Welcome to the vibrant world of Costa Rican cuisine, where every dish tells a story of rich cultural heritage and tantalizing flavors. Among the treasures of this Central American paradise is the beloved "Tacos Ticos," a mouthwatering delight that captures the essence of Costa Rican culinary traditions.

Tacos Ticos are not your ordinary tacos; they are a unique fusion of flavors and textures, reflecting the diverse influences that have shaped Costa Rican gastronomy over centuries. From indigenous ingredients to Spanish colonial legacies, each bite of these tacos is a celebration of the country's culinary diversity.

In this recipe, we will embark on a culinary journey through the bustling streets of Costa Rica, exploring the vibrant markets where fresh ingredients are sourced, and traditional techniques are passed down through generations. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the irresistible combination of savory meats, zesty salsas, and homemade tortillas that define the essence of Tacos Ticos.

Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe promises to bring a taste of Costa Rica to your table, inviting you to savor the flavors of this tropical paradise in every bite. So, let's don our aprons, sharpen our knives, and embark on a culinary adventure to discover the magic of Costa Rican Tacos Ticos!

Ingredients:

For the Meat Filling:

• 1 lb (450g) beef, chicken, or pork, thinly sliced or diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tangy Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)

For Serving:

• 8-10 small tortillas (corn or flour)
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges for garnish
• Optional: sliced jalapeños, avocado slices, crumbled cheese (such as queso fresco)

Instructions:

Prepare the Meat Filling:

1- In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until softened and fragrant.

2- Add the sliced or diced meat to the skillet, cooking until browned and cooked through.

3- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.

Make the Tangy Sauce:In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, lime juice, and hot sauce. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Adjust the amount of hot sauce according to your preference for spiciness. Set aside.

Warm the Tortillas:Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Warm the tortillas on each side until they are soft and pliable, about 30 seconds per side. Keep warm in a clean kitchen towel or tortilla warmer.

Assemble the Tacos:

1- Take a warm tortilla and spoon some of the cooked meat filling onto the center.

2- Top with shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro.

3- MDrizzle the tangy sauce over the filling.

4- If desired, add optional toppings such as sliced jalapeños, avocado slices, or crumbled cheese.

Serve:

1- Garnish the tacos with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

2- Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious flavors of Costa Rican Tacos Ticos!

These Costa Rican-style tacos are perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering with friends and family. Bursting with savory meats, crunchy cabbage, and tangy sauce, they offer a delightful taste of Costa Rica's culinary heritage in every bite. ¡Buen provecho! (Enjoy your meal!)

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the listed ingredients per serving, assuming this recipe serves 4 servings:

Beef, Chicken, or Pork (1/4 lb or 113g):

• Calories: 200
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:Excellent source of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.

Garlic (1 clove, minced):

• Calories: 5
• Protein: 0.2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0.1g

benefits:Contains compounds with potential health benefits, including reducing blood pressure and improving cholesterol levels.

Onion (1 small, finely chopped):

• Calories: 20
• Protein: 0.5g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits: Rich in antioxidants and nutrients like vitamin C and fiber, which may help boost immune function and promote digestive health.

Vegetable Oil (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Provides healthy fats, which are important for brain function and hormone production.

Mayonnaise (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 720
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 80g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Contains fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin E and vitamin K, which support skin health and blood clotting.

Ketchup (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 30
• Protein: 0.4g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 0.1g

benefits:Contains lycopene, an antioxidant associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and certain cancers.

Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 15
• Protein: 0.1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Adds depth of flavor and contains ingredients like vinegar and spices, which may have digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Lime Juice (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 4
• Protein: 0.1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:Rich in vitamin C, which is essential for collagen production and immune function.

Hot Sauce (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 0
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:May boost metabolism and aid in weight loss due to its capsaicin content, which has thermogenic properties.

Tortillas (1 tortilla, corn or flour):

• Calories: 100-150 (varies based on type and size)
• Protein: 2-4g
• Fat: 1-5g
• Carbohydrates: 20-30g
• Fiber: 1-3g

benefits:Provide carbohydrates for energy and fiber for digestive health, especially if whole grain varieties are used.

Shredded Cabbage (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 10
• Protein: 0.5g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits:Low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, such as vitamin K and vitamin C, which support bone and immune health.

Diced Tomatoes (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 10
• Protein: 0.5g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0.5g

benefits:Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants like lycopene, which may reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.

Chopped Cilantro (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 0
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:Contains antioxidants and essential oils that may have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Optional Ingredients (per serving):

• Sliced Jalapeños: 5 calories
• Avocado Slices: 50-80 calories (varies based on size)
• Crumbled Cheese (such as Queso Fresco): 50-70 calories (varies based on amount)

benefits:

Sliced Jalapeños: Rich in vitamins A and C, as well as capsaicin, which may have metabolism-boosting properties.

Avocado Slices: High in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber, which promote satiety and digestive health.

Crumbled Cheese (such as Queso Fresco): Provides calcium and protein, important for bone health and muscle function.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as specific brands, cooking methods, and portion sizes.