Tips for Perfect Walking Tacos

Making Walking Tacos is straightforward, but a few tips can elevate your experience and ensure they’re a hit every time, especially if you’re serving a crowd.

• Keep the Meat Warm: If you’re serving Walking Tacos for a party, transfer the cooked taco meat to a slow cooker on the “warm” setting. This keeps the meat at the perfect temperature for assembly, no matter when guests decide to grab their meal.
• Crush Chips Gently: Before adding toppings, give the chip bags a gentle crush to break up some of the chips. This makes it easier to mix in the meat and toppings, ensuring every bite is full of flavor. Don’t overdo it, though; you still want some larger pieces for texture.
• Set Up a Topping Bar: For events, create a “Walking Taco Bar.” Arrange all the toppings in separate bowls, allowing everyone to customize their own taco. This adds to the fun and caters to various dietary preferences.
• Consider Chip Choice: While Doritos are classic, don’t limit yourself! Fritos offer a cornier crunch, while plain tortilla chips provide a neutral base for the taco flavors to shine. You can even offer a variety of chip bags for guests to choose from.
• Prep Ahead: Most of your toppings can be chopped and prepared hours in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator until party time or dinner. This significantly reduces last-minute stress.
• Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to load up your bag, remember you’ll be eating it with a fork. Leave some space at the top to prevent spills and make mixing easier.

Walking Taco Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Walking Tacos is their incredible versatility. Feel free to experiment with different proteins, seasonings, and toppings to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Protein Alternatives:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Make sure to season well, as poultry can be milder in flavor.
• Vegetarian/Vegan: Use seasoned black beans, refried beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat crumble. These options are hearty and absorb taco seasoning beautifully.
• Shredded Chicken or Pork: Cook and shred chicken breast or pork shoulder, then toss with taco seasoning and a little broth for juicy, flavorful meat.

Flavor Enhancers:

• Homemade Taco Seasoning: If you prefer to control the salt and spice, make your own blend with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne.
• Spicier Kick: Add a dash of chipotle powder to your meat, or serve with hot sauce, pickled jalapeños, or serrano peppers for those who love heat.
• Extra Veggies in Meat: Sauté finely diced bell peppers and onions with your ground meat for added flavor and nutrients.

Healthier Twists:

• Whole Grain Chips: Opt for whole grain tortilla chips for increased fiber.
• Greek Yogurt: Swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt to reduce fat and boost protein.
• Load Up on Veggies: Maximize your fresh vegetable toppings like bell peppers, corn, black beans (as a topping), and cilantro.

No matter how you customize them, Walking Tacos are about having fun with your food. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make them uniquely yours!