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Pairing the Perfect Hot Sauce And Taco…There’s a Method to the Madness!

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Austin Taco Project, in the Texas Hill Country, has indicated to Food & Wine Magazine that there’s a method to the madness of pairing the perfect hot sauce with its corresponding taco. Most Austinites already firmly believe that the taco should be named the state food of Texas, and at Austin Taco Project, that might already unofficially be the case. But this recent addition to the Texas Hill Country’s food fare offerings refers to its executive chef, Kevin Spencer, as a “tacologist,” – meaning when in doubt about all things taco-related, turn to him! Their staff are also trained to provide similar expertise regarding the appropriate pairing of hot sauce to taco in order to have customers come away with the feeling that their meal had the maximize possible flavor profile. With a hot sauce caddy situated on each table consisting of all manner of international offerings, you can also bet that the Lone Star State has some great contributions in the mix as well!

Pairing the Perfect Hot Sauce And Taco…There’s a Method to the Madness!

Photo: Facebook/Austin Taco Project

So, back to the concept of the right hot sauce for the right taco. Austin Taco Project has provided a handy guide in order that you too can get in on the ground floor of learning what basics are required to be a “tacologist”. According to Food & Wine Magazine, here are the chef’s taco tips in creating mouthwatering magic for hot sauce consideration. For tacos al pastor, the chef recommended fruit-based sauces, and suggested that a visit to your local grocery store for a pineapple hot sauce might be in order. If pineapple isn’t your cup of tea, however, he also recommended Valentina Salsa Picante or any Cholula flavor. For those that like steak and brisket tacos, Chef Spencer recommended sauces that featured ghost peppers. He did suggest that if you’re making these at home, to possibly try for a verde sauce or something based on a vinegar mix, noting that DL Jardine’s Texas Champagne sauce, Frank’s RedHot, and Crystal hot sauce all work well.

Pairing the Perfect Hot Sauce And Taco…There’s a Method to the Madness!

Photo: Facebook/Austin Taco Project

For the health-conscious who love veggie tacos, Austin Taco Project recommends tart and funky sauces., noting that products containing a fruit-forward concept and red and green chiles were always a good bet. And for those that didn’t necessarily want a hot kick to their vegetarian dish, the chef recommended Crystal hot sauce. And of course, a taco fan favorite, the breakfast taco. For this, the chef said that anything goes! Most hot sauces blend nicely with breakfast tacos, and provide that spicy kick some people crave for their mornings. And honorable mentions go to the fish taco, for which Chef Spenser said to keep it simple. You want the flavor of the fish to not be overwhelmed by that of the hot sauce you’re using, and so just a few drops are the recommended amount. A classic kick for this meal will put a smile on anyone face! So, there you have it folks – straight from the horse’s…’er “tacologist’s” mouth. Enjoy your official taco and hot sauce pairings!

Source:

Food & Wine Magazine