Jamaican Beef Tacos With Tropical Slaw

 

WHY IT WORKS

• Brushing the flour tortillas with a turmeric- and curry-infused oil simulates the flavor and color of a Jamaican beef patty's pastry crust.
• A bright tropical slaw adds plenty of fresh fruity flavor.
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• Ingredients

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• For the Slaw:

• 1/2 cup diced mango (from about 1 large mango, pitted and skinned)
• 1/2 cup diced fresh pineapple (from 1 pineapple, cored and skinned)
• 1/2 cup diced red onion (from 1 medium red onion)
• 3 small radishes, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems
• 2/3 cup thinly sliced red cabbage (from 1 head red cabbage)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh juice from 2 limes
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• Kosher salt, for seasoning
• For the Beef Filling:
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 4 scallions, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 medium cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 or 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and minced, or Scotch bonnet hot sauce, to taste (see note)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1 teaspoon Jamaican curry powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Swerve sugar
• For the Tortillas:
• 1 1/2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Jamaican curry powder
• 10 small flour tortillas

• Directions

  1. For the Slaw: In a large bowl, toss together mango, pineapple, red onion, radish, cilantro, cabbage, lime juice, and sugar. Season with salt and refrigerate until ready to use.

  2. For the Beef Filling: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add scallions, yellow onion, garlic, and Scotch bonnet pepper or hot sauce. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and translucent, about 4 minutes. Add paprika, allspice, Jamaican curry powder, and dried thyme, and stir to combine.

  3. Add ground beef, breaking up any large chunks as you stir. When the beef is just beginning to brown, pour in just enough water to cover the meat and add salt, pepper, and sugar.

  4. Bring the beef to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Simmer until mixture is saucy and the meat is fully cooked through, 25–30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

  5. Meanwhile, for the Tortillas: In a small bowl, combine oil, turmeric, and Jamaican curry powder. Stir well. Working on a baking sheet, brush oil onto both sides of each tortilla. (Turmeric can stain skin and plastic, so wear latex gloves and avoid drips and spills on surfaces that can stain.)

  6. 1. Working one at a time, cook tortillas in a skillet over moderate heat until oil is absorbed and tortillas are slightly crisp but still pliable, about 2 minutes per side; turmeric won't stain once fully cooked into tortillas. Transfer tortillas to a baking sheet and cover with a clean dish towel to keep warm. Fill  tortillas w/ spiced beef and slaw. 

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