of this dish continues to grow, so will its variety and flavor combinations.