Tripas Tacos: Crispy & Delicious Street-Style Intestine Tacos
Fancy proper Tripas Tacos? My recipe gives you crispy, authentic street-style tacos at home! Get that genuine Mexican flavour using my simple tips. Let's get cooking!

- Ingredients & Equipment for Epic Tripas Tacos
- Tripas Tacos: Crispy & Delicious Street-Style Intestine Tacos Recipe Card
- Prep Like a Pro for Perfect Tripas Tacos
- Step-by-Step: From Tripe to Tripas Tacos
- Pro Tips for Next-Level Tripas Tacos
- Recipe Notes: Making Your Tripas Tacos Epic
- Frequently Asked Questions
Alright, gather 'round, you hungry lot! ever tried tripas tacos ? no? oh my days, you're missing out! honestly, these little bundles of joy are like a secret handshake into proper mexican street food.
We're talking seriously flavourful, surprisingly crispy, and utterly addictive.
Craving Authentic Flavours?
Think of it: tender beef tripe , slow-cooked with aromatics. then, bam! crisped up to perfection. served in warm tortillas with all the fixings.
It’s a bit of a flavour bomb, yeah? but it's a flavour bomb that makes you go back for more.
Trust me.
This tripe recipe , or tripas recipe , whatever you want to call it, has roots deep in mexican culture.
Every family does it a little differently. we are doing it dead simple, easy to grasp, but it takes a bit of time, like most good things.
You need about three hours to get it right. this recipe will give you enough for about 6 to 8 people, enough to make everyone happy.
Why You'll Love These Tripas Tacos
One big plus? all the protein! it's good source of collagen. these tripas tacos are amazing for a casual weekend get-together.
They are something a bit different that's perfect for showing off your cooking chops. the slightly gamey flavour is balanced perfectly.
With the fresh toppings and a squeeze of lime. so what makes this tripe and onions recipe special? it’s all about the crisp .
That textural contrast between the tender inside and the crunchy outside? chef's kiss!
Now, some people might be put off by offal recipes or beef tripe . i get it. but honestly, once you try it done right, you'll be converted.
We are aiming for that crispy fried beef tripe recipes type of texture! and it really is not that hard to learn how to cook beef tripe or any tripe recipes .
Next, let's get into the ingredients!
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up some seriously good tripas tacos . honestly, sourcing good ingredients is half the battle! we're not talking michelin star stuff, but quality does matter, especially when you're dealing with offal recipes.
Ingredients & Equipment for Epic Tripas Tacos
Main Ingredients
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Pork small intestine: 2 lbs (900g) , thoroughly cleaned. getting this right is crucial. look for tripas that are pale pink and don't have a strong odour.
Freshness is key! trust me, i once got some dodgy tripas and never again . it tainted my whole tripas recipe !
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White Onion: 1 medium, quartered.
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Garlic: 4 cloves, peeled.
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Bay Leaves: 2.
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Dried Oregano: 1 tsp .
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Cumin Seeds: 1 tsp .
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Black Peppercorns: 1 tsp .
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Salt: To taste.
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Water: To cover.
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Corn Tortillas: 12-16 small ones. Aim for that proper authentic touch.
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White Onion: 1/2, finely chopped (for serving).
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Fresh Cilantro: 1 bunch, chopped (for serving). Some people are allergic, so you can use parsley.
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Lime Wedges: For serving. A must-have!
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Cooking Oil: 1/4 cup (vegetable, canola, or avocado - for crisping, optional).
Seasoning Notes
The spice combo is simple but essential. Oregano and cumin are the backbone of the flavour. They just work ! Don't skip the black peppercorns either; they add a little warmth.
Want a kick? add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some dried chili flakes to the simmering liquid. also a small amount of lemon pepper is also good.
I’ve tried it, and it is brilliant!. for a richer flavour, throw in a chicken bouillon cube. you know? those small things are what make the difference in the final product!.
No cumin seeds? Ground cumin will do in a pinch. Honestly, it’s not the end of the world. Just don't tell any Mexican abuelas that I told you that.
Equipment Needed
You don't need a fancy kitchen to make tripas tacos , thank goodness. We're talking simple here, just like if you were making a tripe and onions recipe !
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Large Stockpot: For simmering. This is where the magic happens!
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Large Bowl: For cleaning the tripas.
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Slotted Spoon: For fishing out the cooked tripas.
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Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: Obvious stuff, really.
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Large Skillet or Griddle: For crisping (optional). Though if you are making fried beef tripe recipes , its totally necessay.
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Tortilla Warmer: Optional, but keeps those tortillas nice and toasty. If not, wrap them in a tea towel.
Common household alternatives
Don't have a slotted spoon? A regular spoon will do, just be careful! No fancy griddle? A frying pan works just fine. Honestly, how to cook beef shouldn’t require expensive equipment.

Alright, let's talk tripas tacos . i know, i know, offal might not be everyone's cup of tea but trust me, done right, it’s a flavour bomb.
It is a pretty authentic mexican bite to try, so let me tell you about it
Tripas Tacos: Crispy & Delicious Street-Style Intestine Tacos Recipe Card

⚖️ Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (900g) pork small intestine, thoroughly cleaned
- 1 medium white onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- Salt, to taste
- Water, to cover
- 12-16 small corn tortillas (about 4-5 inches in diameter)
- 1/2 white onion, finely chopped
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Your favorite salsa (e.g., salsa verde, salsa roja)
- 1/4 cup cooking oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado oil)
🥄 Instructions:
- Rinse the tripas thoroughly inside and out. Soak in cold water for at least 30 minutes, changing the water several times. Optionally, you can rub the tripas with lime juice or vinegar during soaking to help remove any lingering odor.
- Place the cleaned tripas in a large stockpot. Add the onion, garlic, bay leaves, oregano, cumin seeds, peppercorns, and salt. Cover with water.
- Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the tripas are very tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Remove the tripas from the pot and let them cool slightly. Discard the bay leaves, onion, garlic, and peppercorns.
- Once cooled enough to handle, chop the tripas into small, bite-sized pieces (about 1/2 inch).
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped tripas and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy and golden brown (about 10-15 minutes). Alternatively, you can crisp them on a flat top grill without oil.
- Warm the tortillas on a dry skillet, griddle, or in a tortilla warmer until pliable.
- Fill each tortilla with the crispy tripas. Top with chopped onion, cilantro, and your favorite salsa.
- Serve the Tripas Tacos hot with lime wedges for squeezing.
Prep Like a Pro for Perfect Tripas Tacos
First thing's first: essential mise en place . get everything chopped, measured, and ready to go. honestly, this makes all the difference.
Saves you from scrambling later. we are making tripas tacos , so this should be easy to do.
Time-saving organization : got some extra time? you can actually simmer the beef tripe a day ahead. this lets the flavours develop even more.
Just cool it down and store it in the fridge. on the day, just crisp it up and you're good to go.
This tripe recipe is going to impress you.
Safety First : When handling raw beef tripe , wash your hands and surfaces thoroughly . Don't want any unwanted germs joining the party!
Step-by-Step: From Tripe to Tripas Tacos
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Rinse the beef tripe well. Seriously, get in there and give it a good scrub. This offal recipe starts with cleaning.
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Simmer it. pop the beef tripe in a pot with water, onion, garlic, and some bay leaves. bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for around 2- 3 hours .
You want it super tender. how to cook beef is what this is all about!
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Cool it down. Once the beef tripe is tender, take it out of the pot and let it cool. This is important, especially if you want to avoid a greasy taste.
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Chop it up. Get your knife skills ready. Cut the beef tripe into small, bite-sized pieces.
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Crisp it up. Heat some oil in a pan. Fry the chopped beef tripe until it's golden brown and crispy. That's when you want the fried beef tripe recipes to work.
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Warm your tortillas. No one likes a cold tortilla, right? Warm 'em up on a dry skillet for a few seconds per side.
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Assemble and devour. load up those warm tortillas with the crispy beef tripe , some chopped onion, cilantro, and your favourite salsa.
Tripas tacos is one of the greatest mexican recipes out there!
Pro Tips for Next-Level Tripas Tacos
Wanna take your tripas tacos to the next level? Try this.
Expert Technique : Don't overcrowd the pan when crisping the beef tripe . This will lower the oil temperature and make it soggy. Do it in batches for maximum crispiness.
Common Mistake : Under-cooking the beef tripe . Nobody wants chewy beef tripe . Make sure it's fork-tender before moving on to the next step.
Honestly? i was a bit nervous the first time i made tripas tacos . the smell was… interesting. but trust me, the end result is worth it.
That crispy, slightly funky flavour is totally addictive. serve with lime wedges and dig in! you can also make the tripe and onions recipe , or try the chinese tripe recipe .
Alright, let's chat about some extra bits for these amazing tripas tacos . honestly, even the best tripas recipe can be even better with a few tweaks and tips.
This is where the real magic happens, innit?
Recipe Notes: Making Your Tripas Tacos Epic
Serving Suggestions: Blimey, Look at That!
Right then, plating is more than just chucking everything on a plate. A good looking taco tastes better, yeah?
Try layering the tripas tacos artfully. a sprinkle of finely chopped onions and fresh coriander (cilantro for those across the pond) really pops.
Squeeze a lime wedge over the top just before serving. bangin'!
What to have with these fried beef tripe recipes ? mexican rice and refried beans are always a good shout.
Or, if you're feeling fancy, a tangy slaw to cut through the richness. and don't forget the drinks! a chilled mexican beer or a homemade agua fresca is spot on.
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh, Guv'nor
So, you've made loads of these tripe recipes . What now? Here's the lowdown.
Cooked tripas will keep in the fridge for up to three days. Just make sure they're in an airtight container.
Freezing? You can freeze the cooked tripas, but the texture might change a bit. Honestly, they're best fresh. To reheat, pan-fry 'em until crispy again.
Variations: Get Your Chef On!
Fancy a bit of a twist? Why not, eh?
For a gluten-free tripe and onions recipe , use corn tortillas or make your own cassava tortillas.
For a low-carb option? Chuck the fillings on a salad. Ditch the tortillas completely!
During the winter months, adding root vegetables will give a more hearty flavor. Swede will work well in particular.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
Alright, let's get real for a sec. Beef tripe isn't exactly health food, but it's not the devil either.
It's a decent source of protein and some vitamins. But it can be high in cholesterol. Everything in moderation, right?
Knowing how to cook beef is key to health and deliciousness, don't overdo it!
Enjoy these crispy tripas tacos . Every bite is a taste of Mexico! Offal recipes like this are an adventure. Don’t be shy to experiment with different toppings, and salsas.

Frequently Asked Questions
What are tripas tacos, anyway? Sounds a bit, well, adventurous!
Tripas tacos are a traditional Mexican street food made with small intestine, typically from pork. The tripas are simmered until tender, then usually crisped up on a griddle or in a pan before being served in warm tortillas with toppings like onion, cilantro, and salsa. Think of it like the Mexican equivalent of offal, but don't knock it 'til you've tried it – they're surprisingly delicious!
How do I clean tripas properly before making tripas tacos? That sounds crucial!
You're absolutely right, cleaning the tripas is the most important step! Rinse them thoroughly inside and out under cold running water. Then, soak them in a bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes, changing the water a few times. Some people also like to rub them with lime juice or vinegar during soaking to help remove any lingering odor, a bit like when you're marinating fish. Good cleaning ensures the best flavor and texture.
Can I make tripas tacos ahead of time? I'm not exactly a culinary wizard.
You can definitely break down the process to make it easier! You can simmer the tripas a day or two in advance and store them in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, just chop them up and crisp them in a pan. It's like making a Sunday roast – prep some of it ahead of time and the rest is a doddle.
Are there any variations on tripas tacos? I like to spice things up a bit!
Absolutely! For a spicier version, you can add dried chili peppers (like guajillo or ancho) to the simmering liquid. Some folks also like to add orange juice to the simmering liquid for a brighter flavor, bit like adding lemon to your gravy. You can also deep fry the tripas for an even crispier texture; in Mexico they call those tripas dorados. Don't be afraid to experiment with different salsas, too!
What's the best way to store leftover tripas tacos (if there are any leftovers)?
Store leftover tripas separately from the tortillas to prevent them from getting soggy. Keep the cooked tripas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet or on a griddle until crispy again. Sadly, cooked tacos don't freeze well but tripas on their own can be frozen for a month or two, just make sure they're well wrapped!
Are tripas tacos healthy? I'm trying to watch my waistline, you know.
Tripas tacos can be a bit of a "sometimes" food, like a good portion of fish and chips. While they do provide protein, they can also be high in fat, so portion control is key. Consider using leaner cuts when possible, and load up on the toppings like onion and cilantro to add freshness and fiber. If you're watching your calorie intake, maybe skip the cheese or sour cream. Remember, everything in moderation!
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