Taco de buche is a type of taco that is made with pork stomach as the filling. Pork stomach is similar in texture to beef tripe but less spongy, and it breaks down during cooking to become tender and slightly chewy. To make tacos de buche, the pork stomach is stewed for several hours until it is tender, and then it is served with fresh, acidic toppings and warm corn tortillas. The pork is often stewed with ingredients such as onions, garlic, oregano, bay leaves, chilies, soy sauce, or Worcestershire sauce.
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About this recipe
Welcome back! Today, we’re diving into another Mexican street food classic: Taco de Buche. If you’re a fan of offal or just looking to try something new, this recipe could be for you.
Taco de Buche recipe background
Taco de Buche, or “pork stomach taco,” is a popular dish in various regions of Mexico, particularly in the central and southern areas. Buche, the pork stomach, is cooked until tender and then chopped into small pieces to be served in a taco.
Why make this recipe?
- Unique Flavor: Buche has a distinct, rich flavor that’s unlike any other meat.
- Culinary Adventure: It’s a great way to introduce yourself to offal if you haven’t tried it before.
- Quick to Make: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Affordable: Pork stomach is often less expensive than other cuts.
What does Taco de Buche taste like?
Taco de Buche offers a unique, slightly chewy texture and a rich, meaty flavor. The meat absorbs the spices well, making each bite a flavorful experience.
What is in Taco de Buche?
The main ingredient is pork stomach, also known as buche. It’s typically cooked with a mix of spices and aromatics like garlic, onion, and chili peppers.
Equipment required for this recipe
- Large pot or pressure cooker
- Skillet
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Tongs
- Tortilla warmer
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork stomach (buche), cleaned and cut into pieces
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Corn tortillas
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
Instructions:
1. Cleaning:
- Begin by cleaning the pork stomach thoroughly. Rinse it well with cold water, and some people prefer to rub it with lemon or vinegar during the washing process.
- Remove any excess fat or unwanted parts.
2. Cooking:
- Place the clean pork stomach in a large pot.
- Add enough water to cover the meat.
- Add peeled garlic cloves, an onion cut in half, and your choice of aromatic herbs and spices (such as bay leaves, peppercorns, and oregano).
- Bring the pot to a boil and then reduce the heat to simmer. Cook the buche until it’s very tender, which might take 2-3 hours, depending on the size.
- Once it’s cooked, remove it from the broth and let it cool slightly before chopping it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Frying:
- In a hot skillet with a bit of oil, fry the chopped buche until it gets a slightly crispy exterior, which will take about 5-10 minutes, include garlic and onion. Sauté with garlic, onion, and cooked buche. Add cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Season with salt, cumin, and peppers.
How to serve Taco de Buche recipe
Serve hot with lime wedges and chopped cilantro. A sprinkle of finely chopped onions and a dash of your favorite salsa can add extra layers of flavor.
What to serve Taco de Buche with
- Pico de Gallo: A fresh tomato salsa adds a refreshing touch.
- Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado complements the rich buche.
- Mexican Rice: A side of flavorful rice makes the meal complete.
My recommendations and tips
- Make sure to clean the pork stomach thoroughly before cooking.
- You can also marinate the buche in lime juice and spices for added flavor.
- Use fresh corn tortillas for the best taste and texture.
Taco de Buche storage ideas
Leftover buche can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet before serving.
Potential ingredients substitutes
- Meat: If you’re not a fan of pork stomach, pork shoulder can be used as a substitute.
- Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your personal preference.
Taco Alternatives
You may wish to try Taco de Carnitas as an alternative – it is also a slow cooked alternative (pork shoulder), but is more crispy on the outside and more tangy. Taco Al Pastor is another pork option, and similar in being marinated in spices like Buche, but the texture is completely different, as it is cooked very differently.
Conclusion
There you have it—a simple and authentic Taco de Buche recipe that’s sure to impress. Happy cooking and Buen Provecho!
