Smoked Meatball Tacos with Pickled Jalapeno Ranch
Video Stats
Recipe Overview
Overview
The Smoked Meatball Tacos are a delightful fusion of flavors that elevate the classic taco experience. Starting with a pound of ground beef, the recipe allows for flexibility with other meats like chicken or pork, making it adaptable to your preferences. The addition of diced onion, panko breadcrumbs, and fresh cilantro brings a fresh, vibrant taste to the meatballs, while a blend of spices like chipotle chili powder and cumin adds depth.
One of the standout features of this recipe is the pickled jalapeno ranch sauce. Combining mayo, sour cream, and buttermilk with pickled jalapenos creates a creamy, tangy topping that perfectly complements the smoky meatballs. The sauce is not only easy to make but can also be used on various dishes, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.
Cooking the meatballs on a smoker infuses them with a rich flavor that is hard to replicate in an oven or frying pan. However, the recipe also provides alternatives for those without a smoker, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious dish. Once assembled in warm tortillas and topped with the jalapeno ranch, these tacos are sure to impress at any gathering.
Overall, these Smoked Meatball Tacos are a fun and flavorful dish that combines the best of both worlds—comfort food and bold flavors. Whether you’re hosting a taco night or simply craving something delicious, this recipe is a must-try.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Start with a pound of ground beef, or substitute with chicken, pork, or turkey.
Add diced onion, panko breadcrumbs, chopped cilantro, and seasonings (Chipotle chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, kosher salt, and pepper) to the ground meat.
Tip: You can substitute any component in the meatball recipe to suit your taste.
Add soy paste and an egg to the mixture.
Mix all ingredients thoroughly using gloves.
Form the mixture into small meatballs and place them on a rack.
Place the meatballs in the smoker and cook for about 30 minutes.
Combine mayo, sour cream, buttermilk, pickled jalapenos, garlic powder, onion powder, chopped cilantro, ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Tip: Add jalapeno brine to the ranch for extra flavor.
Taste the ranch and adjust with jalapeno brine if needed.
Check the meatballs for doneness; they should be around 165°F.
Grill tortillas until warm.
Tip: Grill tortillas for better flavor.
Add meatballs to the tortillas, top with ranch, green cabbage, and optional white onion and cilantro.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Coconut Cream
Ingredient: Eggs
→ Substitution: Flaxseed Meal + Water
Ingredient: Gluten
→ Substitution: Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Using a smoker adds a rich, smoky flavor to meatballs that enhances their taste.
- •Pickled jalapenos can add a tangy kick to sauces and dressings.
- •Panko breadcrumbs help create a lighter texture in meatballs compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- •Soy paste can be used to add moisture and umami flavor to meat dishes.
