Beef suadero crisped in lard, served with onion and coriander.
About this recipe
Suadero tacos are a classic of the Mexico City street taco scene. Suadero is a cut of beef found between the hide and the ribs, with a unique texture that is both tender and slightly chewy. It is cooked slowly in lard until golden and crisp on the outside. It is served on a double tortilla with onion, coriander, and green or red salsa. This is a taco of deep, intense flavour that defines the quintessential Mexico City taqueria experience.
History & Origin
Tacos de suadero are the soul of Mexico City's street taco scene, a dish that defines the nocturnal experience of the capital. Suadero is a cut of beef found between the skin and the ribs of the animal, a piece with fat marbling that gives it a unique texture - somewhere between tender and slightly chewy. This cut was considered second-rate, but the taqueros of Mexico City elevated it to cult status by cooking it slowly in lard until golden. The technique involves confiting the meat on a flat griddle with lard over a low flame for hours, then chopping it finely and serving it in a double tortilla. These are the tacos you eat at two in the morning on the neighbourhood street corner, lit by a bare light bulb, and which many capitalinos consider superior to any dish from a fine dining restaurant.
Estimated cost
£12.19
Total cost
£2.03
Per serving
* Approximate prices based on UK supermarkets
Nutritional information per serving
350
Calories
20g
Protein
35g
Carbohydrates
16g
Fat
3g
Fibre
560mg
Sodium
* Approximate values. May vary depending on ingredients used.
Method
- 1
Cut the suadero into pieces roughly 8-10 cm across. Season with salt and pepper.

- 2
Melt the lard in a large, deep frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic.

- 3
Cook over medium-low heat for 45-50 minutes, turning the meat occasionally, so it renders its fat and becomes very tender.

💡 Suadero is a cut that needs slow cooking. Do not rush this step or the meat will be tough.
- 4
Once the meat is tender, increase the heat to high and fry the suadero for 5-8 minutes until golden and crisp on the outside.

- 5
Remove the meat and chop it finely on a board with a large knife, just as they do at the taco stand.

- 6
Warm the corn tortillas on the griddle. Use a double tortilla. Fill with the chopped suadero, diced onion, fresh coriander, salsa, and a squeeze of lime.

Rate this recipe

Founder, Recetas Mexas
Mexican from Puebla, IT professional and foodie. Author of 736+ authentic Mexican recipes adapted for European kitchens. Based in Madrid since 2018.
Read moreRelated Recipes

Crispy Potato Tacos
Crispy fried tortillas stuffed with seasoned mashed potato, served with cream and salsa.

Tacos al Pastor
Achiote and chilli-marinated pork with pineapple, onion, and coriander.

Basket Tacos
Steamed tacos filled with potato, beans or pork crackling, kept warm in a basket.

Birria Tacos (Quesabirria)
Tortilla dipped in birria consomme, filled with beef and melted cheese.
