My favourite foodie holiday is approaching—Cinco de Mayo! 🌮🎉 Whether you’re celebrating with a big fiesta or just craving delicious Mexican flavours, these tips will help you host the best taco night (or dinner party) ever.
Taco night is a fun, easy, and delicious to bring friends and family together. Whether you prefer classic street-style tacos or creative gourmet twists, these tips will help you host the ultimate taco night!
Prep Like a Pro
Before we dive into the recipes, here’s how to set yourself up for success:
- Make sauces & salsas a day ahead—like my lime crema, chipotle sauce, or salsa verde—so flavours can deepen.
- Grab fresh tortillas (or make my buckwheat flour tortillas in advance for a gluten-free option).
- Get your slow cooker or grill ready—perfect for tender carnitas or to make any of the Mexican-style meats below. They’ll be the star of the show!
Now, let’s get into the essentials for an unforgettable taco night!
1. Choose one of these delicious Mexican meats
It’s fun to pick your protein party:
- Veggie-friendly: Mixed bean chilli or quorn chilli.
- Classic: Ground beef with homemade taco seasoning, shredded chicken tinga, or slow-cooked carnitas.
- Grilled, Baked or Air-fried: New Orleans garlic shrimp, maple salmon, or smoky carne asada.
1
BIRRIA
Let's talk about the star that's taken taco night to new heights: Birria! This rich, spicy slow-cooked beef (traditionally made with goat, but beef is more common stateside) has become everyone's obsession – and for good reason. The magic happens when you transform that tender, flavorful meat into quesabirria tacos – crispy, cheese-edged masterpieces dipped in that irresistible consommé.Pro Tip: Make a big batch of birria – the flavours get even better the next day, and you can use leftovers for nachos, quesadillas, or even birria ramen!
Check out this recipe
2
FAJITA CHICKEN
FAJITA CHICKEN TACOSLet's hear it for the classic that never fails – sizzling fajita chicken! These juicy strips, marinated in lime and smoky spices with caramelised peppers and onions, bring bright flavours and irresistible aroma to your taco spread.Pro Tip: Get restaurant-quality results by cooking your chicken in a screaming hot cast iron – those perfect charred edges make all the difference!Why You'll Love It:• Vibrant lime-garlic marinade• Perfectly charred edges• Customizable spice level• Meal-prep friendly for easy lunches
Check out this recipe
3
VEGETARIAN CHILLI
Who says you need meat for incredible tacos? This hearty vegetarian chilli with Quorn and kidney beans delivers bold, smoky flavour and plenty of protein. It's the ultimate plant-based taco filling that even meat-lovers will devour!Pro Tip: Make a double batch – the flavours deepen overnight, and leftovers are perfect for nachos or taco salads.Why You'll Love It:• Meat-free but full of texture• Protein-packed with Quorn and beans• Smoky chipotle depth• Budget-friendly pantry ingredients
Check out this recipe
4
JACK DANIELS RIBS TACOS
Jack Daniel's Rib Tacos are the ultimate fusion of barbecue and taco night! These take the deep, smoky-sweet flavours of whiskey-glazed ribs and transform them into taco perfection. The magic happens when you shred that fall-off-the-bone tender meat and pile it onto charred tortillas with a kiss of pineapple for the perfect sweet-savoury balance.Pro Tip: Reserve extra whiskey glaze to toss with the shredded meat – it keeps it juicy and amps up the flavour. The bones add incredible depth while cooking, but remove easily once the meat is perfectly tenderised.Why You'll Love It:• Whiskey-kissed, caramelised rib meat• Perfect sweet-savoury balance with pineapple• Crisp-edged charred tortillas• Leftovers make incredible BBQ nachos or quesadillas
Check out this recipe
5
CHICKEN BWW STREET TACOS
BUFFALO WILD WINGS-INSPIRED CHICKEN TACOSLet’s bring the bold, tangy heat of Buffalo wings to taco night! These zesty tacos feature crispy, sauce-tossed chicken with all your favourite wing flavours – perfect for game day or anytime you crave that iconic spicy kick.Pro Tip: Double-fry your chicken for extra crunch that stands up to the sauce, just like BWW’s signature wings!Why You’ll Love It:• That signature Buffalo sauce tang with creamy cooling drizzle• Crunchy celery and carrot slaw for fresh contrast• Blue cheese or ranch dressing options for traditionalists• Leftover chicken makes killer nachos or flatbreads
Check out this recipe
2. prep taco toppings + Sides
Set up a DIY station with:
- Fresh crunch: Shredded cabbage, radish slices, pickled onions, jalapeños.
- Creamy/cool: Guacamole, lime crema, cotija cheese, queso fresco.
- Heat & zest: Salsa roja, verde, pico de gallo, or mango habanero.
Sides:
- Must-haves: Mexican street corn (elote), cilantro-lime rice, charro beans.
- Quick fix: Store-bought chips + warmed queso dip.
6
Culichi Sauce (Poblano Cream Sauce)
Check out this recipe
7
A1 Spicy Chipotle Sauce Recipe
Check out this recipe
3. Choose Your Tortillas
Choose Your Tortillas Wisely:
- Corn tortillas = authentic, slightly nutty flavour. Pro tip: Double-layer them to prevent tearing!
- Flour tortillas = soft and sturdy for loaded tacos.
- Low-carb? Try butter lettuce cups or crispy jicama shells.
4. Drinks to Match the Vibes
- Classic margaritas (or mocktails!)
- Palomas with grapefruit soda
- Agua fresca (hibiscus or pineapple)
Final Tip: Prep what you can ahead (chop veggies, marinate meat) so you can enjoy the fiesta too! Tag me in your taco night creations—I can’t wait to see what you make! 🤗
Want specific recipes? Drop a comment below! 🌶️