Tacos de Rajas con Crema (Poblano Pepper Tacos)

Rajas con crema is a well-loved Mexican filling of roasted poblano pepper strips cooked with onion and finished with crema, giving the peppers a mellow heat and silky richness. In taco form, the mixture sits especially well in warm corn tortillas: the poblanos bring smoke and gentle bitterness, the onion adds sweetness, and Monterey Jack melts through for a soft, stretchy finish. A squeeze of lime keeps the creamy filling bright, making these tacos satisfying enough for lunch or a simple vegetarian dinner without feeling heavy.
Cuisine style Mexican vegetarian tacos
Spice level Mild
Cooking style Make-ahead friendly • Meal prep friendly
Time commitment Under 30 minutes

Why this recipe works

  • Roasted pepper depth: Blistering the poblanos at 230°C (445°F) gives the filling its recognisable smoky-savoury character before the peppers are sliced and folded through the onions.
  • Silky filling: Mexican crema coats the rajas without making them heavy, while Monterey Jack adds a gentle stretch and richness.
  • Fresh finish: A squeeze of lime cuts through the creamy filling and keeps each taco bright rather than overly rich.

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Ingredient notes

  • Choose glossy poblanos: Look for firm, dark green poblanos with smooth skins; they roast evenly and peel more cleanly after steaming.
  • Use fresh poblanos: Fresh poblano peppers are essential here. Dried poblanos have a very different flavour and texture and will not produce the same tender strips.
  • Finish with lime to taste: Add lime at the table so the acidity stays fresh and each serving can be balanced according to preference.

Texture tips

  • Keep the crema gentle: Once the crema is added, keep the heat low and warm it only until glossy; boiling can make the sauce split.
  • Steam before peeling: Covering the roasted poblanos briefly loosens the skins and helps the flesh stay tender rather than drying out.

Make-ahead tips

  • Make the filling ahead: The rajas filling can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days, then reheated gently before serving.
  • Reheat slowly: Warm the filling in a frying pan over a low heat with a splash of water if needed, stirring until piping hot.
  • Warm tortillas fresh: Keep the filling and tortillas separate until serving so the corn tortillas stay soft and pliable.

Authenticity notes

  • Home-style rajas: Rajas con crema is a classic Mexican preparation built around roasted poblano strips, onion, crema, and often cheese.
  • Flexible dairy finish: Mexican crema gives the most characteristic texture, though sour cream is a common substitute when crema is unavailable.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Heat the oven to 230°C (445°F). Put the poblano peppers on a baking tray and roast for 12 to 15 minutes, turning once, until blistered and blackened in patches. Transfer to a bowl and cover with a plate for 5 minutes to steam.
  2. Meanwhile, halve and thinly slice the onion. Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat, then cook the onion for 6 to 8 minutes until softened and lightly golden. Stir in the fine sea salt and ground cumin.
  3. Peel off the poblano skins, remove the stems and seeds, then slice the flesh into thin strips. Add the pepper strips to the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring, until hot and well combined with the onion. Reduce the heat to low.
  4. Stir in the Mexican crema and cook gently for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture looks glossy and lightly coats the peppers; do not let it boil. Add the Monterey Jack cheese and stir just until melted and stretchy. Taste and season with a pinch more fine sea salt if needed.
  5. Warm the corn tortillas in a dry frying pan over a medium heat for about 20 to 30 seconds per side, keeping them covered as you go. Spoon the rajas filling into the tortillas. Cut the lime into wedges and squeeze over to serve.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • For easier peeling, let the roasted poblanos steam fully covered, then rub off the skins with your fingers rather than rinsing, which can wash away flavour.
  • Keep the heat low once the Mexican crema goes in; gentle warming prevents splitting and keeps the filling silky.
  • If serving to pregnant people, young children, older adults, or anyone immunocompromised, use pasteurised Mexican crema and ensure the filling is heated until piping hot.

Substitutions

  • Replace Monterey Jack cheese with mozzarella for a milder, stretchier melt.
  • Replace Mexican crema with sour cream for a slightly tangier finish.
  • Replace white onion with red onion for a sweeter, softer bite.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 3 days
  • Store the rajas filling in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently in a frying pan over a low heat with a splash of water until piping hot, then warm the corn tortillas fresh for serving.

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Tacos de Rajas con Crema (Poblano Pepper Tacos)
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Total time: 30min (25min active)
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Allergens:
    Milk
Kid friendly

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