On the California Taco Trail: Recipes from Hwy 99

Published Apr 21, 2015 9:49 PM

Sara Deseran, California Taco Road Trip
Restaurateur and Mexican-food fiend Sara Deseran eats her way down California's historic tortilla-packed Highway 99. Read the story » Dylan + Jeni

These recipes are from and inspired by Restaurateur and Mexican-food fiend Sara Deseran‘s trek down California’s historic, gritty, tortilla-packed Highway 99. Click through to discover some of the Golden State’s most mouthwatering tacos, stews, and drinks.

Spicy Michelada

Spicy Michelada

Jalisco-Style Goat Stew (Goat Birria)

A low-and-slow cooking technique used for this birria, which colloquially means “a mess,” ensures that the meat is fork-tender and the tomatillo broth infused with a rich, meaty flavor. Swap pork for goat, if you prefer. Get the recipe for Jalisco-Style Goat Stew (Goat Birria) »

Shrimp Tacos

Shrimp Tacos

2) Braise or Steam Meats and Fish

Yucatán-Style Shredded Pork Tacos with Achiote (Cochinita Pibil Tacos)

Carnitas Tacos (Michoacán-Style Braised Pork Tacos)

At the Viva Taco bus in Turlock, Silvestre Valencia adds jalapeño pickling liquid to the pork braise, which tenderizes the meat and keeps it from drying out. Get the recipe for Carnitas Tacos »

Tacos de Papa Hwy 99 (Potato Tacos)

Inspired by the potato tacos at Loncheria Otro Rollo in Bakersfield, CA, this versio is stuffed with fluffy mashed potatoes and pan-fried until crisp. The accompanying smoky ranchero sauce also would be great on meat or fish, or spooned over eggs. Get the recipe for Tacos de Papa Hwy 99 (Potato Tacos) »

Coconut Horchata

This version of the classic Mexican rice-based drink, which writer Sara Deseran adapted from one at Fresno’s El Mercado Super, is made with a mix of coconut milk and coconut water for a beverage that is both luxurious and refreshing. Get the recipe for Coconut Horchata »

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