Spiced Tripe Tacos with Pickled Onion and Salsa Bar

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

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Tender, slow-cooked tripe seasoned with warm Mexican spices, served in corn tortillas with tangy pickled onions and fresh salsa varieties. This Mexican-inspired taco and burrito recipe, ready in about 200 minutes, pairs beef tripe, vegetable oil, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 6, 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: 180 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb cleaned and cut beef tripe strips, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, and 1 whole bay leaf. Stir to coat the tripe in the spices.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 4 cups beef broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 2-3 hours until the tripe is tender and flavorful.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, combine 1 cup white vinegar, 1 thinly sliced red onion, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp salt in a bowl. Let the onions pickle for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Warm 12 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side until pliable.
  6. Step 6: Assemble the tacos by layering tender tripe, pickled onions, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro on each tortilla. Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Tripe Tacos with Pickled Onion and Salsa Bar take to make?

Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 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 Spiced Tripe Tacos with Pickled Onion and Salsa Bar?

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 beef tripe from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Tripe Tacos with Pickled Onion and Salsa Bar?

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 Spiced Tripe Tacos with Pickled Onion and Salsa Bar for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Spiced Tripe Tacos with Pickled Onion and Salsa Bar?

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.