big mac tacos recipe

If you're a fan of both McDonald's Big Mac and tacos, why not combine the two and try making your own Big Mac tacos? With this delicious and easy recipe, you can enjoy the best of both worlds in one tasty meal. In this article, we'll take a look at the history of the Big Mac and tacos, the ingredients required to make the Big Mac tacos, a step-by-step guide on how to prepare the Big Mac tacos, and much more. So, let's dive right in!

The history of the Big Mac and tacos

The Big Mac was first introduced by McDonald's in 1967, and it quickly became one of the most popular fast food items in the world. The iconic sandwich consists of two beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions, all sandwiched between a sesame seed bun. Tacos, on the other hand, have been a staple of Mexican cuisine for centuries, with the first recorded mention of tacos dating back to the 18th century.

Interestingly, despite their vastly different origins, both the Big Mac and tacos have become global food icons. The Big Mac has been adapted and localized in various countries, with unique versions such as the Maharaja Mac in India and the McArabia in the Middle East. Similarly, tacos have evolved beyond their traditional Mexican roots, with fusion variations such as Korean tacos and sushi tacos gaining popularity in recent years.

Ingredients required to make the Big Mac tacos

To make your own Big Mac tacos, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons pickle relish
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 12 small flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Once you have all the ingredients, you can start preparing the Big Mac tacos. Begin by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet and stir well. In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, and white vinegar to make the special sauce. Warm the flour tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet. To assemble the tacos, spread a spoonful of the special sauce on each tortilla, add a spoonful of the ground beef mixture, top with shredded lettuce and cheddar cheese. Fold the tortilla in half and serve immediately. Enjoy your homemade Big Mac tacos!

Step-by-step guide on how to prepare the Big Mac tacos

Now that you've got your ingredients ready, here's a step-by-step guide on how to prepare your Big Mac tacos:

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through.
2. Add the onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, and white vinegar to make the Big Mac sauce.
4. Warm the tortillas in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or until soft and pliable.
5. Spread a spoonful of the Big Mac sauce onto each tortilla.
6. Divide the cooked ground beef evenly among the tortillas.
7. Top each taco with a sprinkle of shredded lettuce and cheddar cheese.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives such as Beyond Meat or Impossible Meat. Simply cook the plant-based meat according to the package instructions and season with the same spices as the ground beef. You can also use vegan cheese and mayonnaise to make the recipe completely vegan-friendly.

Different ways of cooking the Big Mac tacos

While the recipe above calls for cooking the ground beef in a skillet, there are a few other cooking methods you can try. For example, you could grill the beef on a barbecue, or bake it in the oven for a healthier twist. You could also try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef if you prefer.

Another way to add some flavor to your Big Mac tacos is to season the ground beef with different spices. You could try adding some cumin, chili powder, or paprika to give it a Mexican twist. Alternatively, you could add some Italian seasoning or oregano for a Mediterranean flavor.

Finally, you can experiment with different toppings to customize your Big Mac tacos. Some popular options include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream. You could also try adding some hot sauce or salsa for an extra kick of flavor.

How to make your own Big Mac sauce for the tacos

The key to making Big Mac tacos is the special sauce, and luckily it's easy to make at home. Simply whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, and white vinegar to taste. If you prefer a spicier sauce, you could add some hot sauce or cayenne pepper.

Another tip for making the perfect Big Mac sauce is to let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour before using it. This will allow the flavors to meld together and create a more cohesive taste. Additionally, you can adjust the ratios of the ingredients to suit your personal preferences. Some people like a sweeter sauce, so they may add more ketchup or relish, while others prefer a tangier sauce and may add more vinegar. Experiment with the ingredients until you find the perfect balance for your taste buds.

Variations of the Big Mac taco recipe

If you're feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to jazz up your Big Mac tacos. For example, you could add some diced tomatoes or jalapeños for extra flavor, or try using different kinds of cheese such as pepper jack or feta. You could also experiment with different types of tortillas, such as corn or whole wheat.

Another way to add some variety to your Big Mac tacos is to switch up the protein. Instead of using ground beef, you could try using shredded chicken or pork. You could also add some black beans or refried beans for a vegetarian option.

If you're looking for a healthier option, you could try using lettuce leaves as a wrap instead of tortillas. You could also add some avocado or guacamole for some healthy fats. Another option is to use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lower calorie alternative.

Tips for achieving perfect texture and flavor in your Big Mac tacos

To make sure your Big Mac tacos turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips:

• Don't overcook the ground beef, or it could become tough and dry.
• Make sure your tortillas are warm and pliable to prevent them from cracking or tearing.
• Use a good quality cheddar cheese to add flavor and meltiness.
• Be conservative with the salt, as the Big Mac sauce and cheese are already quite salty.

Another important tip is to use fresh lettuce and tomatoes to add a crisp and refreshing element to your Big Mac tacos. You can also experiment with different types of lettuce, such as romaine or iceberg, to find the perfect texture and flavor for your taste.

Additionally, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or guacamole to your Big Mac tacos for an extra burst of flavor and creaminess. These toppings can also help balance out the saltiness of the Big Mac sauce and cheese.

The nutritional value of Big Mac tacos

While Big Mac tacos are certainly delicious, they're not exactly the healthiest meal option. Each taco contains around 230-250 calories, depending on the size of the tortilla and the amount of cheese used. They're also quite high in fat and sodium, so it's best to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

However, Big Mac tacos do offer some nutritional value. They contain a good amount of protein from the beef and cheese, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied. Additionally, the lettuce and tomato toppings provide some vitamins and fiber. To make the tacos a bit healthier, you can opt for a smaller tortilla and ask for less cheese. Pairing them with a side of vegetables or a salad can also help balance out the meal.

Using leftover ingredients from your Big Mac taco recipe

If you have any leftover ingredients from your Big Mac taco recipe, there are plenty of ways to use them up. You could make a salad with the shredded lettuce and some of the Big Mac sauce, or use the leftover ground beef to make a simple pasta sauce or chili.

Another great way to use up any leftover ingredients from your Big Mac taco recipe is to make a delicious breakfast burrito. Simply scramble some eggs and add in the leftover ground beef, shredded lettuce, and any other toppings you have on hand. Wrap it all up in a tortilla and enjoy a tasty and filling breakfast.

Serving suggestions for your homemade Big Mac tacos

Big Mac tacos are a meal in themselves, but if you're looking to add some extra sides to your dinner, here are a few suggestions:

• Black beans and rice
• Corn on the cob
• Guacamole and tortilla chips

If you want to add some extra flavor to your Big Mac tacos, consider adding some salsa or hot sauce to give them a spicy kick. You can also try adding some shredded lettuce or diced tomatoes for a fresh crunch.

For a sweet and refreshing dessert, try serving some sliced watermelon or pineapple. Alternatively, you can make a simple fruit salad with a variety of your favorite fruits.

A comparison between fast food and homemade versions of the Big Mac taco recipe

While fast food can be convenient and tasty, making your own Big Mac tacos at home allows you to control the quality of the ingredients and the amount of salt, fat, and calories in your meal. Plus, it's a fun and creative way to experiment with flavors and cooking techniques.

Additionally, making your own Big Mac tacos at home can be a more cost-effective option in the long run. While fast food may seem cheaper in the moment, the cost can add up over time. By purchasing ingredients in bulk and making multiple servings at once, you can save money and have leftovers for future meals.

Frequently asked questions on making big mac tacos at home

Here are a few common questions people have about making Big Mac tacos:

• Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?
• Yes, you can use any ground meat you like.
• Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
• Yes, corn tortillas work well with this recipe too.
• My tortillas keep tearing, what am I doing wrong?
• Make sure your tortillas are warm and pliable before you start assembling your tacos, and don't overfill them.

How to store and reheat big mac tacos

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the tacos in foil and warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Adding a twist to your big mac taco recipe with different toppings and sauces

If you're feeling creative, try experimenting with different toppings and sauces to give your Big Mac tacos a unique twist. You could try adding some diced avocado or salsa, or drizzle on some sriracha or ranch dressing.

Best side dishes to serve with big mac tacos

To round out your Big Mac taco meal, here are a few more side dish ideas:

• Mexican street corn
• Cilantro lime rice
• Refried beans

Making a vegan or vegetarian version of big mac tacos - recipe included

If you're a vegetarian or vegan, don't worry - you can still enjoy the delicious flavors of Big Mac tacos. Here's a vegan-friendly version of the recipe:

• 1 lb vegan ground beef substitute (such as Beyond Meat or Impossible Meat)
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• ¼ cup vegan mayonnaise
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons pickle relish
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 12 small flour tortillas (check for vegan or gluten-free options if needed)
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup vegan shredded cheese (such as Daiya or Violife)

The method for making these vegan Big Mac tacos is the same as the recipe above, but using the vegan ingredients instead.

Hosting a big mac taco party: tips and tricks

If you're looking to feed a crowd, why not host a Big Mac taco party? Here are a few tips and tricks for making it a success:

• Set up a build-your-own taco bar with all the toppings and sauces laid out in separate bowls.
• Offer different types of tortillas, including flour, corn, and whole wheat.
• Make a large batch of the Big Mac sauce to serve alongside the tacos.
• Provide plenty of napkins and plates for easy clean-up.

The best drinks to pair with big mac tacos

Big Mac tacos pair well with a variety of different drinks, depending on your preference. Here are a few ideas:

• Beer (a light Mexican beer such as Corona or Modelo works well)
• Margaritas (for a boozy twist on taco night)
• Soda (Coca-Cola or Pepsi are classic fast food pairings)

Final thoughts on making delicious and easy-to-make big mac tacos at home

Big Mac tacos are a fun and creative meal to make at home, and they're sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own twists and variations, these tacos are a tasty and satisfying dinner option that everyone will love.