27 taco Tuesday upgrades: Because basic is boring

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Taco Tuesday is sacred. But even the most beloved traditions can use a little shake-up now and then. So, while there’s nothing wrong with the classics, sometimes our taste buds yearn for a little more adventure.

Enter the taco revolution. We’ve got 27 twists and turns that’ll take your taco nights from predictable to tantalizingly unexpected. Because when it comes to flavor, settling for basic just isn’t our jam.

Air Fryer Carnitas

three tacos made from air fryer carnitas on a plate with onions, cilantro and lime.
Air Fryer Carnitas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This recipe takes the well-loved carnitas and gives it an air-fried twist. Less oil, same delectable crispiness, and a modern approach to a classic. It’s about enjoying your favorite carnitas, made healthier.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carnitas

Shrimp and Chorizo Tacos

Elevate your taco game by combining savory chorizo with succulent shrimp. This pairing brings forward a rich and diverse flavor profile, making your tacos anything but ordinary. Ideal for those seeking a memorable bite.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Chorizo Tacos

Korean Bulgogi Tacos

By infusing the classic taco with Korean flavors, this recipe is a fusion lover’s dream. Bulgogi’s sweet and savory taste finds a fresh twist inside a taco shell. A global spin on the traditional.
Get the Recipe: Korean Bulgogi Tacos

Quesabirria Tacos

Overhead shot of 2 quesabirria tacos with cilantro and lime wedges.
Quesabirria Tacos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

With their roots in traditional Mexican birria, these tacos pack a punch of flavor with melted cheese. An upgrade that’s hard to resist, they turn the mundane into an extraordinary cheesy delight. Ideal for those yearning for comfort in a taco.
Get the Recipe: Quesabirria Tacos

Instant Pot Black Beans

Upgrade your taco fillings with these flavorful and tender black beans. The Instant Pot ensures consistency and deepens the taste. A versatile side that complements various taco types.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Black Beans

Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema

These tacos are the embodiment of freshness. The cilantro lime crema enhances the fish, bringing zest and brightness to every bite. An upgrade that leans towards zest and tang.
Get the Recipe: Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema

Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Fish tacos on a small baking sheet with limes.
Air Fryer Fish Tacos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Moving away from deep-fried norms, these tacos offer a lighter twist while retaining crispness. A modern approach to traditional fish tacos that keeps them delicious without excessive oil. Perfect for those who desire the crunch, minus the guilt.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Blackened Fish Tacos

Blackening brings out a distinct charred flavor without overwhelming the fish. This taco upgrade marries smokiness with freshness. Perfect for those craving depth in their seafood tacos.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Fish Tacos

Mango Habanero Salsa

Sweet meets heat in this dynamic salsa. Mango’s tropical sweetness balances the fiery kick of habanero, making it a thrilling topping for any taco. An unconventional salsa that’s hard to forget.
Get the Recipe: Mango Habanero Salsa

Camarones al Mojo de Ajo

Shrimp stuffed into soft corn tortillas with lime wedges on the side.
Camarones al Mojo de Ajo. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A bold choice for shrimp lovers, infused with the robust flavor of garlic. A recipe that’s anything but basic, it adds depth to your taco spread. It’s a refined, garlicky delight that stands out.
Get the Recipe: Camarones al Mojo de Ajo

Pineapple Habanero Salsa

A salsa that dances between sweet and spicy. Pineapple’s juiciness combined with habanero’s kick ensures a flavor-packed topping. It’s all about a delightful contrast in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Habanero Salsa

Pickled Onions

Overhead shot of a jar of pink pickled onions with lime halves on the side.
Pickled Onions. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Mexican pickled onions are quick to make with just lime juice, onion, and salt. Enjoy on tacos, burgers, or even bagels and lox.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Onions

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

Slow cooking chicken brings out unparalleled tenderness and flavor. By choosing this method, you ensure your chicken tacos are a cut above the rest. Flavor-packed and fuss-free.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

Mexican Corn Salad

Mexican corn salad in bowls, garnished with parmesan cheese and lime wedges, with forks on the side.
Mexican Corn Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A deconstructed take on elote, this salad combines charred corn with zesty dressings. It’s a light yet satisfying dish, perfect for potlucks and picnics.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Corn Salad

Lamb Tacos

Lamb introduces a rich depth to your taco repertoire. It’s a less conventional meat choice, making your taco nights memorable. For those who crave variety and richness.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Tacos

Elote

metal baking pan with elote, Mexican grilled corn cobs with mayonnaise, spices, and cheese.
Elote. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Grilled corn slathered in a mix of cheese, mayo, and spices. It’s street food at its finest, capturing the spirit of Mexican snack culture.
Get the Recipe: Elote

Blackened Salmon Tacos

Salmon finds a smoky twist in this taco upgrade. Blackening it introduces a layer of flavor that sets it apart. It’s a seafood taco, but bolder.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Salmon Tacos

Taco Salad Bowl with Mexican Ground Beef

Take your taco love to a bowl filled with vibrant ingredients. This salad combines the best of tacos without the constraints of a shell. It’s about deconstructing and relishing.
Get the Recipe: Taco Salad Bowl with Mexican Ground Beef

Quick and Easy Creamy Taco Soup Recipe

Creamy Taco Soup with gresh avocado slices and lime.
Quick and Easy Creamy Taco Soup Recipe. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Who said tacos can only be solid? This soup embodies the essence of a taco in a creamy broth. It’s all the taco flavors you love, reimagined in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Easy Creamy Taco Soup Recipe

Best Salsa Recipe

It’s all about fresh ingredients and the right balance. This salsa recipe promises to enhance every taco bite. A basic salsa, made extraordinary.
Get the Recipe: Best Salsa Recipe

Best Homemade Ground Beef Taco Meat Recipe

Ground Beef Taco Meat inside a white plate with smaller bowls of veggies and sauces.
Best Homemade Ground Beef Taco Meat Recipe. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Ground beef gets a flavor overhaul in this recipe. It ensures every beef taco you make is far from ordinary. A staple upgraded for maximum taste.
Get the Recipe: Best Homemade Ground Beef Taco Meat Recipe

Easy Crunchy Taco Cups Recipe

Move over traditional taco shells, these taco cups are here to impress. Crunchy, handy, and perfect for fillings, they’re a fun variation on the standard. A twist that’s as playful as it’s tasty.
Get the Recipe: Easy Crunchy Taco Cups Recipe

Avocado Lime Crema

A small white ceramic bowl filled with a creamy green sauce garnished with fresh green cilantro leaves.
Avocado Lime Crema. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This crema brings a rich creaminess laced with the tang of lime. Perfect as a drizzle or dip, it’s an upgrade that goes with almost any taco. Elevating the ordinary with texture and zest.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Lime Crema

Blackened Shrimp Tacos

Blackened shrimp tacos with jalapeño corn salsa.
Blackened Shrimp Tacos. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Charred to perfection, these shrimp tacos offer a burst of flavor. With blackening, you ensure a smoky taste that sets these apart. A seafood delight that beckons the adventurous.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Tacos

Serrano Salsa with Lime

This salsa isn’t for the faint-hearted. The heat of serrano chilies melds with lime, creating a fiery yet refreshing topping. An upgrade for those who like their tacos with a kick.
Get the Recipe: Serrano Salsa with Lime

Spicy Potato Soft Tacos with Chimichurri

Potatoes in tacos? Absolutely. Spiced to perfection and paired with chimichurri, they make for an unexpected yet delightful filling. A vegetarian twist that surprises and satisfies.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Potato Soft Tacos with Chimichurri

Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe

Gluten Free Taco Seasoning spices on a wooden spoons.
Gluten Free Taco Seasoning Recipe. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Gluten-free doesn’t mean flavor-free. This seasoning ensures your tacos are just as delectable, without any gluten. An upgrade that caters to dietary needs, without compromising taste.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Taco Seasoning Recipe

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