Name: Corned Beef Irish Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Irish-American Fusion
Ingredients: 1½ pounds corned beef; 2 cups oil and vinegar coleslaw; 1 medium kiwi, peeled and cubed; 8 corn tortillas; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or more, as desired); ¼ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup sour cream; 1 tbsp lime juice; ¼ tsp sea salt; 1 tsp Tabasco or other hot sauce (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 11 reviews

If you’re craving something uniquely flavorful yet comfortingly familiar, the Corned Beef Irish Tacos Recipe is a delightful surprise that brings together the celebrated Irish corned beef with the fun, handheld ease of tacos. This fusion dish blends tender, savory corned beef with a vibrant oil and vinegar coleslaw, a sweet hint of kiwi, and a creamy, zesty sauce—all wrapped up in warm corn tortillas. Perfect for casual dinners or festive gatherings, these tacos offer a burst of textures and tastes that invite you to enjoy a fresh take on classic ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top-down view of several small white bowls and plates arranged on a white marbled surface, showing ingredients for a dish. In the top center, a white bowl holds bright yellow shredded cheddar cheese. Below this, a white plate has two pale yellow corn tortillas stacked flat. To the left, a larger white plate contains thin slices of pink corned beef layered loosely. Near the bottom right, a white bowl is filled with a colorful oil and vinegar coleslaw, featuring shredded vegetables in green, purple, and cream colors. A whole brown kiwi sits between the coleslaw and corn tortillas. To the right side of the image, three small white bowls contain different light-colored spreads and liquids: mayo (creamy white), lime juice (pale yellow-green), and sour cream (off-white). Above these bowls, metal measuring spoons lay on the marble with a small white pile of salt next to them. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, everyday ingredients with distinct roles makes this Corned Beef Irish Tacos Recipe both accessible and flavorful. Each component plays a part in balancing texture, tang, and richness, ensuring every bite is exciting and satisfying.

1½ pound corned beef: The star protein, rich and tender, providing hearty, savory depth.
2 cups oil and vinegar coleslaw: Adds crunch and tangy brightness to cut through the richness of the beef.
1 medium kiwi (peeled and cubed): Offers a surprising sweet and slightly tart contrast to enhance the slaw.
8 corn tortillas: The perfect sturdy yet soft base that delivers authentic taco goodness.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or more): Melts slightly over the warm beef, lending creamy, sharp notes.
¼ cup mayonnaise: Provides richness and smooth texture in the Crema sauce.
¼ cup sour cream: Brings cool tanginess to balance spicy and acidic flavors.
1 tbsp lime juice: Adds fresh acidity to brighten the Crema and overall dish.
¼ tsp sea salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
1 tsp Tabasco or other hot sauce (optional): A kick of heat to spice things up if you like.

How to Make Corned Beef Irish Tacos Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Corned Beef

Start by cooking your corned beef according to package instructions or your preferred method. Once cooked, let the meat cool enough to handle comfortably before shredding or slicing thinly. This step ensures that each bite will be tender and evenly textured, making it easier to enjoy in taco form.

Step 2: Prepare the Coleslaw

Next, prepare your oil and vinegar coleslaw as usual. The bright acidity and crisp cabbage are vital for balancing the richness of the corned beef. Once the slaw is ready, gently fold in the cubed kiwi. These tiny bursts of sweet tartness add an unexpectedly delightful dimension that complements the meat and the tangy slaw perfectly.

Step 3: Mix the Crema

Whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and sea salt until smooth and creamy. If you enjoy a bit of spice, stir in half a teaspoon to a full teaspoon of Tabasco or your favorite hot sauce. This zesty sauce will drizzle beautifully over the assembled tacos, bringing all the flavors together with a fresh, tangy punch.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Warm and char the corn tortillas over a direct flame or in a cast-iron skillet to add smoky notes and soften them just enough to fold without cracking. Place them on taco holders to keep their shape, then layer shredded cheddar cheese first so it melts slightly, followed by generous amounts of the shredded corned beef. Top each taco with the kiwi-infused coleslaw, and finish with a drizzle of the creamy Crema sauce. Your Corned Beef Irish Tacos Recipe is now ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Corned Beef Irish Tacos Recipe

Two tacos sit side by side in a metal holder on a white marbled surface. Each taco shell is yellow and lightly toasted with visible char marks on the edges. Inside the shells are several layers: the bottom layer is shredded purple cabbage, followed by thin green onion slices and shredded red meat. There is a small dollop of white sauce in the middle layer of the filling. A slice of green kiwi fruit rests on top of the meat and vegetables, adding a fresh pop of color. A blurred white bowl with salad is faintly visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Consider adding a few fresh herb sprigs such as cilantro or flat-leaf parsley for a pop of green and fresh aroma. Thinly sliced radishes or pickled jalapenos bring extra crunch and zing that can brighten the overall taco experience too.

Side Dishes

Light and refreshing sides work wonderfully here. A simple cucumber salad, baked sweet potato fries, or even a bowl of hearty Irish stew can complement the tacos without overpowering the vibrant flavors waiting inside each tortilla.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive twist, serve these tacos on a wooden board lined with parchment and sprinkle some extra shredded cheese or chopped kiwi around for visual appeal. You could also offer build-your-own taco toppings in small bowls to let guests customize their own delicious creations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, keep the shredded corned beef and coleslaw stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps maintain freshness and prevents the tortillas from becoming soggy if you want to enjoy the dish later.

Freezing

The cooked corned beef freezes well on its own. After shredding, place it in a sealed freezer bag or container for up to three months. Avoid freezing the slaw or tortillas as their textures change significantly upon thawing.

Reheating

Reheat the corned beef gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Refresh tortillas briefly over a skillet or in the oven to regain pliability. Add the coleslaw fresh and assemble before serving to keep that perfect contrast of textures.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar cheese offers a classic sharpness that pairs nicely, you can experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a crumbly Irish cheese if you want to lean further into the Irish influence.

What if I don’t like kiwi? Can I leave it out?

No worries at all. The kiwi adds a unique sweet tartness, but you can omit it or substitute with diced green apple or pineapple for a similar fruity brightness in the coleslaw.

Is this recipe spicy?

The Corned Beef Irish Tacos Recipe is naturally mild. If you like a bit of heat, add Tabasco or your favorite hot sauce to the Crema sauce as described, or offer chili flakes on the side for folks who want extra punch.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Corn tortillas are typically gluten-free, but it’s always good to check the packaging. As long as your coleslaw ingredients and sauces are gluten-free, this recipe works perfectly for gluten-sensitive diets.

How long does it take to prepare from start to finish?

The entire process, including cooking the corned beef if not already done, should take about 30 minutes, making it a fairly quick and satisfying meal option when you’re short on time but craving something special.

Final Thoughts

Give the Corned Beef Irish Tacos Recipe a try the next time you want to surprise your taste buds with a creative, delicious meal. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy familiar components in a fresh and exciting way that’s sure to bring smiles and maybe even a few “wow” moments around your dining table.