What are Tacos Rojos Potosinos?

Tacos Rojos Potosinos are a traditional Mexican dish from San Luis Potosí, known for their vibrant red tortillas made from chile-infused masa. They’re typically filled with seasoned potatoes, refried beans, cheese, or shredded meats, then folded and lightly fried for a crisp finish. These tacos are beloved for their bold color, earthy flavor, and ties to Mexican street food culture.

How do you make the red tortillas for Tacos Rojos Potosinos?

The red tortillas used in Tacos Rojos Potosinos are made by blending softened dried guajillo or ancho chiles into the masa harina dough. This chile purée adds color, flavor, and a mild heat. The dough is pressed into tortillas and cooked on a hot skillet or comal until puffed and spotted—ready to be filled with your favorite ingredients.

What ingredients are used in Tacos Rojos Potosinos?

Authentic Tacos Rojos Potosinos usually feature a handful of humble yet flavorful ingredients: masa harina, guajillo or ancho chiles (for the tortillas), and fillings such as mashed potatoes, refried beans, shredded chicken, or cheese. Common toppings include crema, queso fresco, pickled onions, and homemade salsa.

Are Tacos Rojos Potosinos spicy?

Tacos Rojos Potosinos can be mild or spicy depending on the types of chiles used. Guajillo chiles provide color and a mild smoky flavor without much heat, while adding a bit of chile de árbol or spicy salsa can increase the heat level. They’re very adaptable to personal spice preferences.

Can I make vegetarian Tacos Rojos Potosinos?

Absolutely. Vegetarian Tacos Rojos Potosinos are delicious and authentic. Popular vegetarian fillings include mashed sweet potatoes, refried black beans, sautéed mushrooms, grilled corn, or cactus paddles (nopales). The flavorful red tortilla ensures the dish remains bold and satisfying, even without meat.

How long do Tacos Rojos Potosinos stay fresh after cooking?

Once cooked, Tacos Rojos Potosinos are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a hot skillet until warmed through and lightly crisp. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep their texture intact.

Tacos Rojos Potosinos – The Best Red Tacos You Must Try in 2025

Description

Tacos Rojos Potosinos are a traditional Mexican street food, known for their vibrant red chile-infused tortillas, crispy texture, and savory fillings like shredded chicken, seasoned potatoes, or refried beans.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups masa harina
3–4 dried guajillo chiles, stemmed & seeded
2 garlic cloves
~1½ cups warm water
½ tsp salt
1 tbsp vegetable oil (optional)
Shredded chicken (optional filling)
Seasoned mashed potatoes (optional filling)
Refried beans (optional filling)
Crumbled queso fresco
Shredded lettuce (optional topping)
Crema or sour cream (optional topping)
Salsa roja (optional topping)
Pickled onions (optional topping)

Instructions

Soak guajillo chiles in hot water for 10–15 minutes until softened.
Blend softened chiles with garlic and ½ cup soaking liquid to create a purée.
Mix purée with masa harina, salt, and enough warm water to form a soft dough. Add oil if desired.
Divide dough into golf ball-sized portions and press into tortillas using a tortilla press or rolling pin.
Cook tortillas on a dry skillet or comal for 40 seconds per side until puffed and flecked with brown spots.
Warm chosen fillings (shredded chicken, potatoes, or beans).
Spoon filling into center of each tortilla and fold in half.
Pan-fry each taco in a bit of oil for 2 minutes per side until lightly crisped.
Top with queso fresco, lettuce, crema, salsa, pickled onions, or other toppings.

Notes

You can customize spice levels by adjusting the type and amount of chile. Guajillo chiles are mild and flavorful, while arbol chiles can add heat if desired.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Fried
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 taco
Calories: 210
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 240mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: tacos rojos, potosinos, red tortillas, mexican tacos, traditional mexican recipe