Grilled Whiskey-Glazed Taco with Cilantro Lime Slaw

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A smoky grilled taco featuring tender meat glazed with a whiskey-infused sauce, topped with a fresh cilantro lime slaw for brightness and crunch. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground beef, whiskey, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1/4 cup whiskey, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp garlic powder. Mix gently until just combined and marinate for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While the beef marinates, prepare the slaw by mixing 2 cups thinly shredded green cabbage, 1/2 cup chopped cilantro leaves, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a bowl. Toss until the cabbage is evenly coated and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and brush 1 tbsp olive oil on the grates. Form the beef mixture into 8 small patties and grill for 4 minutes per side until cooked through and caramelized with a whiskey glaze.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds each side until pliable and slightly charred.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by placing each grilled beef patty on a tortilla and topping with a generous scoop of cilantro lime slaw. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Whiskey-Glazed Taco with Cilantro Lime Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Whiskey-Glazed Taco with Cilantro Lime Slaw?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Whiskey-Glazed Taco with Cilantro Lime Slaw?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Whiskey-Glazed Taco with Cilantro Lime Slaw for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Whiskey-Glazed Taco with Cilantro Lime Slaw?

Mexican tacos & burritos like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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