Recipes for the Ultimate DIY Taco Bar Menu
We tapped Donnie Masterton, the chef at Taco Lab by Tacolicious in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, for some modern fillings. Set them out with bowls of our favorite toppers and warm tortillas—and let your friends assemble their own while you mix the margaritas.
Iain Bagwell
Donnie Masterson shares his essential taco bar tip: “With a taco party, just put everything out at once. Have fun and try not to overthink it. For instance, instead of slicing an avocado, I just put it out there halved and pitted, with a spoon so people can scoop.”
Here we’ve rounded up several recipes that Masterson shared with us. You don’t have to make every one, but a few key dishes from this list will make up an epic taco bar buffet that your guests will appreciate and devour no matter their eating habits.
Chile dusted crispy shrimp makes a perfect protein base for tacos. Though shrimp is a little splurgy, it’s so delicious and it doesn’t take many to stuff a taco. Blackened guajillo chile mushrooms are a good option, too. This filing isn’t just vegetarian; it’s full-on vegan, and so tasty that omnivores will dig in, too.
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Masterson also suggested some other toppings, all of which will add crunch and lift to tacos. An unconventional mixture of snow peas, pancetta, and pecorino is a flavorful blend that provides nice texture, and which pairs well with rich fillings. Jicama and cabbage slaw fills the same role, in a more traditional way. Pineapple al pastor pico de gallo provides tangy sweetness, and blistered chiles bring the heat. Pickled vegetables, known as escabeche, are the perfect accompaniment, and make your spread seem like a restaurant buffet.
Finally, we couldn’t resist adding one key recipe from our archives. That’s one of our all-time party favorites: a foamy, salty margarita that tastes like a fiesta at the beach.
Chile-Dusted Crispy Shrimp
Rich, spicy, and irresistible, this filling is a surefire crowd-pleaser.
Recipe: Chile-Dusted Crispy Shrimp Tacos
Blackened Guajillo Chile Mushrooms
Rich, savory, and pleasantly chewy, umami-rich mushrooms hit the spot even for meat lovers.
Snow Peas, Pancetta, and Pecorino
This unusual mixture adds a light and crunchy option to your spread.
Pineapple Al Pastor Pico de Gallo
Add to pork tacos for a winning combo. The sweetness of the pineapple makes for a surprisingly superb component.
Jicama and Green Cabbage Slaw
The perfect topping for tacos filled with fish or shrimp.
Recipe: Jicama and Green Cabbage Slaw
Turmeric Escabeche
In Mexico, escabeche, or pickle, often refers to the spicy, crisp vegetable pickle you’ll find in most taco bars. This turmeric-infused version is delicious with anything fried, cheesy, or salty.
Recipe: Turmeric Escabeche
Chiles Toreados (Blistered Chiles)
A great topping for tacos, these peppers are seasoned with an intense, dark, soy-like concentrate that makes them over-the-top delicious.
Also Be Sure to Serve: Salt Air Margaritas
This salt-lime foam topping (an alternative to a salt-rimmed glass) is perfect for parties because it stays perky for at least half an hour.
Recipe: Salt Air Margaritas
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