18 Tacos That Go Big on Flavor

Tacos can take on just about anything from grilled fish and fried eggs to brisket, shrimp, or even Big Mac-style fillings. This list rounds up bold takes on the handheld favorite, with crispy textures, spicy rubs, and flavorful toppings leading the way. Whether you’re cooking in the air fryer, slow cooker, or on the grill, these tacos cover breakfast, lunch, and dinner without ever getting repetitive.

Keto Shrimp Tacos

Juicy shrimp are seasoned and paired with low-carb shells or lettuce wraps. Toppings like avocado, slaw, or spicy mayo bring texture and flavor. Fast to cook and easy to customize. Great when you’re keeping things light but still want flavor.
Get the Recipe: Keto Shrimp Tacos

Air Fryer Tacos

Filled tortillas crisp up in the air fryer with a golden finish. The filling options are endless—meat, beans, cheese, or a mix. Serve hot and dip into salsa or sauce. Great for getting crunch without deep frying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tacos

Slow Cooker Birria Tacos

Beef simmers low and slow in a rich, chili-based broth until it falls apart. Dip the tortillas in the broth before crisping them on the skillet. Each taco is juicy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. Serve with a bowl of the broth on the side.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Birria Tacos

Big Mac Smash Tacos

Ground beef is smashed onto tortillas and cooked until crisp, then layered with burger-style toppings. Think pickles, lettuce, special sauce, and cheese. A fun hybrid between burger and taco. Messy in the best way.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Smash Tacos

Big Mac Tacos

This version might skip the smash and just load ground beef into the shell with the same classic toppings. It’s a fast way to get the Big Mac vibe without a bun. Pickles and sauce make it. Serve with fries if you’re going all in.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Tacos

Blackened Cod Tacos

Mild cod gets coated in a spicy seasoning and seared until flaky and crisp. Serve with slaw or a drizzle of crema. The contrast of heat and cool toppings works beautifully. Great with corn tortillas.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Cod Tacos

Blackened Salmon Tacos

Rich salmon stands up well to a bold blackened rub. Cook until just charred on the edges, then flake into tacos. Add a creamy or citrusy topping for balance. Full of flavor without needing much.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Salmon Tacos

Blackened Salmon Tacos with Mango Salsa

Same spicy salmon base, but finished with sweet mango salsa. The fresh topping cools the heat and adds brightness. Great for summer or when you want a little contrast. Don’t skip the lime juice.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Salmon Tacos with Mango Salsa

Blackened Shrimp Tacos

Quick-cooking shrimp are tossed in spices and seared until just right. The texture stays tender with just the right bit of char. Add slaw or avocado for contrast. Big flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Tacos

Breakfast Tacos

Scrambled eggs, cheese, and sausage or bacon wrapped in a warm tortilla. Top with hot sauce or salsa. Easy to prep ahead or throw together in the morning. You can’t go wrong.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Tacos

Cheeseburger Tacos

Ground beef, cheese, and burger toppings wrapped in a tortilla instead of a bun. A fun twist for cookouts or family dinners. Toast the shell for more texture. Fast and kid-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Tacos

Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema

Crispy or grilled fish topped with a tangy crema and crunchy slaw. The sauce ties everything together with a fresh finish. A favorite for a reason. Great with cabbage or pickled onions.
Get the Recipe: Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema

Fried Avocado Tacos

Creamy avocado slices are breaded and fried for a crispy shell and soft center. Tuck into tortillas with spicy mayo or slaw. Vegetarian but still rich and satisfying. Crunch and cream in one bite.
Get the Recipe: Fried Avocado Tacos

Fried Chicken Tacos

Crispy chicken strips in a tortilla with pickles, slaw, or spicy sauce. You can go spicy or classic depending on the seasoning. Works great with a drizzle of honey too. Comfort food wrapped up.
Get the Recipe: Fried Chicken Tacos

Fried Egg Tacos

A runny or fried egg sits in a tortilla with cheese, beans, or greens. Fast to make and endlessly flexible. Works for breakfast or a quick dinner. Add hot sauce to finish it off.
Get the Recipe: Fried Egg Tacos

Grilled Rockfish Tacos

Flaky rockfish gets grilled with light seasoning and topped with fresh veggies or crema. It’s mild, making it perfect for bold toppings. Grill the tortillas too for extra flavor. Light and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Rockfish Tacos

Ground Pork Tacos

Seasoned pork cooks quickly and brings savory, slightly sweet flavor. Add lime, cilantro, or pineapple salsa. It’s a solid base for building bold tacos. Fast and affordable.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Tacos

Homemade Ground Beef Low Carb Tacos

Spiced ground beef served in lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas. Classic taco night flavor without the carbs. Add cheese, sour cream, or avocado to fill it out. Easy and satisfying any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ground Beef Low Carb Tacos