Tacos are one of the most adaptable foods out there—easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always satisfying. They’re the kind of meal that works whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking to throw something together with what’s already in your fridge. This list highlights how wide the taco world can be, from grilled seafood and spicy tofu to slow-cooked meats, crispy air-fried shells, and meatless options with serious flavor. Some recipes rely on rich marinades, others on bold toppings or unique shells, but every one of them keeps things simple enough to pull off on a weeknight. Whether you’re using leftovers, trying something new like jerk chicken or birria, or sticking to old-school ground beef, these taco recipes show just how many directions you can take a tortilla.
Salmon Tacos
These tacos feature flaky salmon, often seasoned with chili or lime and tucked into warm tortillas. Toppings like slaw or avocado add texture and creaminess. They’re light but satisfying. A great choice when you want something fresh without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Tacos
Baha Shrimp Tacos
Crispy or grilled shrimp are loaded into tortillas with shredded cabbage, creamy sauce, and lime juice. The shrimp are usually seasoned with paprika or chili for a little kick. It’s a beach-inspired meal that’s fast and full of contrast. Serve with a squeeze of citrus to finish.
Get the Recipe: Baha Shrimp Tacos
Sweet Potato Tacos
Roasted sweet potatoes bring a soft, slightly sweet element to these veggie-forward tacos. They’re often paired with black beans, avocado, or a zesty crema. The texture is hearty and the flavor is warming. A solid meatless option that doesn’t feel like a compromise.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Tacos
Applebee’s Wonton Chicken Tacos
These copycat tacos use crispy wonton shells filled with shredded chicken, slaw, and a tangy sauce. The crunch of the shell plays well with the creamy filling. A drizzle of sweet chili sauce ties it all together. Great for serving as an appetizer or light meal.
Get the Recipe: Applebee’s Wonton Chicken Tacos
Crock Pot Chicken Tacos
Chicken simmers all day in salsa or seasoning, making it tender and easy to shred. It’s packed with flavor and needs minimal prep. Serve in soft or hard shells with your favorite toppings. A hands-off dinner with big results.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Tacos
Blackened Salmon Tacos with Mango Salsa
Spicy blackened salmon meets cool, fruity mango salsa for a bold contrast. The seasoning gives the fish a crisp edge while the salsa adds freshness. Served in corn tortillas with cabbage or crema, each bite has balance. Bright, flavorful, and colorful.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Salmon Tacos with Mango Salsa
Homemade Ground Beef Low Carb Tacos
These use lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas filled with seasoned ground beef and all the fixings. The beef is spiced and cooked quickly in a skillet. They’re great if you’re watching carbs but still want something filling. Easy to build and easy to adjust.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ground Beef Low Carb Tacos
Big Mac Tacos
These tacos reimagine the flavors of a Big Mac with ground beef, special sauce, shredded lettuce, pickles, and cheese in a tortilla. It’s fast food meets taco night. Great for when you want something fun and unexpected. All the flavor, none of the bun.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Tacos
Blackened Cod Tacos
Cod fillets are coated in spices and seared for a crispy outside and tender inside. The mild fish holds up well to bold toppings like lime slaw or chipotle mayo. These tacos are bright, clean, and quick to cook. A lighter take with plenty of punch.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Cod Tacos
Air Fryer Tacos
Filled and folded tortillas crisp up in the air fryer while the insides stay warm and melty. You can use beef, chicken, or cheese for the filling. It’s an easy method that gives you crispy shells without deep frying. Great for a quick lunch or snack.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tacos
Leftover Steak Soft Tacos
Sliced leftover steak is quickly reheated and layered into tortillas with onions, peppers, or salsa. The meat stays juicy and full of flavor. It’s a smart way to stretch leftovers into something new. Add a dollop of sour cream or hot sauce to finish.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Soft Tacos
Spicy Tofu Tacos
Tofu is pan-fried or baked with bold seasoning until crispy on the outside. It’s then stuffed into tortillas with crunchy toppings and a spicy drizzle. The texture is satisfying, and the heat can be dialed up or down. A meatless taco that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tofu Tacos
Jerk Chicken Tacos
These tacos pack a punch with marinated jerk chicken, often grilled for added char. Toppings like pineapple salsa or lime crema balance out the spice. The result is a tropical, smoky bite in every tortilla. Great for mixing up your usual taco lineup.
Get the Recipe: Jerk Chicken Tacos
Ground Pork Tacos
Ground pork is sautéed with spices like cumin, garlic, and chili powder for a quick, flavorful filling. It’s rich but cooks fast, making it ideal for weeknights. Pairs well with pickled onions, slaw, or salsa verde. A simple swap that delivers big flavor.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Tacos
Slow Cooker Birria Tacos
Beef or goat is slow-cooked in a chile-based broth until it’s fall-apart tender. The meat is stuffed into tortillas, dipped in the broth, and pan-fried until crisp. It’s rich, savory, and perfect for dipping. These tacos are all about bold, messy flavor.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Birria Tacos
Air Fryer Street Tacos
Mini tortillas are loaded with seasoned meat, then crisped slightly in the air fryer. The result is a mix of crispy edges and tender centers. Great for party-sized servings or quick weeknight meals. They come together fast and are easy to customize.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Street Tacos
Grilled Rockfish Tacos
Rockfish has a firm texture that holds up well on the grill and pairs beautifully with citrus and herbs. Once grilled, it’s flaked into tortillas with light toppings like cabbage or avocado. The flavor is mild but satisfying. A great way to switch up your usual fish taco routine.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Rockfish Tacos
