1 week Ago By Katherine McPhillips,Samantha Mallac
Tacos are a common form of antojitos , or Mexican street food, which have spread around the world - frankly, because they're delicious. And now the culinary creative behind Just Jenn Recipes, Jenn Fujikawa, has revealed a secret ingredient that can take your taco game to the next level: cocoa powder. By adding a few tablespoons of cocoa to the beef, you're in for a richer and more savory experience.
Speaking about the chocolatey addition, she said: "Chocolate is often used in Mexican mole, so I thought adding a bit to my regular spices would add a deep, rich flavour – it did and was perfectly savoury! And I loved telling the kids they were going to have chocolate for dinner, the look of confusion was priceless." Mole, which translates to 'sauce' in Spanish, stands as a pillar of Mexican cuisine, celebrated for mixing sweet and savoury elements to achieve a complex flavor profile. Cocoa powder is a staple in numerous mole variations, where it shines by enhancing the inherent flavors of meat with a sweeter, earthier dimension.
It might raise eyebrows at first, but sprinkling some cocoa into your taco filling can infuse a richer, smokier kick that transforms this everyday meal. Serving not just as a flavor booster but as an umami amplifier, cocoa powder melds beautifully with familiar taco seasonings like chili powder or cumin, perfecting the spice blend, reports the Express. Cocoa-infused taco recipe Ingredients: 900g of minced beef 400ml of beef stock Two tablespoons of cocoa powder One tablespoon of brown sugar One tablespoon of chilli powder One teaspoon of garlic granules One teaspoon of onion granules Half a teaspoon of paprika Half a teaspoon of cumin Salt and pepper Be sure to have tortillas, cheese, lettuce, and any other favorite toppings on hand.
Mix all of the spices, cocoa and sugar together to create the seasoning mix. Jenn said: "It sounds like a lot, but trust me, I've altered this a few times and with this combo the flavours stand on their own yet come together perfectly." Pop your mince in a slow cooker, add the seasoning blend on top, then pour your beef stock over.
Cook for a six to eight-hour simmer until the meat is fall-apart tender. But if slow cooking's not your style, sear the minced beef in a hot pan for 8-10 minutes. Break the meat up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
When the beef is browned, add the spices, mix until the meat is evenly coated, and then add the beef stock. Simmer for 15-20 minutes. Toast your tortillas on both sides in a dry pan, then keep them warm in foil while you build your tacos with generous helpings of the seasoned beef, cheese, and your choice garnishes like lettuce, sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
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