Today, we introduce you to the tasty epazote chicken tacos recipe – a delicious way to spice up your meal rotation. This recipe features organic chicken seasoned with the distinct flavor of epazote herb.
Epazote has a citrusy, anise-like taste and adds a unique twist to your classic chicken tacos. This recipe is simple and quick, perfect for busy evenings.
So, let’s get cooking. But just so you know, here’s something to learn about the Epazote herb.
A Little About Epazote Herb
The Epazote herb
Epazote, scientifically known as Dysphania ambrosioides (formerly Chenopodium ambrosioides), is an herb native to Central and South America. It has a unique flavor profile and plays a significant role in Mexican and Central American cuisines.
Epazote has a robust flavor with notes of citrus and mint. Its taste is often described as a combination of oregano, anise, and citrus zest.
Epazote’s distinctive aroma and taste are particularly well-suited for flavoring beans, stews, and chicken tacos.
Ingredients For Making Chicken Tacos Spiced With Epazote
- 1 pound boneless, organic skinless chicken breasts (approximately 454g) cut into thin strips
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh epazote leaves, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried epazote)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Corn tortillas
- Toppings of your choice (salsa, avocado, cheese, etc.)
Instructions for Making Epazote Seasoned Chicken Tacos
Let’s whip up these flavorful Epazote Chicken Tacos with these quick steps:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Add the chicken strips to the skillet and cook until they’re no longer pink.
Step 3: Season with Epazote and Spices
Stir in the chopped fresh epazote (or dried epazote), ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 4: Prepare the Tortillas
Heat the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until they’re warm and pliable. I prefer to shallow fry them in a little oil until golden brown on both sides.
Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
Fill each tortilla with the epazote-spiced chicken and your choice of toppings. (For me, I prepared a vegetable salad consisting of chopped cucumber, red onions, lettuce, and tomatoes).
What to Eat to Eat With Your Epazote Spiced Chicken Tacos
Depending on your preferences and the level of heat you want to balance with your epazote-flavored chicken tacos, any of these accompaniments will make a great treat.
- Mexican rice: A classic choice, the flavors of Mexican rice pair wonderfully with chicken tacos.
- Refried beans: Whether in a burrito or on the side, refried beans are a staple that complements the spice of epazote.
- Guacamole: Creamy and cooling, guacamole adds a delightful contrast to the heat of the tacos.
- Salsa: A fresh tomato or mango salsa can provide a zesty kick to your meal.
- Cilantro-lime slaw: A refreshing slaw with cilantro and lime can balance the richness of the tacos.
- Corn on the cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a popular Mexican street food side dish.
- Herbal smoothie: This is my favorite. A refreshing blend of herbal smoothie makes your meal complete.
- Mixed salad: A simple salad with fresh greens and a light vinaigrette can add a crisp contrast.
- Pickled Jalapeños: If you enjoy extra heat, pickled jalapeños are a great addition.
- Mexican street corn (Elote): A favorite street food, elote is corn on the cob slathered with mayo, cheese, and chili powder.
What Are The Health Benefits of Epazote?
Curious about what you get from adding epazote to your taco night?
Well, this traditional herb offers more than a spicy flavor.
It’s a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, minerals and iron. Epazote also contains antimicrobial properties, which can help in preventing foodborne illnesses.
Lastly, epazote is a carminative herb, meaning it is a gas-relieving remedy for digestive health as it supports metabolism and bowel movement.
A Word on Using Epazote
Epazote is a unique herb with a strong citrusy flavor, so use it sparingly.
It’s commonly used in Mexican cuisine to add a distinctive taste to dishes like beans and tacos. However, be cautious not to overdo it, as its flavor can be overpowering if used excessively.
When using dried epazote, use even less than fresh, as the flavor intensifies during drying. Experiment to find the right balance for your taste buds, and enjoy the citrusy twist it brings to your chicken tacos.
While epazote is generally considered safe for culinary use, it’s not recommended for some people. For example, if you’re expectant, avoid excessive consumption of epazote, as it may have uterine-stimulating properties.