Taco night becomes the family's favorite night when you use the right oils. We've been making this version for years with our own chipotle and lime cilantro infused EVOOs. Chipotle infused olive oil brings smoky heat to the meat in a way that dried chipotle powder simply can't, and lime cilantro infused EVOO turns a basic cabbage slaw into something you'd order at a restaurant. This recipe makes ground beef tacos with all the fixings, but the same approach works for chicken, shrimp, or roasted cauliflower.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20) or ground turkey
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 3 tablespoons Kofinas Chipotle Infused Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups thinly sliced green or red cabbage
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 tablespoons Kofinas Lime Cilantro Infused Olive Oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- ½ cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
- Lime wedges and hot sauce for serving
Makes 8 tacos (serves 3-4).
How to Make It
- Make the slaw first. Combine the cabbage and cilantro in a bowl. Whisk the lime cilantro olive oil, lime juice, and salt in a small bowl, then pour over the cabbage. Toss well and let sit while you cook the meat. At least 15 minutes for the cabbage to soften slightly.
- Cook the meat. Heat 1 tablespoon of the chipotle olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
- Add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain off excess fat if needed.
- Season the meat. Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of chipotle olive oil. Cook for another 2 minutes to coat the meat and let the spices bloom.
- Warm the tortillas. Char them directly over a gas flame for 10-15 seconds per side, or warm them in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side.
- Assemble. Pile meat onto each tortilla, top with slaw, avocado slices, cotija, and jalapeño. Serve with lime wedges and hot sauce on the side.
Tips for the Best Taco Night
Let the slaw sit. Cabbage slaw needs at least 15 minutes after dressing to soften and absorb flavor. Make it first so it's ready when the meat is done.
Use chipotle olive oil generously. Two of the three tablespoons go in at the end. This keeps the chipotle's smoky character bright. Cooking it from the start dulls the flavor.
Warm your tortillas properly. Cold tortillas crack and crumble. A 10-second char over a gas flame is the gold standard. A dry skillet works fine. A microwave is a last resort.
Build the tacos at the table. Set everything out and let people assemble their own. Tacos get soggy if pre-built and held.
Two Oils, One Great Taco Night
This is one of the best examples of how the right olive oil can transform a basic recipe. Our Chipotle Infused Olive Oil handles the meat seasoning with smoky depth that dried spices can't match. Our Lime Cilantro Infused Olive Oil turns plain cabbage into a slaw worth seconds. Keep both on hand for taco night, but also for grilling, marinades, and any time you want to add Mexican-inspired flavor without a long ingredient list. Browse our complete Infused Olive Oils collection for more flavor combinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does chipotle infused olive oil taste like?
Chipotle infused olive oil has a smoky, mildly spicy flavor with notes of dried red pepper and earthiness. It's not aggressively hot, more warm than fiery, so it works well for everyday cooking even if you don't love spicy food. The smokiness comes from dried chipotle chili peppers infused into single-origin Cretan EVOO.
Can I substitute regular olive oil and chipotle powder?
Yes, but the flavor distribution will be different. Chipotle infused oil coats every bite evenly, while powder tends to clump and form pockets of heat. If substituting, use 3 tablespoons EVOO plus 1 teaspoon chipotle powder and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika.
What's the best protein for taco night?
Ground beef is classic, but ground turkey, shredded chicken, pulled pork, shrimp, or roasted cauliflower all work with this seasoning. For vegetarian options, try roasted sweet potato and black beans, or seasoned pinto beans.
How long does the slaw keep?
The slaw is best the day it's made but keeps for 2 days in the fridge. Drain off excess liquid and add a fresh splash of lime cilantro olive oil before using leftovers.
Are there gluten-free options?
Yes. Use 100% corn tortillas (check the label, some brands mix in wheat) and the rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
