1Onions
Erik bernsteinWhite onions are a classic taco topping that you'll find on many street tacos. They're crisp, sharp, and add the perfect bite.
2Cilantro
Erik bernsteinAnother traditional taco staple is cilantro. The fragrant herb is great sprinkled on top or blended into fresh salsas.
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3Lime
Erik bernsteinThanks to Samin Nosrat, we know the elements of good cooking are salt, fat, acid, and heat. When it comes to tacos, you can't skip the acid. A little squeeze of lime adds the perfect zing needed to round out all the flavors.
4Radishes
Erik bernsteinCool, crisp, and a bit peppery, sliced radishes are another traditional topping you might see on tacos.
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5Cabbage
Erik bernstein 6Guacamole or Avocado
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: FRANCESCA ZANIGuacamole isn't just for tortilla chips. Our guacamole recipe has onions, lime juice, and seasonings to add a punch to your tacos—especially if you aren't adding other toppings. Sliced avocado or a creamy avocado crema are other great options.
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7Pico De Gallo
Unlike salsa, where all the ingredients are blended, pico de gallo is a mixture, so it'll add a nice chunky texture to any taco. It's also excellent for scooping with tortilla chips.
8Salsa & Hot Sauce
Parker feierbachYou can never skimp the salsa or hot sauce. With profiles ranging from spicy and smoky to sweet and tangy, your salsa or hot sauce can really change up the flavor of your tacos.
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9Crema, Aioli, or Sour Cream
PHOTO: JOEL GOLDBERG; FOOD STYLING: LENA ABRAHAMCremas, aiolis, and creamy sauces are popular, especially on fish tacos or those with a lot of spice. Many have mayonnaise or sour cream as their base and are dressed up with spices, although the base of this avocado crema is, well, avocado.
To try out your own, check out these fried fish tacos which include a recipe for a chipotle sauce, or these vegan tacos that are topped with a creamy avocado sauce. You can also always opt for a drizzle of sour cream.
10Cheese
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCERYou can't forget the cheese! When it comes to topping tacos, queso fresco or cotija cheese work well because of their crumbly nature. Queso fresco is a pretty mild cheese, while cotija is saltier and drier.
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