What to put in tacos

A midweek winner, tacos are a family favourite and endlessly adaptable. From fresh, zesty salsas to rich, creamy toppings and crispy finishes, how you top them can transform the dish. Use our guide to build the very best tacos at home, with recipe inspiration to mix things up.

Food Editor

Olivia Ferguson

What to put in tacos

Chicken: grill, roast or stir fry with spices, then slice and top with avocado, fresh coriander and lime. For a shortcut, try our Slow Cooked Fajita Spiced British Chicken.
Pulled pork: cook low and slow until tender, then add crunchy slaw and a sharp pickle. Or save time with our Slow Cooked Carolina BBQ British Pork.
Steak: cook over high heat to get a good char, then serve with salsa, soured cream and jalapeños.
Cod: breadcrumb and bake or grill until flaky, then add shredded cabbage and a mango salsa. Short on time? Try our Breaded Cod Bites.
Prawns: fry quickly with garlic and chilli, then finish with lime and herbs. Or use Lime and Chilli King Prawns for a ready-prepped filling.
Vegetables: roast or pan-fry veg like sweet potatoes or peppers with spices, then top with beans, salsa and cheese or avocado.

More cooking tips

Taco night must-haves

Toppings for tacos

Beans: heat through with spices until rich and glossy, or mash lightly for texture.
Rice: use fluffy white or spiced rice to bulk out tacos and soak up sauces.
Guacamole: mash ripe avocado with lime and seasoning for a creamy, fresh contrast. Or keep things speedy with a ready-made pot.
Soured cream: spoon over to add a cool, tangy finish that balances heat and spice.
Salad: add crunch with shredded lettuce, cabbage or a simple tomato mix.
Salsa: spoon over for a fresh, zesty hit – from classic tomato to punchy chilli blends.
Cheese: sprinkle over grated cheddar or crumble feta for a salty finish.
Jalapeños: scatter over for a fiery kick.
Re-fried beans: spread onto the base for a smooth, savoury layer that ties everything together.

Mexican food ideas

Top-notch toppings

Taco recipes to try

Shake up your next taco Tuesday with our easy recipe ideas, from classic Mexican-inspired flavours to creative twists. Think smashed prawn dumpling tacos, breakfast tacos and chicken Caesar tacos.

Taco recipes

Smashed prawn dumpling tacos

Inspired by the flavours of classic prawn dumplings, these smashed tacos are all about contrast. Juicy prawns are seasoned with soy and fish sauce, then pressed onto tortillas and cooked until crisp and golden. Finished with a fresh cucumber and mango salad, they’re vibrant, crunchy and packed with flavour.

Dumpling taco recipe

Smashed chicken Caesar tacos

These chicken Caesar tacos prove that tacos don’t have to be spicy to be full of flavour. Soft tortillas are layered with seasoned chicken mince, crispy bacon and crunchy lettuce, then finished with golden breadcrumbs and a rich, creamy Caesar dressing for a savoury, satisfying twist.

Make the Caesar tacos

Beef gyros smashed tacos

Drawing on the bold, sun-soaked flavours of Greek cuisine, these smashed tacos layer crisped beef with bright, punchy toppings. Think zingy sumac onions, cool lemony yogurt and a handful of golden chips for texture – a fresh, flavour-packed take on tacos.

Beef gyros tacos

Healthy mushroom birria tacos recipe

These mushroom birria-style tacos are a flavour-packed vegetarian feast. Meaty oyster mushrooms are cooked in a smoky chipotle sauce, then folded into tacos with melted mozzarella and served with a deeply savoury broth for dunking. Swap in Plant Kitchen Vegan Cheddar to keep it plant-based.

Mushroom taco recipe

Steak tacos with pico de gallo

Our Collection British Sirloin Steaks are salt-dry-aged for at least 30 days, bringing deep, juicy flavour to this steak taco recipe from Tom Kerridge. Piled into warm, soft tacos alongside fresh pico de gallo and creamy avocado, it's the perfect mouthful that'll leave you coming back for more.

Steak taco recipe

Barbecue cauliflower tacos

Make vegetables the star of the show with these Americana-inspired tacos. Cauliflower is roasted in a sticky, sweet Carolina-style barbecue sauce until caramelised, then piled into corn tacos with a creamy blue cheese ranch slaw.

Cauliflower taco recipe

Crispy cod tacos with orange salsa

Crispy cod makes these tacos a go-to for easy summer dinners. Served in soft tortillas with smoky chipotle mayo and a bright orange salsa, they’re light, fresh and perfect for piling high and passing around the table.

Cod tacos recipe

Huevos rancheros

Tacos aren’t just for dinner – they make a brilliant brunch option, too. Fill corn tortillas with refried beans, fried eggs and a punchy salsa, then serve with all the fixings for a relaxed, mix-and-match spread that’s ideal for sharing.

Brunch tacos recipe

No-cook chicken tacos

These no-cook chicken tacos are perfect for when you want big flavour fast. Using tender Fajita Chicken Slices, crunchy lettuce, zingy pickled onions and our ready-to-go Mexican dips, they’re a speedy midweek winner – no oven required. For a veggie alternative, toss some drained kidney beans with the sweetcorn and top each taco with a scattering of crumbled feta.

Chicken taco recipe

Find more food inspiration with M&S

Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly family meal ideas, expert cooking tips or the latest food trends, discover our home of online inspiration. You can also browse our online catalogue to see what’s available in your local Foodhall.

Published 18/06/2026

What to put in tacos

What to put in tacos

12 Corn and Wheat Tacos

Taco Kit

Slow Cooked Fajita Spiced British Chicken

British Sizzle Steaks

Toppings for tacos

Zesty Guacamole

Re-Fried Beans

Cold Brined Pickled Red Onions

Flamin' Fruit Hawwwt Sauce Jalapeño Bramley Apple and Lime

Taco recipes to try

Smashed prawn dumpling tacos

Smashed chicken Caesar tacos

Beef gyros smashed tacos

Healthy mushroom birria tacos recipe

Steak tacos with pico de gallo

Barbecue cauliflower tacos

Crispy cod tacos with orange salsa

Huevos rancheros

No-cook chicken tacos

Find more food inspiration with M&S

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