Tacos Sudados de Carnitas (Steamed Basket Tacos)
Soft little tacos dipped in warm chilli oil, wrapped in a cloth to steam in their own heat, and sold from baskets across Mexico.
Made with Salsa taquera (roasted chile de arbol salsa) and Corn tortillas from masa harina and Carnitas (slow cooked pork). Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time45 min
- LevelMedium
- Costabout £2.33 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
Mix 100 ml of the salsa taquera (see the base recipe) with the oil in a small pan and warm over a low heat for 2 minutes.
2 min - 2
Warm the carnitas (see the base recipe) until steaming hot all the way through and chop finely.
- 3
Dip a corn tortilla (see the base recipe) in the warm chilli oil, then place a spoon of pork down the middle and fold in half.
- 4
Pack the filled tacos snugly into a clean tea towel lined basket or pan. Fold the cloth over and cover with foil.
- 5
Leave to steam in their own heat for 20 to 30 minutes.
25 min - 6
Serve warm with onion, coriander and lime wedges.
Tips
- Work quickly while the oil is warm so the tortillas stay supple.
- Wrap tightly. The trapped steam is what softens the tacos.
- Add a spoonful of extra salsa taquera at the table for those who want heat.
Storing and freezing
Eat within 2 hours of making, or cool and keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat until steaming hot all the way through.
Questions
Why are they called basket tacos?
Vendors carry them in cloth lined baskets on bicycles or stalls where they stay warm and moist.
Do they need frying?
No. They are softened in oil and steamed in the cloth.
Is it very spicy?
Salsa taquera is quite hot. Use less oil mix for a milder taco.
More made with salsa taquera (roasted chile de arbol salsa)
Tacos de Carnitas (Crisp Pulled Pork Tacos)
DFEFNFTamales de Chorizo y Elote con Salsa Taquera (Chorizo and Sweetcorn Tamales)
GFDFEFTacos de Hongos al Ajillo (Garlic Mushroom Tacos)
VGVDFQuesadillas Sonorenses de Carne Asada (Sonoran Steak Quesadillas)
NFEFSee every dish made with salsa taquera (roasted chile de arbol 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.