National Taco Day is a pretty good excuse to put tacos on the menu, although, if you ask us, you never really need one. Crispy, cheesy, savory, spicy or piled high with fresh toppings, there’s a taco for just about every craving.
In honor of National Taco Day, we’ve rounded up five Ortega taco recipes that bring something different to the table. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight taco, a meatless option or a recipe worthy of an all-out taco night, there’s plenty here to celebrate.
1. Cubed Pork Tacos
Tender seasoned pork, black bean and corn salsa, and a creamy taco sauce come together in these Cubed Pork Tacos. The combination of savory pork, bright lime, fresh cilantro and crunchy Ortega Yellow Corn Taco Shells makes every bite a little different.
They’re ready in under an hour and yield six to eight tacos, making them an easy option for a weeknight National Taco Day celebration.
Make the Cubed Pork Tacos Recipe
2. Skirt Steak Street Tacos
Want to make National Taco Day feel a little more like a special occasion? These Skirt Steak Street Tacos from Chef Kelsey Murphy bring big flavor to the table.
Skirt steak marinates with lime juice, garlic, soy sauce and Ortega Street Taco Seasoning before hitting a hot grill. A homemade poblano crema adds a cool, creamy finish. Pair the steak with your favorite Ortega taco shells or tortillas and pile on the toppings to make them your own.
Get the Skirt Steak Street Tacos Recipe
3. Al Pastor Tacos
If your idea of celebrating involves going all-out, put Al Pastor Tacos on the menu.
Pork shoulder is marinated with guajillo chiles, chipotle peppers, pineapple juice and Ortega Street Taco Seasoning, then slow-roasted with fresh pineapple. Once cooked, the pork is sliced and piled into tacos with more pineapple, cilantro, onion and a squeeze of fresh lime.
The recipe makes 20 to 25 small street tacos, so it’s a great choice when National Taco Day calls for a crowd.
4. Birria Quesatacos
Crispy, cheesy and made for dipping, Birria Quesatacos bring something extra to your National Taco Day spread.
Chuck roast and short ribs simmer low and slow with guajillo chiles, aromatics and seasonings until the meat is tender enough to shred. Corn tortillas are dipped in the reserved cooking liquid, filled with meat and Oaxaca cheese, then crisped in a skillet until golden.
Serve each taco with a bowl of the flavorful broth on the side for dipping.
Try the Birria Quesatacos for Yourself
5. California Fresh Mex Tacos
Want something fresh and colorful on the National Taco Day table? These California Fresh Mex Tacos deliver plenty of flavor and crunch without the meat.
Ortega Yellow Corn Taco Shells are filled with creamy avocado, black beans, corn and tangy quick-pickled red cabbage, then topped with Greek yogurt and fresh chives. Better yet, the tacos themselves take just 10 minutes to cook, making them an easy addition to your taco-night lineup.
Get the California Fresh Mex Tacos Recipe
Build Your Own Taco Bar for National Taco Day
Can’t choose just one? Turn your National Taco Day dinner into a taco bar and let everyone build their own. Start with a mix of Ortega taco shells and tortillas, then set out your favorite proteins and plenty of toppings. Try shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, fresh lime, salsa, pickled cabbage or grilled vegetables. Add a few Ortega sauces and seasonings to the table so everyone can customize their tacos with even more flavor.
However you build your taco, the best way to celebrate is with plenty of flavor and plenty to share. Explore more Ortega recipes and find a new favorite to serve this National Taco Day.