These corned beef tacos are a fun twist on a classic! With tender corned beef, fresh toppings, and zesty salsa, they’re packed with flavor.
Who knew tacos could be so versatile? I love to crunch on these for lunch or dinner—it’s like a little party in each bite! 🎉
They’re easy to whip up too! Just warm the tortillas, pile on the corned beef, and add your favorite toppings. Perfect for a quick meal that feels special.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn Tortillas: I love using small corn tortillas for their authentic flavor. If you’re out of corn tortillas, try flour tortillas or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Corned Beef: Use cooked corned beef, and if you want to try a different protein, pulled pork or shredded chicken would work well too!
Cabbage: A mix of green and red cabbage gives color and crunch. You can swap in coleslaw mix for convenience or use shredded lettuce for lighter tacos.
Chipotle Chili Powder: This gives the tacos a nice kick. For milder heat, smoked paprika is a great choice. You could also try mild taco seasoning if you want something easily available.
Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: These create a creamy sauce. You can use Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative or vegan mayo for a dairy-free version.
How Do I Warm Tortillas Without Them Falling Apart?
Warming the tortillas is key to making them flexible and enjoyable. Here’s how to do it without tearing:
- Heat a skillet on medium and add olive oil or butter.
- Place a tortilla in the skillet for about 30 seconds until it’s warm and slightly browned.
- Flip and warm the other side, keeping an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Wrap the warmed tortillas in a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm while you finish cooking the rest.
This technique works wonders for maintaining the tortillas’ texture and making your tacos easy to handle!
How to Make Corned Beef Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 1 lb cooked corned beef, thinly sliced or shredded
- 1 cup shredded cabbage (mix of green and red cabbage)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup finely sliced red onion
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chipotle chili powder (or smoked paprika for milder heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Warming:
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for warming tortillas)
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Optional: salsa verde or hot sauce on the side
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare. It includes making the sauce, warming the tortillas, and assembling the tacos. Quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
Start by making the chipotle mayo sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chipotle chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is combined. Taste it! You can adjust the seasoning if you like. Set this delicious sauce aside for later.
2. Heat the Tortillas:
Next, it’s time to warm the tortillas. In a hot skillet, add a little olive oil or butter. When heated, place one tortilla in the skillet and let it heat for about 30 seconds on each side. You want them to be pliable and just slightly toasted. Once done, keep them warm by wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel. Repeat this for all the tortillas.
3. Assemble the Tacos:
Now for the fun part! Grab a heated tortilla and place some of the shredded corned beef in the center. Don’t be shy, add a nice portion! Next, pile on a generous amount of the shredded mixed cabbage and sliced red onion for that yummy crunch.
4. Add the Sauce:
Drizzle your homemade chipotle mayo sauce over the filling. Make it as saucy as you like! Finally, sprinkle some chopped fresh cilantro on top to add a burst of fresh flavor.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Your corned beef tacos are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them immediately with lime wedges on the side. If you want a little extra tang and spice, feel free to add salsa verde or hot sauce. Dig in!
Can I Use Leftover Corned Beef for These Tacos?
Absolutely! Leftover corned beef is perfect for this recipe. Just shred it and warm it up before assembling your tacos. It’s a great way to repurpose leftovers into a delicious meal!
Can I Prepare the Sauce in Advance?
Yes, you can make the chipotle mayo sauce up to a day before. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Give it a good stir before using, and it will still taste fresh and delicious!
What If I Can’t Find Chipotle Chili Powder?
No worries! You can substitute it with smoked paprika for a milder flavor or even regular chili powder if you want some heat without the smokiness. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference!
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm the tortillas separately and then fill them again with the leftover ingredients. Enjoy them fresh!
