Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup habanero hot sauce
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges, for serving
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- Tongs
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes.
3. Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the habanero hot sauce to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
5. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or in the microwave.
6. To assemble the tacos, place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of each tortilla. Top with shredded cheese and chopped cilantro.
7. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Medium-high heat
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 350
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 25g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the ground beef.
- Any type of hot sauce can be used in place of the habanero hot sauce.
Variations:
- Add diced tomatoes, avocado, or sour cream to the tacos for extra flavor and texture.
- Use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas for a softer texture.
- Make a vegetarian version by using crumbled tofu or tempeh instead of ground beef.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to use gloves when handling habanero peppers or hot sauce to avoid irritation to your skin.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your desired level of spiciness.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the beef from sticking to the pan.
Storage instructions:
Leftover beef mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the beef mixture in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the tacos on a platter and garnish with additional cilantro and lime wedges.
Garnishes:
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
Pairings:
- Mexican rice
- Refried beans
- Guacamole
Suggested side dishes:
- Corn on the cob
- Grilled vegetables
- Black bean salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the beef mixture is too dry, add a splash of water or beef broth to the skillet.
- If the tacos are too spicy, add a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt to cool them down.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Wash your hands and any utensils or surfaces that come into contact with raw beef to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Food history:
Hot sauce has been a staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries, with habanero peppers being one of the most popular ingredients. The spicy sauce is often used to add flavor and heat to tacos, burritos, and other dishes.
Flavor profiles:
The habanero hot sauce adds a spicy, smoky flavor to the beef mixture, while the cilantro and lime add freshness and acidity.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the tacos with a cold beer or a margarita for a refreshing and satisfying meal.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Mexican