The Perfect Tacos de Canasta Recipe for Authentic Mexican Flavor

Street vendors in Mexico City have perfected the art of tacos de canasta, a beloved street food that captures the heart of urban culinary traditions.

These delectable basket tacos burst with authentic flavors that dance across your palate.

Soft, steamed tortillas cradle savory fillings that promise an unforgettable taste experience.

Each taco tells a story of generations-old cooking techniques passed down through family kitchens.

The simplicity of these tacos belies their incredible depth of flavor and cultural significance.

Packed with tender meats and rich seasonings, tacos de canasta offer a genuine glimpse into Mexican street food culture.

Prepare to embark on a delicious journey that will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Mexico.

FAQs

• What are Tacos de Canasta?

Tacos de Canasta are traditional Mexican street-style tacos prepared with a unique basket-steaming method that allows flavors to blend and develop while resting, creating soft, delicious tacos infused with rich, complex tastes.

• Are Tacos de Canasta different from regular tacos?

Yes, these tacos are pre-folded and steamed in a basket, which makes them softer and more deeply flavored compared to standard freshly grilled tacos. The resting process allows ingredients to marinate and intensify their taste.

• What makes the filling special in these tacos?

The filling combines chorizo and mashed potatoes, creating a creamy, spicy mixture that provides a hearty and satisfying texture. The potatoes are seasoned with butter, milk, onion, and garlic for additional depth of flavor.

Simple Tacos de Canasta: Why They’re Crave-Worthy

• Perfect for beginners with straightforward steps and basic cooking techniques that anyone can master without professional culinary training.
• Affordable ingredients like potatoes, chorizo, and basic spices make this recipe budget-conscious while delivering maximum flavor and satisfaction.
• Traditional Mexican street-style tacos that bring authentic regional flavors directly to your home kitchen, creating a delicious connection to vibrant culinary heritage.
• Versatile dish suitable for casual gatherings, family dinners, or weekend meal prep with easy-to-adjust ingredient quantities and simple preparation method.

What You’ll Need for Tacos de Canasta

• Potatoes: Soft, boiled potatoes that form the base of the delicious filling.
• Chorizo: Flavorful Mexican sausage that adds rich and spicy notes to the taco filling.
• Corn Tortillas: Traditional Mexican tortillas used to create the classic basket tacos.

• Butter, Milk: Creamy ingredients that help mash and smooth the potatoes.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that enhance the overall flavor of the filling.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the taste of the potato and chorizo mixture.

• Guajillo Peppers, Onion, Garlic: Roasted ingredients that create a deep, complex base for the oil-based salsa.
• Canola Oil, Bay Leaves: Key components that contribute to the salsa's rich and fragrant profile.

• Raw Onion: Fresh sliced onion that adds a crisp and sharp contrast to the tacos.
• Butcher Paper, Aluminum Foil, Towel: Essential materials for traditional basket taco preparation and presentation.

Tools for Building Tacos de Canasta at Home

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling potatoes and cooking chorizo.
• Frying Pan: Perfect for sautéing ingredients and heating salsa.
• Blender: Crucial for creating smooth, well-mixed salsa.
• Strainer: Helps achieve a clean, smooth salsa texture.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Helps dice onions and prepare filling precisely.
• Potato Masher: Great for creating smooth, creamy mashed potatoes.
• Large Basket or Pot: Used for assembling and storing tacos.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps line the basket for protection.
• Large Towel: Covers and keeps tacos warm during resting.
• Plastic Bag: Ensures tacos stay moist and fresh.
• Butcher Paper: Absorbs excess oil and separates taco layers.

Assembly Guide for Tacos de Canasta

Step 1: Prepare Delicious Potato and Chorizo Filling

Create a mouthwatering filling by boiling potatoes until they’re perfectly tender.

Mash the potatoes with creamy butter and smooth milk.

In a sizzling frying pan, cook chorizo until it’s beautifully browned.

• Diced onion
• Minced garlic

Season the mixture with salt and pepper, then let it cook for a few more minutes to blend the flavors.

Set the filling aside and get ready for the next exciting step.

Step 2: Craft Spicy Oil-Based Salsa

• Onion
• Garlic
• Guajillo peppers

Add canola oil and fragrant bay leaves, frying everything together to create an intense flavor profile.

Transfer the roasted mixture to a blender and pulse until smooth.

Strain the salsa to ensure a silky texture.

Return the salsa to a hot pan and heat it through, allowing the flavors to intensify.

Step 3: Shape Mouthwatering Basket Tacos

Warm up your tortillas until they’re soft and pliable.

Spoon the prepared filling onto each tortilla, then fold them in half to create perfect half-moon shapes.

Arrange the tacos in neat rows, sprinkling fresh sliced onions between each layer.

Cover each layer with butcher paper to absorb excess oil and keep the tacos moist.

Step 4: Create the Traditional Basket Setup

Prepare your serving basket by lining it with aluminum foil.

Add a large towel for extra insulation.

Place a plastic bag inside the basket, then layer butcher paper to help absorb any excess moisture.

Carefully stack the prepared tacos in the basket, drizzling the spicy oil-based salsa over the top.

Seal the plastic bag and cover everything with the towel.

Let the tacos rest and meld their flavors for one hour before serving to your excited guests.

Tips for Flavorful, Juicy Tacos de Canasta

• Boil potatoes with a pinch of salt until they're creamy and easily mashed, ensuring a smooth, rich filling for your tacos.
• Cook chorizo slowly over medium heat to release its oils and develop a deep, robust taste that blends beautifully with the potatoes.
• Char guajillo peppers, onion, and garlic until they're slightly browned but not burnt, which unlocks their rich, smoky flavors for the salsa.
• Stack tacos with alternating layers of filling and sliced onions between butcher paper to allow flavors to meld and prevent sogginess.

Fun Variations for Tacos de Canasta

• Vegetarian Potato Tacos: Replace chorizo with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or black beans for a meat-free version. Add extra spices to enhance flavor and maintain the original taco's richness.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas instead of wheat tortillas. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking salsa and seasonings for potential wheat contamination.
• Spicy Green Salsa Variation: Swap guajillo peppers with jalapeños or serrano peppers for a greener, more intense heat profile. Use tomatillos as a base to create a tangy, vibrant alternative salsa.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace tortillas with large lettuce leaves or low-carb cauliflower tortillas. Reduce potato quantity and increase protein content to maintain a satisfying meal structure.

Tacos de Canasta: How to Serve Them Best

Street-Style Taco Feast: A flavor-packed adventure awaits!

• Zesty Onion Garnish: Sprinkle fresh, finely chopped white onions over the tacos for a crisp, sharp bite that cuts through the rich potato and chorizo filling.
• Salsa Drizzle Delight: Serve extra oil-based salsa on the side, allowing guests to add more spicy kick and enhance the tacos' depth of flavor.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Scatter chopped cilantro on top for a bright, herbal note that complements the hearty potato and chorizo mixture.
• Quick Sidekick: Pair with a cold Mexican beer or fresh lime agua fresca to balance the tacos' robust taste and provide a refreshing contrast.

Tacos de Canasta: Storage Solutions

• Store leftover tacos in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Consume within 2-3 days for best quality and taste.
• Wrap individual tacos tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to one month, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Unwrap frozen tacos, place on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Remove plastic wrap, place tacos on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking to avoid overcooking. Add a damp paper towel to maintain moisture and prevent toughening.

Simple Tacos de Canasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 10 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mexican street tacos de canasta offer a delightful culinary journey through authentic flavors. Portable and packed with traditional ingredients, these tacos provide a quick, satisfying meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling Ingredients:

• 1 pound (1 lb) chorizo
• 3 large potatoes
• 1/4 white onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper

Tortilla and Salsa Ingredients:

• 20 corn tortillas
• 1 cup salsa verde
• 1 large onion, sliced

Oil-Based Salsa Ingredients:

• 1 cup canola oil
• 2 guajillo peppers, deseeded
• 1/4 white onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 bay leaves

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the potato filling by boiling potatoes with salt until tender. Mash the potatoes with butter and milk to create a creamy consistency. In a separate pan, cook chorizo over medium heat until browned.
2. Combine the cooked chorizo with mashed potatoes, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, then sauté for 5 minutes to blend flavors. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Create the oil-based salsa by roasting onion, garlic, and guajillo peppers until they develop a deep char. Add canola oil and bay leaves to the roasted ingredients, frying briefly to enhance aromatics.
4. Transfer the roasted mixture to a blender and process until smooth. Strain the sauce to remove any tough pepper skins or solid pieces.
5. Reheat the strained salsa in a frying pan to intensify its flavors, then set aside to cool slightly.
6. Warm the tortillas until pliable. Spoon the potato-chorizo filling onto one half of each tortilla, then fold over to create a half-moon shape.
7. Layer the folded tacos in a basket or large container, alternating with thin slices of raw onion. Use butcher paper between layers to absorb excess oil.
8. Line the container with aluminum foil and a large towel. Place a plastic bag inside for additional protection. Carefully arrange the layered tacos within the bag.
9. Drizzle the prepared oil-based salsa over the tacos. Seal the bag and cover with the towel. Allow the tacos to rest and absorb flavors for one hour before serving.

Notes

• Select starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best mashing consistency and flavor absorption.
• Drain potatoes thoroughly to prevent watery filling and ensure a creamy texture.
• Use fresh chorizo for more authentic and robust flavor profile in the filling.
• Roast peppers and aromatics slowly to develop deeper, more complex salsa flavors.
• Choose soft corn tortillas that won’t crack when folding to maintain structural integrity.
• Layer tacos carefully with butcher paper to absorb excess oil and prevent sogginess.
• Allow tacos to rest in the basket for at least an hour to let flavors meld and develop.
• Store leftover tacos in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two days.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 10
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg