Beyond the Basics: Elevating Taco Tuesday

If you’re an American, then you’re probably familiar with the marketing mantra, “Taco Tuesday.” Originating with a Wyoming-based chain attempting to increase business on the slowest day of the week, today, Taco Tuesday is something that has extended from a mere restaurant marketing scheme to a way to connect with friends and family—both while dining out and eating in. Indeed, by some accounts, more than 30 million people enjoy Taco Tuesday every Tuesday, or about 13 percent of Americans!

If you’re ready to host your own Taco Tuesday night, or just elevate your current Taco Tuesday game, Nick’s of Clinton can help. Here are some great ideas for stepping it up, and be sure to visit Nick’s of Clinton for all of the ingredients you need—

Think Beyond Beef

Ground beef is undoubtedly the most classic taco ingredient, but it’s by no means the only one. Instead of ground beef, consider preparing fish, chicken, pork, or steak tacos. Many of these ingredients are not only delicious, but also very easy to prepare. For example, you can easily make pulled chicken or pork in a pressure cooker with a minimal amount of work. Try something new—your taste buds will thank you. 

Go Vegetarian

Even meat lovers may appreciate a meatless taco that’s prepared well, and if you have any vegetarian friends who are joining for Taco Tuesday, they’ll be thankful for your effort. Squash, mushrooms, beans, and roasted root vegetables are all great options for meatless tacos. If you’re into it, you can also try tofu tacos. For non-vegans, scrambled eggs can be a great taco ingredient. In fact, you can even have breakfast tacos for dinner one night! 

Top it Off

While the meat or veggie you choose to feature within the taco is definitely the main attraction, what you put on top of your tacos is a critical part of flavor pairing and can transform a taco from “meh” to “wow!” If you’re just used to using lettuce and salsa as your main topper, consider making a remoulade sauce, whipping up some guacamole, or preparing a non-mayo-based slaw. Of course, also consider how herbs and spices, such as cilantro or green onion, can bring our flavors and pack an extra yummy punch. 

Serve Some Sides

One way to make Taco Tuesday feel a bit more elevated, especially if you’re hosting guests for the occasion, is to prepare some side dishes. Slaws, beans, salads, and roasted veggies all pair quite well and can make the meal seem a bit more sophisticated. That being said, if you’re looking for something quick, a homemade guacamole can be a great option. We recommend pairing with fresh salsas (homemade is always best!) and crisp and salty chips. 

Sweeten Things

Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it: fruit atop your tacos. Consider adding sliced strawberries to your guacamole, or mango or pineapple to your salsa. The specific fruit you choose should be considerate of the meat you’ve selected, and using a fruit salsa recipe can help. Fruit can add a sweetness and zip that packs a flavorful power punch. Your tastebuds will thank you. 

Pair it Well

Good food should be paired with good drink. Whether that’s a non-alcoholic mocktail, some sparkling water, or a margarita, giving your guests (and yourself) the option of a well-prepared beverage will make the meal feel more complete. At Nick’s of Clinton, we sell all of the alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages you need, whether cooking for yourself or entertaining guests. From beer, wine, and liquor to fizzy waters and juices, we have you covered. 

Make it a Tradition 

If you want to make your Taco Tuesday night feel more elevated, why not formalize it by making it a regular event? Hosting Taco Tuesday or agreeing to it as a family is an easy way to commit to spending time together at least once a week. And of course, if you don’t feel like “elevating” it one night due to time or energy constraints, you can always go back to the basics with a simple taco that’s easy to prepare and doesn’t demand sides or fancy toppers.

Start Your Shopping at Nick’s of Clinton Today

Join the movement — start enjoying Taco Tuesday! At Nick’s of Clinton, we have high-quality cuts of meat, the freshest produce, and the beverages you need for hosting. We also have a number of pre-made and packaged items that can make your night of hosting Taco Tuesday easier, like salsas, guacamole, tortillas, and chips. Visit our store today or call 301-843-4825 with questions.