This entry was posted on October 1, 2024.
On Friday 4th October, it’s National taco Day, a day that honours one of Mexico’s most beloved foods that has been around since the 18th century. Tacos have become a favourite around the world due to their ability to be filled with a variety of grilled meats and other ingredients that result in some outstanding flavour combinations!
At Cinders, we’re aware of the many possible dishes that can be made with commercial barbecue equipment, and that’s why we are urging businesses to not miss the chance to celebrate this special occasion and offer customers some delicious tacos straight from the grill! So, let’s dive into how tacos became so popular and offer you some advice on crafting one that will go down a treat with your guests!
The History Behind the Taco
While the history of the taco is up for debate, TwistedTaco mentions that the word can be traced back to the 18th century. Adopted by Mexican silver miners, ‘taco’ first referred to gunpowder which was wrapped in paper and inserted into rocks before detonation. Around this time, the taco then became a portable and affordable street food of the working class, being dubbed “tacos de minero,” which translates to “miner’s tacos.”
They were then introduced to America by Mexican migrants who came to work on the railroads, bringing their food with them. The profile of the taco was then spread across the US by Mexican food carts, thus starting a surge of interest that has now become a worldwide recognition. In the present, we have now been blessed with worldwide chains such as Taco Bell and Chipotle that are keeping the dish alive across the world, including the UK!
How to Craft the Ultimate Taco
Choosing the Right Meat
The key to a good taco involves the meat that’s used in it. There are several grilled meats that, when barbecued, can serve as the base for some incredibly flavoursome tacos!
Pulled pork
A common option for meat tacos is pulled pork due to its tender, juicy texture and rich, smoky flavour, and this flavour is further enhanced by the smoke infusion from the barbecue grill. When executed well, pulled pork can melt in your mouth with every mouthful!
Pork Belly
This is another one for pork lovers. Pork belly has a richer, fattier flavour than other cuts, and when the skin is kept dry, it can adopt a crispy exterior that makes for an extremely indulgent taco filling.
Brisket
Smoked brisket is known for its deep flavour and tenderness. It’s also very juicy, which can help it provide textural contrast when paired with crunchy, fresh vegetables. Like other cuts of beef, brisket is great when barbecued as it can adopt a luscious crust that makes its flavour profile even more enjoyable.
Chicken
The mild flavour of chicken allows it to be used in a variety of different dishes across multiple culinary cultures, which is what makes it perfect for the taco! Grilled chicken also easily absorbs seasonings and marinades, which allows you to customise it and create a unique, signature chicken dish. One more benefit is that it’s quick and easy to cook, making it ideal for large-scale catering events!
Shrimp
For a lighter option, you can opt for barbecued shrimp. This seafood offers a delightful, slightly sweet, and smoky flavour as well as a pleasant bite to your tacos. Shrimp also requires minimal preparation, and pairs well with a variety of toppings, such as avocado, lime, cilantro, and cabbage
Vegetarian Options:
If you don’t eat meat, then there are plenty of substitutes that you can use. Instead of meat, you can opt for beans and chickpeas as they can offer a similar soft texture to tender meat. Vegetable tacos are also delicious and very healthy, even when grilled on the BBQ! But if you still want a taco with a meaty taste, then there are substitutes like Quorn and Beyond Meat that you can use.
Choosing the Right Toppings
When you have chosen the meat to serve as the foundation for your delicious tacos, you will then need to choose the right toppings. When choosing the right toppings, it’s important to pick options that will help provide a balanced taste, a variety of textures, and a strong visual appeal. Here are some of the top choices for toppings to use in your tacos!
Salsa
Salsa is great for adding a burst of fresh, acidic, and tangy flavour. There are many kinds of salsa, with each one providing different levels of acidity and heat, allowing businesses to adapt their recipes to the preferences of their customers
Guacamole
This topping adds a layer of creaminess and richness that can balance out the spicy and acidic elements of a taco. Its smoothness is also good for working with crunchy ingredients to provide a balanced texture.
Cheese
Cheese adds a savoury, creamy, and slightly salty element to tacos, and when you choose certain cheeses like cheddar, cotija, and queso fresco, you can melt them for an even higher level of creaminess!
Lettuce and Cabbage
These vegetables are excellent at providing a crunchy texture that contrasts well with the softness of the tortilla and the meat, and like most vegetables, they are quite refreshing.
Onions
Onions can add a sharp flavour that cuts through the richness of other ingredients. Raw and pickled onions are the best options for those who prefer a high level of acidity, but if you prefer a richer-tasting taco, then grilling or caramelising your onions can help reduce their acidity and instead, offer some sweetness.
Buying/Renting Commercial BBQ Equipment
By celebrating National Taco Day, your catering business can provide customers with a special way to enjoy barbecued meats this autumn. So, it’s time to set up your commercial grill and prepare some juicy smoked meat that can be used in the creation of some mouthwatering tacos!
If your catering business is looking for reliable commercial barbecues, then look no further than Cinders! We offer a range of professional grills that can help you cook meat for tacos, roasts, sandwiches, and more! You can choose our local search for barbecue rental service to find out where to rent in your local area, or you can buy from one of our trustworthy distributors. Browse our website to discover your options! If you have any questions regarding our products or services, then don’t hesitate to contact us.
