Are you ready to explore a unique and flavorful twist on Mexican Food Tacos? You might be surprised, just as I was, to learn about Tacos de Jamaica, or Hibiscus Tacos. When I first heard about using hibiscus flowers in tacos, I was a bit hesitant. The idea of eating flowers soaked in water didn’t immediately sound appealing. However, my curiosity got the better of me after seeing numerous online recipes and enthusiastic reviews. Being an adventurous foodie always eager to try new culinary experiences, I decided to dive in and give hibiscus tacos a chance.
Jamaica, also known as hibiscus sabdariffa, is a plant originating from West Africa, celebrated globally for its health benefits. It’s recognized as having one of the highest antioxidant levels among widely available foods. In Mexico, hibiscus is incredibly versatile. While often used to make “Agua fresca,” a refreshing drink, and enjoyed as tea or jam, it also takes center stage in dishes like our featured tacos. After learning a bit more about this fascinating flower, my apprehension faded, and excitement grew to taste these intriguing tacos.
So, there I was, facing my first Hibiscus Taco. Despite a pleasant aroma, skepticism lingered. But with one bite, I became an instant convert! The taste was remarkably satisfying, mimicking the texture of meat but without any of the drawbacks. The savory garnish perfectly complemented the cooked hibiscus, creating a truly delightful and unexpected dish. What’s even better? Making hibiscus tacos also yields a bonus – delicious hibiscus water from boiling the flowers! It’s like getting two amazing recipes in one go. How fantastic is that?
Seriously, you have to try these! Let me guide you through making your own incredibly tasty Hibiscus Tacos.
Serves: 4
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min (approx.)
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried hibiscus flowers
- Water
- 1 chopped tomato
- 1/2 chopped onion
- 1/2 green bell pepper, julienned
- 1 minced clove of garlic
- 2 tbsp rapeseed oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
- Salt to taste
To Serve
- Corn tortillas
- Chopped avocado
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Spicy salsa (feel free to explore the two spicy salsa recipes on my blog for inspiration!)
Method
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Boil the Hibiscus Flowers: Place the dried hibiscus flowers in a pot with water (for 2 cups of flowers, use approximately 1 liter of water). Bring to a boil and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Turn off the heat, drain the hibiscus flowers (reserving the liquid to make Agua fresca!), and rinse the flowers to reduce any sourness.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add the oil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, then add the chopped tomato, onion, and green bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
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Combine and Cook Hibiscus: Add the rinsed hibiscus flowers to the pan with the vegetables. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring to combine the flavors. Season with salt to your liking, ensuring everything is heated through. Turn off the heat.
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Warm Tortillas and Assemble Tacos: Heat the corn tortillas according to package instructions. Assemble your tacos by filling the warm tortillas with the hibiscus mixture.
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Garnish and Serve: Garnish your delicious Mexican food tacos with chopped avocado, crumbled feta cheese, and a generous spoonful of your favorite spicy salsa.
Ready to eat!
Enjoy your meal!
