Belizean Tacos: A Step-By-Step Guide To Making Them At Home

Belizean tacos are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you're a fan of chicken, beef, or pork, there's a Belizean taco that will surely satisfy your cravings. In this guide, we will take you through the steps to make mouth-watering Belizean tacos that will transport you to the vibrant and diverse country of Belize, where the dish originates. From preparing the perfect tortilla to selecting the freshest ingredients for your filling, we will ensure that your homemade Belizean tacos are an explosion of flavours and textures. So, get ready to roll up your sleeves and bring the taste of Belize to your kitchen!

Choosing your tortilla

Belizean tortillas are generally thicker and less stretchy than Mexican flour tortillas. They are also slightly more bread-like in texture and therefore pair well with BBQ chicken or Belizean stewed beans. Traditional Belizean flour tortillas are not suitable for making burritos because they lack stretch, but if more fat (like lard) is added, the tortilla will gain the required stretch.

For Belizean tacos, you can choose between corn or flour tortillas. Corn tortillas are the more traditional option and are typically used for making tacos in Belize. They are made from corn or maize and have a soft, tender texture. Corn tortillas are also gluten-free, making them a good option for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

If you prefer flour tortillas, you can make them yourself using a simple recipe. Here's what you'll need:

• 9 1/2 ounces (~2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
• Olive oil, for brushing

To make the flour tortillas, combine the flour, salt, baking powder, and shortening in a medium bowl. Use a pastry blender to cut the shortening into the dry ingredients. Gradually add water and mix until a dough forms. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead by hand for about 3 minutes, until it becomes smooth. Divide the dough into 10 equal pieces and shape them into balls. Let the dough rest for about 10 minutes.

Once the dough is rested, use a rolling pin and additional flour to roll out the tortillas into thin shells. If needed, gently shape and stretch the tortillas by hand after rolling. Brush both sides of each tortilla with olive oil.

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook the tortillas one at a time for approximately 15 seconds on each side, or until they develop a nice colour. Serve immediately, or freeze individually and stack them with plastic wrap and aluminium foil.

When choosing your tortilla, consider the flavour profile you want to achieve. Corn tortillas have a more earthy and nutty flavour, while flour tortillas are milder and can be paired with a wider range of fillings. Additionally, corn tortillas are typically smaller in size, making them ideal for bite-sized tacos. On the other hand, flour tortillas are larger and can accommodate heartier fillings.

Selecting the filling

Belizean tacos are traditionally made with corn or maize tortillas. The filling is usually meat-based, but there are vegetarian options as well.

Meat Options

The most common meat options for Belizean tacos are chicken, beef, and pork.

Chicken tacos are the most famous variety from the Orange Walk District in northern Belize. The chicken is rubbed and marinated in a ground recado, shredded, and then slow-braised in its own juices. The meat is then placed in a tortilla and topped with a cabbage slaw and a dash of pepper sauce.

For beef and pork tacos, the meat is usually cooked and then placed in a tortilla with chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and pepper to taste.

Vegetarian Options

For vegetarians, there are a few options to choose from. One option is to use refried black beans as the base filling. The beans are spread on the tortilla and then topped with a simple slaw made from finely shredded cabbage tossed with lime juice and salt. Another option is to use scrambled eggs as the filling.

Making the sauce

Belizean tacos are traditionally served as warm corn or maize tortillas stuffed with juicy, marinated meat and spices. The tacos are often topped with vegetables, usually cabbage, and local pepper sauce.

To make the sauce for Belizean tacos, you can follow this recipe for local pepper sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. corn tortilla
• 4 oz. cabbage and onions
• 1 habanero pepper, chopped (optional)
• 1 cup red kidney or black beans, mashed or blended
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• ¼ lb. (1 cup) grated hard cheese (Dutch Cheese)
• 1 medium carrot, grated
• ½ cup vinegar
• Cooking oil for frying

Method:

• Wash your hands and prepare your ingredients.
• Mash or blend cooked beans, season with salt and black pepper, and fry. Set aside.
• Grate the cheese and carrot and set aside.
• Shred the cabbage and onion, and put the carrot, cabbage, and onion in a small bowl with vinegar.
• Fry the tortillas.
• Spread the beans onto the tortillas.
• Top with the cabbage, onion, and carrot mixture.
• Sprinkle with grated cheese and chopped habanero pepper (if using).
• Serve and enjoy!

You can also add other ingredients to the sauce, such as sliced tomatoes, pico de gallo, or ketchup.

This sauce is a great addition to any Belizean taco and will give your taste buds an extra burst of flavor.

Adding toppings

Now for the fun part: toppings!

Belizean tacos are typically topped with a variety of ingredients, including chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and pepper. If you're making fried tacos, you might want to top them with grated hard cheese and chopped cabbage and onion sauce.

If you're in the Cayo District, you might enjoy your tacos with a cabbage slaw and a dash of pepper. In Orange Walk, you can choose between tomato and pepper sauce. If you're feeling adventurous, why not add both?

For a truly authentic Belizean experience, keep your toppings simple and fresh. Local ingredients are key to capturing the unique flavours of the region.

And don't forget to serve your tacos with a refreshing drink! Belizeans often enjoy their tacos with a glass of Coca-Cola or horchata.

Cooking method

Belizean tacos are traditionally made with corn tortillas, stuffed with meat and vegetables, and served warm. The tortillas can be handmade or factory-made, and are usually rolled up or folded before being filled and served.

To make the tacos, first prepare the filling. This can include a variety of meats such as chicken, beef, or pork, which can be marinated, shredded, and slow-braised in its own juices. The meat can also be stewed and shredded, as seen in the Cayo District variety.

Vegetarian options include black beans, refried beans, or scrambled eggs. The beans can be refried in a pot with vegetable broth until thin and spreadable. For a simpler option, you can use canned refried beans.

Once the filling is ready, it's time to prepare the tortillas. These can be fried in oil until crisp, or soft and puffed up, depending on the variety of taco you are making. For a softer tortilla, lightly fry cornmeal tortillas in oil. For a crispier option, fry small corn tortillas until very crisp, flipping them to fry both sides.

Now it's time to assemble the tacos. Spread a tablespoon of refried beans over each tortilla, then add the filling. For chicken or beef tacos, you can add chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and pepper to taste. For a vegetarian option, top the beans with a slaw made from shredded cabbage tossed with lime juice and salt, and add some queso fresco or crumbled Dutch cheese.

For an Orange Walk-style taco, roll up the filled tortilla and serve it with a tomato or pepper sauce.

Belizean tacos can be served as a comforting breakfast treat with a cup of morning coffee, or as a tasty snack or meal any time of the day.

Frequently asked questions