Emily's Taco Seasoning

Soft shell chicken tacos are a personal favorite!

My eldest daughter LOVES Mexican food. She never tires of it. She could eat it every single day! Foremost are the Mexican spices for your taco meat and this recipe is especially great for chicken or beef. Don't forget to add your favorite accompaniments: lettuce, sour cream, corn perhaps, cheese, avocado, green onions, even black olives or black beans.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp cumin, powder

• 1 tbsp dried minced onion

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp Mexican oregano (see Tips and Tricks)

• 1 tsp marjoram

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• 1/8 tsp chili powder

• pinch of red pepper flakes

• tt salt and pepper

• 2/3 cup water

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced in small thin strips

• oil for pan

• 1/2 onion, diced small (if desired)

• taco shells or tortillas and fillings of your choice;

Instructions

Read Susie's Tips and Tricks below

1. Mix together cumin, onion, garlic, oregano, marjoram, paprika, cornstarch, chili powder, red pepper, salt and pepper.

2. Slice chicken in thin short strips, 1/4" x 2", and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Then place in a well-heated large oiled pan with onion (if desired). You want room for your chicken to sear, not steam; don't move it around a bunch. It will stick at first, then release from the pan when its caramelized enough; about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Test a few pieces to confirm that they are cooked to 165F.

3. Sprinkle 2 to 3 tbsp of the mixture all over the pan and toss. Then add 2/3 cup water. Turn the heat up a smidge to allow the cornstarch to thicken, thus giving you a sauce.

4. Taste your sauce and, if desired, add a bit more of your spice mixture to the pan. Serve in shells or tortillas, and serve with fillings of your choice.

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Susie's Tips and Tricks

If you don't have Mexican Oregano, no problem - use the common one, Greek. Mexican oregano has citrusy notes. Add a squeeze of lemon or lime if you have it.

Store this spice mixture in the fridge. Don't forget to label and date it.

Alternatively, you could use a beef cut of your choice.

#tacoseasoning #softtacos #besttacos