A Guide to Choosing the Best Protein for Your Tacos

While it often comes down to personal preference, the choice of protein can greatly affect the taste and texture of your tacos, so it’s important to consider all the options. Whether you’re looking for something more affordable or upscale, there are options for any occasion. Let’s explore some ways you can experiment!

Ground beef is a popular choice for tacos. It’s very versatile and can be seasoned with a variety of spices, such as cumin, chili powder and paprika, to give it a bold, savory flavor. $

Steak is good for customization because it allows you to cook it to your preferred level of doneness. Flank steak and skirt steak are both popular choices, giving tacos a tender and juicy texture. $$$

Chicken is the best choice when you are looking for something leaner and healthier than beef or steak. It’s supremely versatile because you can cook it using different methods like grilling, baking or slow cooking, and enhance its flavor with a range of seasonings. For an easy weeknight option for families, try rotisserie chicken. $$

Pork is flavorful, tender and prepared best when slow-cooked, roasted or grilled. Pork carnitas is a well-loved taco favorite made by slow-cooking pork in a broth that makes it super juicy and broiling until crisp and browned. Cuts of pork like pork loin and shoulder are great choices for carnitas. $

Seafood makes a light, bright choice for tacos with many options, such as whitefish like cod or tilapia, salmon, shrimp or scallops. Grilling or sautéing fish can intensify its flavors and adding herbs like cilantro can give it a fresh and herbaceous touch, while lime provides a tangy acidic flavor. $$

Meat-free tacos are delicious too, whether you’re vegetarian or not. Consider using grilled vegetables, black beans, refried beans or tofu as the star of your tacos. These can be seasoned similarly to any protein, so the options are endless! Plus, meat-free tacos can be easy on the wallet, too! $