Chef Ed's Mexican Tacos - Protein Peptides

Tacos are the ultimate canvas for flavor—whether you crave beef, pork, chicken, or veggie, there’s a taco for you. These Mexican-style tacos are easy to prep, loaded with bold spices, and topped with fresh garnishes for a fiesta in every bite. Grab your tortillas and let’s taco ‘bout dinner.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 (2 tacos per person)

Beef Taco Filling:

½ lb ground beef
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Sauté beef and seasonings in a pan over medium heat until browned.

Pork Taco Filling (Carnitas Style):

½ lb pork shoulder, shredded
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp cumin
2 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 orange

Slow-cook pork with seasonings and orange juice until tender, then crisp in a skillet.

Chicken Taco Filling:

2 boneless chicken thighs
1 tsp taco seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil
½ lime, juiced

Sear chicken with seasoning and lime, then slice thin.

Vegetarian Taco Filling:

1 cup black beans
½ cup corn
½ bell pepper, diced
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp garlic powder

Sauté all ingredients in a pan until warmed and fragrant.

Taco Assembly:

8 small corn tortillas
Toppings: diced onion, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, salsa, avocado, or queso fresco

Nutritional Facts (per taco, avg.):

Calories: 180–220
Protein: 12g
Fat: 8–12g
Carbs: 15–18g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 240mg

Health Benefits:
Each variation brings something delicious to the table. Beef and pork offer protein and iron; chicken is lean and versatile; vegetarian tacos are fiber-rich and cholesterol-free. All options pair beautifully with fresh toppings like cilantro and avocado, offering vitamins, antioxidants, and heart-healthy fats.