Tacos Made With… Flowers?!
Even if you call yourself a true taco connoisseur, I bet there is one type you likely haven’t tried—hibiscus tacos! Yup, we’re using the actual flowers from the hibiscus plant to make these tasty, tropical tacos de Jamaica. The best part? Once cooked, hibiscus flowers lose their tart taste and take on a chewy, meaty texture. This recipe is an awesome vegan option and is the perfect way to repurpose leftovers (like after making agua de Jamaica or hibiscus popsicles!). The hibiscus blooms give the filling a pop of deep red that’ll make this dish the talk of any taco night. Top them with avocado, pickled onions, or a zesty salsa for a taco that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat!
Grab These Ingredients
Jamaica tacos are made with budget-friendly, easy-to-find ingredients.
Hibiscus Flowers: First, you’ll need 2 cups of dried hibiscus flowers. Aim for whole flowers, not cut pieces. I have the best luck finding these online. Savory Base: Next, grab a medium white onion and some cloves of garlic. The garlic and half of the onions will infuse the hibiscus filling with flavor, and the other half of the onions will be used in the fresh relish. Cilantro: ½ cup of finely chopped, fresh cilantro will add a great herby flavor to the tacos. Lime: The juice of 1 lime will add a nice tangy touch! Chipotle Sauce: We’ll use the sauce from a jar (or can) of chipotles in adobo! This adds the perfect amount of heat and smokiness. Tortillas: Serve your tacos in 6 small tortillas. You can use flour tortillas (or corn tortillas if you’re looking for a gluten-free option). Optional Toppings: Serve your hibiscus tacos with your favorites like pineapple, jalapeños, avocado (or avocado lime crema), and sour cream.
Everything Is Ready In Five Steps
Step 1: Cook The HibiscusCombine the hibiscus and 8 cups of water in a medium saucepan. Bring it to a boil, partially cover, and cook for 10 minutes. Strain out the hibiscus, saving the water for another use. Step 2: Create The RelishWhile the hibiscus boils, finely dice the onion and set half aside. In a small bowl, combine the other half of the onion with the cilantro and lime juice. Step 3: Rinse The HibiscusNext, rinse the hibiscus under hot water until the water runs clear. Step 4: Sauté The FillingHeat the oil over medium in a large sauté pan. Add the hibiscus, reserved onion, and garlic, cooking until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the chipotle sauce, salt, and pepper, and continue cooking. Step 5: Serve The TacosTo serve your hibiscus tacos, heat the tortillas on the stove or microwave. Spoon the hibiscus filling into each one, then top with the cilantro relish.
How To Use Leftover Concentrate
Repurposing leftover hibiscus tea for another recipe? If so, it’s important to note that this tea is quite concentrated when first brewed, resulting in a strong flavor that can be too intense for some dishes. To make it suitable for cooking, you’ll want to dilute the tea with more water until it reaches your preferred level of tartness. Start by adding water gradually and tasting as you go!
