Tacos de Canasta (Steamed Tacos with Potato and Chorizo)

Known as basket tacos, tacos de canasta are soft, folded corn tortillas filled and gently steamed so they stay pliable rather than crisp. This version uses a rich potato and chorizo filling: the potato makes the centre smooth and comforting, while the chorizo brings savoury depth, spice and rendered fat. A light brushing of paprika oil gives the tortillas colour and mild chilli warmth without overwhelming the filling. Served hot with lime-dressed cabbage and salsa verde, they have the street-food character of a handheld lunch: tender, savoury, a little tangy and easy to eat in batches.
Cuisine style Mexican street food
Spice level Mild
Flavor profile Savoury • Mildly spicy • Tangy
Techniques Boiling • Sautéing • Steaming
Key equipment Steamer • Frying pan • Large pot
Time commitment Under 1 hour

Why this recipe works

  • Soft, rich filling: Mashed potato gives the tacos a smooth, comforting base while chorizo adds savoury depth and rendered fat.
  • Steamed tortilla texture: Steaming keeps the corn tortillas warm, pliable, and tender, which is the defining texture of tacos de canasta.
  • Freshness against richness: Lime-dressed cabbage and salsa verde cut through the chorizo and potato, keeping each taco bright rather than heavy.

Get the most out of this recipe

Adjust the heat

  • For a gentler taco: Use less paprika oil on the tortillas and serve extra on the side so each person can add heat to taste.
  • For more heat: Choose a spicier chorizo or add a hotter salsa at the table rather than increasing the heat in the filling alone.

Texture tips

  • Mash the potatoes well: A smooth potato base helps the chorizo mixture bind together and makes the tacos easier to fill and fold.
  • Steam off excess moisture: Returning the drained potatoes to the hot pot briefly helps avoid a watery filling.

Make-ahead tips

  • Store separately: Keep the filled tacos separate from the cabbage and salsa so the garnish stays crisp and the tortillas do not become overly wet.
  • Reheat by steaming: Steam the tacos until piping hot rather than microwaving if you want to preserve their soft, pliable texture.

Authenticity notes

  • Street-food serving style: Tacos de canasta are known for their soft, steamed texture and are typically served warm with salsa and simple fresh toppings.
  • Flexible fillings: Potato and chorizo is one familiar filling, but the same steamed style is often used with other compact, savoury fillings.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Peel the potatoes and cut into even chunks. Boil in a large pot of salted water for 12 to 15 minutes, until very tender when pierced with a knife. Drain well and return to the hot pot for 1 minute to steam off excess moisture.
  2. Finely dice the onion and finely chop the garlic. In a frying pan over medium heat, cook the chorizo for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it up, until the fat renders and the meat is cooked through. Add the onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened, then add the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Mash the potatoes until smooth, then stir in the chorizo mixture and dried oregano. Taste and adjust with a little more oregano if you like it more herby. Keep warm on a low heat while you make the chilli oil.
  4. Warm the vegetable oil in a small pan over low heat until just shimmering, then remove from the heat. Stir in the hot paprika and let it bloom for 2 minutes; it should turn a deeper red but not smell burnt. Set aside.
  5. Set up a steamer over simmering water. Fill each tortilla with a generous spoonful of the potato and chorizo, fold in half, and arrange in a single layer in the steamer basket. Brush the tops lightly with the paprika oil, cover, and steam for 8 to 10 minutes until the tortillas are soft, warm, and tender.
  6. Thinly shred the cabbage and toss with the juice of the lime. Serve the tacos hot with the cabbage and salsa verde on the side, with extra paprika oil for drizzling if you like. Eat straight away while they are at their softest.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • Keep the paprika oil on a low heat and take it off as soon as it shimmers; hot paprika can turn bitter if it scorches.
  • For the softest tacos, steam them in a snug single layer so the tortillas warm evenly without drying out.
  • If serving to young children or anyone sensitive to heat, brush on less paprika oil and let people add more at the table.

Substitutions

  • Replace salsa verde with salsa for a smokier, more tomato-forward finish.
  • Replace hot paprika with smoked paprika for a gentler heat and a more smoky flavour.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 2 days
  • Store the filled tacos and cabbage separately in airtight containers. Reheat the tacos by steaming for 6 to 8 minutes until piping hot; add the cabbage and salsa just before serving.

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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Total time: 50min (25min active)
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Cuisine: Mexican
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