Taco revolution: 19 modern takes you didn’t see coming

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Ready for a taco transformation? We’re lining up modern twists on this classic, showcasing creations that truly push the boundaries. From unexpected ingredients to innovative cooking methods, prepare to see tacos in a whole new light.

A meaty taco on a wooden cutting board.
Quesabirria Tacos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Fish tacos on a small baking sheet with limes.
Air Fryer Fish Tacos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Embracing the modern air fryer technique, these fish tacos achieve a delightful crispiness without the added grease, providing a contemporary twist to a beloved classic.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Shrimp and Chorizo Tacos

Shrimp and chorizo in soft corn tortillas with cilantro and cheese.
Shrimp and Chorizo Tacos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This combination takes the best of the sea and land. Juicy shrimp and rich, flavorful Spanish chorizo come together to create a taco experience that’s both unexpected and irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Chorizo Tacos

Korean Bulgogi Tacos

horizontal shot of 3 korean tacos: corn tortillas filled with sliced steak, kimchi and pico de gallo salsa, and chopped cilantro. In the background are lime wedges, sliced red cabbage, and cilantro leaves.
Korean Bulgogi Tacos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A flavorful fusion that merges the sweet and savory marinated beef from Korean cuisine with the versatility of the taco format, introducing a delightful cross-cultural culinary experience.
Get the Recipe: Korean Bulgogi Tacos

Quesabirria Tacos

Overhead shot of 2 quesabirria tacos with cilantro and lime wedges.
Quesabirria Tacos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This is not your ordinary taco. Braised meat marries with melted cheese inside a tortilla, offering a deep, rich flavor profile that stands out from the more traditional taco variants.
Get the Recipe: Quesabirria Tacos

Instant Pot Black Beans

Low angle shot of two bowls of Mexican black beans garnished with crumbled cheese and lime wedges.
Instant Pot Black Beans. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

The Instant Pot redefines the cooking process for these beans, making them tender and flavorful in less time. It’s a modern approach to a staple ingredient in many taco recipes.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Black Beans

Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema

Fish tacos with shredded cabbage and cilantro lime crema.
Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A refreshing spin on fish tacos; the light and flaky fish paired with zesty cilantro lime crema presents a harmonious blend of flavors that both surprises and satisfies the palate.
Get the Recipe: Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema

Camarones al Mojo de Ajo

Shrimp stuffed into soft corn tortillas with lime wedges on the side.
Camarones al Mojo de Ajo. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These shrimp tacos, infused with the aromatic allure of garlic, offer a flavor profile that diverges from the regular seafood options, creating a unique taco experience with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Camarones al Mojo de Ajo

Air Fryer Carnitas Tacos

Low angle shot of 3 carnitas tacos on a white plate with lime wedges.
Air Fryer Carnitas Tacos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

By using the air fryer, these carnitas offer a perfect balance of crispy edges and tender meat, bringing forth a modern cooking technique to this traditional Mexican favorite taco filling.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carnitas

Blackened Fish Tacos

Blackened fish tacos in taco holders.
Blackened Fish Tacos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

With a smoky and charred flavor profile, these fish tacos introduce an edgier taste experience, standing out with their bold flavors in the vast sea of taco varieties.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Fish Tacos

Mango Habanero Salsa

Overhead shot of a bowl of mango habanero salsa with a hand lifting a spoonful of the salsa.
Mango Habanero Salsa. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This salsa blends the tropical sweetness of mangoes with the fiery kick of habaneros, creating a flavor fusion that’s both surprising and tantalizing, perfect for those seeking a fresh twist.
Get the Recipe: Mango Habanero Salsa

Beef Birria

Overhead shot of a bowl of shredded beef birria with cilantro and chopped onions.
Beef Birria. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Slow-cooked and stewed to perfection, this beef filling brings a depth of flavors, offering a rich and savory experience distinct from more common taco fillings.
Get the Recipe: Beef Birria

Salsa Verde

Salsa verde in a bowl with cilantro leaves on top.
Salsa Verde. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Crafted with tomatillos and green chilies, this tangy and slightly spicy salsa provides a refreshing alternative to the often-dominant red salsas, adding a vibrant touch to any taco.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Verde

Elote

metal baking pan with elote, Mexican grilled corn cobs with mayonnaise, spices, and cheese.
Elote. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Grilled corn transformed with a rich blend of cheese, mayo, and spices. This iconic street food is a flavorful nod to traditional Mexican snacking.
Get the Recipe: Elote

Mexican Corn Salad

Mexican corn salad in bowls, garnished with parmesan cheese and lime wedges, with forks on the side.
Mexican Corn Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Drawing inspiration from elote, this salad version fuses charred corn kernels with a tangy dressing, making it a favorite for gatherings and meals.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Corn Salad

Guacamole

Guacamole in a white bowl with limes, cilantro, and tortilla chips on the side.
Guacamole. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A simple yet vibrant blend where avocados, lime, and cilantro unite. This dip is a true testament to the essence of fresh Mexican flavors.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole

Pickled Jalapeños

Two canning jars filled with pickled jalapenos on a wooden board with fresh jalapenos on the side.
Pickled Jalapeños. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Offering both tang and a fiery punch, these pickled jalapeños are more than just a side; they’re a bold enhancement to any dish.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Jalapeños

Instant Pot Refried Beans

Bowls of refried beans garnished with sliced jalapenos, cheese, and tomatoes with a napkin and two spoons on the side.
Instant Pot Refried Beans. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Traditional refried beans get a modern update with the Instant Pot, ensuring a creamy texture with less effort and time.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Refried Beans

Pollo Pibil

Pollo pibil on a grey plate with limes and shredded lettuce.
Pollo Pibil. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Hailing from the Yucatán, this chicken dish revels in the intricate flavors of achiote and citrus, offering a taste journey with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Pibil

Pickled Onions

Overhead shot of a jar of pink pickled onions with lime halves on the side.
Pickled Onions. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A tangy companion to many dishes, these quick-pickled onions add a bright note, perfect for balancing rich and spicy flavors.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Onions

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