Heart tacos

Heart tacos are a traditional Mexican and Tex-Mex dish featuring tender, marinated beef or pork hearts, often grilled or braised and served in warm corn or flour tortillas. The meat is typically seasoned with lime, garlic, cumin, and chili, then topped with fresh cilantro, onions, and salsa. This dish is particularly popular in regions like Northern Mexico and the Southwestern United States, where offal is celebrated in street food and home cooking.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Heart tacos are high in protein and rich in iron, zinc, and B vitamins like B12, making them a nutrient-dense option. A typical serving (two small tacos) provides around 300-400 calories, with moderate fat content depending on preparation.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	350 kcal
Protein	22 g
Carbs	28 g
Fat	18 g
Fiber	4 g
Sugar	3 g
Sodium	650 mg
Iron	4.5 mg
Zinc	5 mg
Potassium	400 mg
Phosphorus	250 mg
Vitamin B12	3.5 mcg
Niacin (B3)	6 mg
Vitamin A	150 mcg RAE
Vitamin C	10 mg

Per 2 tacos (approx. 200 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, heart tacos highlight the Mexican culinary tradition of using every part of the animal, reflecting both resourcefulness and flavor. Nutritionally, beef heart is an excellent source of CoQ10, an antioxidant that supports heart health, making this dish a surprisingly wholesome choice.