Tacos de Canasta (Basket Tacos)
Soft, steamed street tacos stuffed with spiced potato and beans, made ahead and kept warm for a crowd.
Made with Salsa roja (cooked red salsa) and Corn tortillas from masa harina and Refried beans (frijoles refritos). Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time50 min
- LevelMedium
- Costabout £0.97 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Boil the potatoes in salted water for 15 minutes until soft. Drain, return to the pan and mash roughly.
15 min - 2
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan and cook the onion for 5 minutes. Add the cumin and cook for 30 seconds, then stir into the potatoes with the refried beans and half the coriander. Season with salt.
5 min 30 s - 3
Mix 3 tbsp oil with 4 tbsp of your ready made salsa roja (see the base recipe) in a shallow dish.
- 4
Warm the tortillas in a dry pan for 15 seconds a side. Spoon 2 tbsp of the potato mix into the middle of each, fold in half and press the edges to seal.
- 5
Dip each taco quickly in the red oil, turning to coat, and stack them in a large lidded pan lined with a clean tea towel. Fold the towel over the top.
- 6
Cover and steam over the lowest heat for 15 minutes, until the tacos are soft and steaming hot all the way through.
15 min - 7
Serve with the rest of the salsa and coriander.
Tips
- Keep the lid on. The trapped steam is what softens and warms the tacos, and it keeps them soft for up to an hour.
- Cooked this way they hold warm for a while, which is why street sellers serve them from a basket.
- Add a little shredded cheese to the filling for a non vegan version.
Storing and freezing
Cool within 2 hours, then keep covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Re-steam or reheat in a covered pan until steaming hot all the way through. Freezes for 2 months.
Questions
Why is the oil red?
Basket tacos are dipped in a chilli-tinted oil, which colours the tortillas and keeps them moist as they steam. Here the red comes from your salsa roja.
Can I use a steamer basket?
Yes. Line a bamboo or metal steamer with a damp tea towel, stack the tacos and steam for 15 minutes. It gives very soft tacos.
Are they vegan?
Yes, as written. Just check your refried beans were made with oil, not lard, and that your tortillas contain no animal products.
More made with salsa roja (cooked red salsa)
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.