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Savor the fusion of Irish and Mexican flavors with our Keto Reuben Tacos. These flavorful tacos, inspired by cherished memories, are a creative twist on using leftover corned beef. Experience the deliciousness as tender corned beef meets sauerkraut, drizzled with a special dressing. Explore the unexpected today!
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Bringing Back Memories with Keto Reuben Tacos
Picture this: a little bar/restaurant in Southern California called McDini's Baja, where Irish/Mexican fusion cuisine took center stage. It was an era when Irish/Mexican pubs were all the rage, and these establishments were creating delightful mash-ups of Irish and Mexican flavors. At McDini's, they had a dish that stood out among the rest, a dish that became an all-time favorite – the Reuben Tacos.
For many of us who frequented McDini's, these Reuben tacos were more than just a meal. They were a piece of our memories, a taste of good times, laughter, and camaraderie. As the years passed, my daughter grew older, and those Reuben tacos became her favorite too. So, you can imagine that a lot of cherished memories are wrapped up in these tasty tacos.
But these tacos are not just about nostalgia; they are also a fantastic solution for anyone looking to make the most of their leftover corned beef. If you're tired of simply reheating leftovers and watching them lose their appeal, recipes like this one can be a godsend. It's a way to transform something familiar into something exciting and delicious all over again.
Now, introducing these Reuben tacos to my now-husband was not without its challenges. He never had the chance to experience McDini's with us, and he had zero fond memories of Irish/Mexican fusion cuisine. In fact, the idea of a corned beef taco struck him as rather odd at first. However, one bite was all it took to change his mind completely.
I've often wondered why he ever doubted me in the first place. But one thing's for sure, these Reuben tacos have a way of winning skeptics over. So, if you have a family member or friend who thinks this idea is a bit too unusual, make them a bet – because I guarantee that once they taste these tacos, they'll be singing a different tune.
If you're still on the fence about this recipe, thinking, "Bobbi, you must really have a screw loose if you're talking about making tacos out of corned beef," please trust me. I'm always on a mission for deliciousness, and this recipe is no exception.
In This Post
🥘Keto Reuben Tacos Ingredients
These are the ingredients necessary to make Keto Reuben Tacos.
- Keto Tortillas - these keto tortillas are the closest to corn tortillas you can get
- Corned Beef - I recommend homemade corned beef but you can use deli
- Mayonnaise - this mayo has zero net carbs
A detailed list with measurements and instructions can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.
🔪Keto Reuben Tacos Instructions
This is a basic breakdown of the steps involved in making Keto Reuben Tacos. You will find the full directions in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
In a small bowl, combine the mayo, hot sauce, horseradish, onion powder, and Tamari.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the onion a few minutes, until it begins to soften and turn translucent.
Add the chopped corned beef to the skillet.
Remove from the heat and fill each tortilla with some of the corned beef, topped with sauerkraut, drizzle with the dressing, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
Helpful Hint: 💡: To add an extra layer of texture and flavor, lightly toast your keto tortillas before assembling the tacos. A quick warm-up in a dry skillet or a few seconds in the oven will make them slightly crispy, elevating the overall taco experience.
Substitutions
- Tortillas: If you prefer a different type of tortilla, you can use lettuce leaves as a low-carb alternative or almond flour tortillas if you want a gluten-free option.
- Corned Beef: While corned beef is traditional, you can substitute it with pastrami for a slightly different flavor profile. It's still delicious and captures that Reuben essence.
- Sauerkraut: If you're not a fan of sauerkraut, consider using coleslaw mix or thinly sliced cabbage for a crunchy texture and mild flavor.
- Mayonnaise Dressing: Experiment with different keto-friendly dressings or sauces such as Thousand Island dressing or a Russian dressing for a unique twist.
📖Variations
- Spicy Reuben Tacos: Add a kick of heat by incorporating sliced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce into your tacos. It's a great way to infuse some spice into the classic flavors.
- Vegetarian Reuben Tacos: Create a vegetarian version by using meatless corned beef or smoked tempeh as the protein component. It's a great option for those looking to enjoy the flavors without the meat.
- Loaded Reuben Tacos: Enhance the flavor and texture by adding additional toppings such as diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, or crispy bacon bits. Customize your tacos to your heart's content.
- Mini Reuben Tacos: Make bite-sized versions by using small keto tortillas or lettuce cups, perfect for serving as appetizers or snacks at parties.
🍽Equipment
This is the equipment you will need to make Keto Reuben Tacos.
Storage
Refrigeration: If you have leftover Reuben Tacos and plan to enjoy them later, follow these steps for refrigeration:
- Allow the leftover tacos to cool to room temperature.
- Individually wrap each taco in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness.
- Place the wrapped tacos in an airtight container or resealable plastic bags.
- Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Freezing (if applicable): While tortillas and sauerkraut can be sensitive to freezing, you can freeze the corned beef mixture separately for future use:
- Allow the corned beef mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Place the cooled corned beef mixture in an airtight freezer-safe container or freezer bag.
- Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date.
- Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
When you're ready to enjoy the frozen corned beef mixture, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in a skillet or microwave. Reassemble your keto Reuben Tacos with fresh tortillas and sauerkraut.
Note: Tortillas and sauerkraut can lose their texture when frozen and thawed, so it's recommended to freeze the corned beef mixture separately for the best results.
💭Top tip
Don't limit yourself to just corned beef for these tacos. If you have leftover roast beef or even turkey, feel free to use those as delicious alternatives. It's a great way to switch things up and enjoy these tacos with a different twist each time!
FAQ about Keto Reuben Tacos
Unfortunately, there are a ton of carbs in regular flour or corn tortillas. If you don't want to make the homemade keto tortillas I linked to there are a few store-bought versions you can try. I have to admit they don't taste as good, in my opinion, but they are great if you are short on time. You can find them here. Make sure to change your net carbs if you are tracking them.
One of the things I do is grab extra corned beef roasts at the store when they go on sale after St Patrick's Day. Since I make my corned beef in the Instant Pot it is super easy to make a few (minus the veggies), chop or shred them, then freeze them in 1-pound packages to save for the times I am craving corned beef hash, Reuben sliders, Reuben tacos, etc. But, I have been known to grab a pound or two of corned beef from the deli in a pinch!
That can be a problem. Storing the whole taco can lead to mushy tortillas so I would suggest you store each element individually in air tight containers in the fridge.
Related Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
- Mini Reuben Pigs in a Blanket
- Keto Reuben Sliders
- Keto Reuben Hot Dogs
- Keto Reuben Mac and Cheese
- Keto Reuben Casserole
- Keto Reuben in a Bowl
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with these Keto Reuben Tacos:
Keto Reuben Tacos
Ingredients
For the dressing
- 1/2 cup keto mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce
- 1/2 tsp prepared horseradish
- 1/2 tsp organic onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Low sodium Tamari
For the tacos
- 8 keto tortillas
- 1 tbsp avocado or olive oil
- 1 lb leftover corned beef
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 cup sauerkraut drained
- fresh cilantro leaves chopped (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the mayo, hot sauce, horseradish, onion powder, and Tamari.
- Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the onion a few minutes, until it begins to soften and turn translucent.
- Add the chopped corned beef to the skillet.
- Cook, stirring occasionally until it's heated through and starting to brown.
- Remove from the heat and fill each tortilla with some of the corned beef, topped with sauerkraut, drizzle with the dressing, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
Disclaimer
Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs will not be included as it has a glycemic index of 0 (meaning it does not spike blood sugar) and it’s not metabolized. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Nutrition
Food safety
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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