If you consider yourself a lover of Mexican cuisine, then you must indulge in the glorious delight that is machacado tacos. Bursting with robust flavors, these savory tacos are a beloved specialty hailing from the northern regions of Mexico. With a delightful combination of tender dried beef, vibrant salsa, and fresh flour tortillas, machacado tacos offer a truly unforgettable culinary experience. In this blog post, we will explore the origins, ingredients, and preparation of these mouthwatering tacos.
Machacado tacos find their roots in the northern regions of Mexico, particularly in states like Nuevo León, Coahuila, and Tamaulipas. Historically, these regions have a rich tradition of cattle ranching, making dried beef or “machaca” a popular ingredient. Machacado tacos are a culinary masterpiece born out of the need to preserve meat and utilize it in flavorful and delicious ways.
The star of the show, machaca, is prepared by drying beef until it becomes tender and easy to shred. The drying process helps to intensify the meat’s flavors, resulting in a smoky and savory taste that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
To balance the rich flavors of the machaca, fresh ingredients such as diced tomatoes, onions, and jalapeno are added. These ingredients provide a refreshing contrast and add a burst of vibrant colors to the tacos.
These tacos are traditionally served in warm, freshly-made corn or flour tortillas. The tortillas act as a vessel for all the flavorful components, bringing everything together in a perfect handheld package.
Machacado tacos are a true delight for food enthusiasts seeking bold and authentic Mexican flavors. The tender, smoky machaca combined with aromatic spices and fresh ingredients make for a memorable culinary experience. Whether you are a fan of traditional Mexican cuisine or simply looking to expand your taco repertoire, machacado tacos are a must-try. Enjoy!
-MBK
Machacado Tacos
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup white or yellow onion chopped fine
- 1/2 jalapeno or serrano (depending on your preference) seeds removed and chopped fine
- 1 roma tomato seeds removed and chopped fine
- 1/3 cup dried carne seca de res
- 4 whole eggs
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
Instructions
- In a sautee pan over medium heat, add your vegetable oil. Add the chopped onions and peppers. Sautee until onions are translucent. Add the dried carne seca and stir to combined. Cook for a couple of minutes to slightly toast the dried meat. Add your chopped tomatoes and stir. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the tomato is broken down and cooked through (it should look like the consistency of a chunky salsa). Season with salt and pepper. Add your eggs and scramble to combine. Cook until no longer wet, flipping eggs throughout. Serve with warm tortillas and enjoy!