This Filipino Inspired Taco Bar is filled with handmade Ube Tortillas, Longanisa crumbles, quick pickled shallots and super fresh tomatoes, cilantro and green onions. 

Filipino Inspired Taco Bar

We all know Cinco De Mayo is coming up in a few days.  For a little something different let’s make a Filipino Inspired Taco Bar!

This is what you need:

1.  Ube Tortillas (Find on the Blog)
2.  Longanisa Crumbles (Find on the Blog)
3.  Longanisa Sauce (Find on the Blog)
4.  Quick Pickled Shallots
5.  Diced Tomato
6.  Cilantro
7.  Fresh Kalamansi

Now let’s break down each individual component of My Filipino Inspired Taco Bar

Ube Tortillas

The Ube Tortillas I posted a few days ago and it’s probably the longest recipe of the taco bar, but the most satisfying.  You can find the recipe and step by step instructions right here.

Longganisa Crumbles

Originally these were made in the Paleo Longsilog Recipe.  Just follow the super quick Longganisa Crumbles recipe made with lost of garlic,  date syrup and coconut aminos.  Yes it sure does have healthier ingredients but it sure does taste exactly the same.

Longganisa Sauce

To amp up the Longganisa flavor more I also made my Longganisa Mayo that I used in this Vegan Burger Recipe.  It gives the tacos some added creaminess.

Quick Pickled Shallots

For this recipe all you need to do is slice 2 shallots thinly and then put them in a small jar and cover with vinegar.  Add a teaspoon of salt for flavor and just leave to sit for an hour.  If you can’t find shallots, use half a read onion and slice thin.

Fresh Ingredients

With all tacos, you need a hit of fresh ingredients.  In this Filipino Inspired Taco bar I chopped up some cilantro, green onions and fresh juicy plump tomatoes.

I also used some fresh kalamansi as the citrus brightner.  I cheated because I have a tree.  If you can’t find it or don’t have access to it, you can sub in limes instead.

How To Serve Your Filipino Inspired Taco Bar

I put all the different component into bowls with the Ube Tortillas on the side.  Each family member you are in quarantine with can make their own taco using their own combos.  It’s fun, interactive and of course yummy.

You can also add in some slices of jalapeno and hot sauce for that extra sarap,sarap (yum, yum).

What to Drink

So, what to drink with these taco’s??  Well I do have 2 margarita recipes that would go great with this taco bar!

You can make this Pineapple Kalamansi Margarita.

Or if  you can find it this Guyabano Margarita Slushie.

There you have it an all in Filipino Inspired Taco Bar.  From the tortillas all the way to the drinks.  Enjoy with your close family at this time!

Mexican and Filipino Connection

Okay.  A little history lesson at the end!  I learned from my friend Yana and from reading Doreen G. Fernandes “Tikim“ that our connection to Mexico runs deep.  Oh so deep, but is always overlooked. My Mom’s madien name is Mendoza and yes I got a DNA test and (I’m 100% that..) we do have Mexican blood in our family line.

Many of the fruits and vegetables that I thought were native were brought from Mexico through the Galleon Trade.

Some examples of Fruits and Vegetables that came from Mexico:

Camote (Sweet Potato)

Singkamas (Jicama)

Mani (Peanuts)

Mais (Corn)

Kamatis (Tomato)

I HAD NO IDEA.  That’s because it’s so integrated in our culture.  What is so interesting is that we made these ingredients our own.  Using them as both nourishment and herbal remedies.

If you want to learn more about the 250 year Galleon Trade watch these Videos:

Filipino-American Origins through the Manila Galleon Trade

Spanish Galleon ship in Manila

For more  Filipino inspired goodness in your life follow along on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest.  Or subscribe to get these recipes in your inbox.  And if you make this Filipino Inspired Taco Bar I would love to see it.  Tag your Instagram snaps with @rezelkealoha and #rezelkealohaeats.