Tacos Acorazados (Armoured Tacos)
Giant tacos loaded with red rice, breaded steak and green salsa.
About this recipe
Tacos acorazados are enormous tacos from the State of Mexico with a large tortilla topped with red rice, a meat stew and salsa.
History & Origin
Tacos acorazados were born in the city of Cuernavaca, Morelos, though today they are popular across the State of Mexico and surrounding states. Their name "acorazado" (armoured) refers to armoured warships, owing to their imposing size and ability to defeat any hunger. They are said to have appeared in the 1940s or 1950s, when food sellers in Cuernavaca markets began serving generous portions of rice and stew on large tortillas to feed workers. The base is always a large maize tortilla (20-25 cm) upon which a layer of red rice is placed first, then the main stew, and finally drenched with salsa. They are eaten by hand, folding the tortilla, and constitute a complete lunch in themselves. The tacos acorazados stalls in Cuernavaca are legendary and offer up to twenty different stews each day.
Estimated cost
£12.79
Total cost
£3.20
Per serving
* Approximate prices based on UK supermarkets
Nutritional information per serving
520
Calories
22g
Protein
65g
Carbohydrates
18g
Fat
4g
Fibre
680mg
Sodium
* Approximate values. May vary depending on ingredients used.
Method
- 1
Prepare red rice: fry the rice in oil, add blended tomato with garlic, water and salt. Cook for 20 minutes.
💡 The rice should be fluffy, not clumped.
- 2
Season the breaded beef steaks with salt and pepper. Fry in oil until golden on both sides.
- 3
Prepare green salsa: boil tomatillos with serrano chillies, blend with garlic and salt.
- 4
Warm the large tortillas on a comal until pliable.
💡 The tortillas need to be large, 20+ cm.
- 5
Assemble: place red rice on the tortilla, then the sliced breaded steak.
- 6
Drench with green salsa, fold and serve immediately.
💡 Eat quickly - they are enormous and can fall apart.
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Founder, Recetas Mexas
Mexican from Puebla, IT professional and foodie. Author of 1000+ authentic Mexican recipes adapted for home kitchens worldwide. Based in Madrid since 2018.
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