Trump Taco Bowl Recipe

Have you ever heard of the infamous “Trump Taco Bowl”? While it became a cultural talking point after Donald Trump’s 2016 Cinco de Mayo post, the taco bowl itself has turned into something of a curiosity for food enthusiasts, politics buffs, and meme lovers alike.

How to make the Trump Taco Bowl

The term “Trump Taco Bowl” is a notable incident from May 5, 2016, when then-presidential candidate Donald Trump tweeted a photo of himself enjoying a taco bowl at Trump Tower Grill. The tweet read: “Happy Cinco de Mayo! The best taco bowls are made in Trump Tower Grill. I love Hispanics!”

Ingredients

For the Bowl Base:

• 1 large tortilla (10–12 inches)
• Cooking spray or oil to fry the tortilla into a bowl shape

For the Filling:

• 1 cup cooked white or Mexican-style rice
• 1 cup cooked black or pinto beans seasoned with cumin and garlic
• 1/2 lb ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Toppings:

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
• 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped lettuce
• 1/4 cup guacamole or sliced avocado
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup salsa
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Tortilla Bowl

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Take your large tortilla and lightly spray it with cooking spray or gently brush it with oil.
3. Place the tortilla in an oven-safe bowl to shape it into a shell. If available, you can use specialized tortilla bowl molds.
4. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the tortilla is crisp and golden brown. Remove and let cool.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Meat

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet and break it apart as it cooks.
3. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat, stirring well to mix. Cook until browned and fully cooked (about 5–7 minutes).

Step 3: Prepare the Base Ingredients

1. Warm up your cooked rice and beans. If desired, season the beans with cumin, garlic powder, or chili powder for added flavor.

Step 4: Layer Your Bowl

1. Start by placing the rice in the bottom of the tortilla bowl, followed by the beans.
2. Add the cooked taco meat on top of the rice and beans.
3. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the hot filling to let it melt slightly.

Step 5: Add Toppings

1. Top with lettuce, diced tomatoes, guacamole or avocado slices, sour cream, and salsa.
2. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Taco Bowl

• Toast the tortilla edges evenly. To prevent uneven browning, lightly spray or oil the whole tortilla.
• Customize your protein: You can substitute chicken, tofu, shrimp, or even a vegetarian meat alternative instead of ground beef.
• Spice it up: Add jalapeño slices, hot sauce, or chipotle peppers for a spicy kick.
• Make it healthier: Swap white rice for cauliflower rice and Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce calories.
• Serve family-style: Prepare all your toppings in separate dishes so guests can build their taco bowls.

What to serve with

Enhance your Trump Taco Bowl dining experience by pairing it with sides and beverages that complement and elevate the dish.

Savory Sides

1. Chips and Guacamole:A classic starter, crunchy tortilla chips paired with creamy, zesty guacamole are a perfect appetizer. Make your own fresh guacamole by mashing ripe avocados and mixing in chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and sea salt. Add a touch of jalapeño for some heat!

2. Street Corn (Elote): Mexican street corn, or elote, is a delightful side that pairs nicely with taco bowls. Grill or roast corn on the cob, then slather it with a mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, lime juice, and sprinkle with crumbled Cotija cheese.

3. Mexican Rice: Flavored rice can add a nice hearty component to your meal. Fry rice briefly in oil, then cook it with tomato sauce, chicken broth, garlic, onions, and diced vegetables until tender.

4. Refried Beans: Rich and creamy refried beans are a great complement to taco bowls. Sauté cooked pinto beans with onions, garlic, and spices before mashing them to the desired consistency.

Fresh Additions

1. Pico de Gallo: This fresh, tangy salsa is made by mixing diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeños. It’s a light, refreshing side that adds a burst of flavor to your meal.

2. Cucumber-Tomato Salad: For a cooling, crisp side, toss together sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and cilantro. Dress with lime juice and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Ingredients Substitutes

The Trump Taco Bowl, famously associated with bold flavors and a hearty assortment of ingredients, can be adjusted to suit your dietary preferences, availability of ingredients, or specific flavor desires.

Base: Substitute for Rice or Grains

Rice is often the foundation of a taco bowl, but there are plenty of alternatives:

1. Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb and healthier option, use riced cauliflower. Sauté it with a bit of olive oil or butter and season with garlic, cumin, and paprika for added flavor.

2. Quinoa: Quinoa is a protein-rich alternative to rice. Cook it in chicken or vegetable broth to add depth, and season similarly to traditional Mexican rice.

3. Brown Rice or Whole Grains: If you’re looking for a more nutrient-dense substitute, use brown rice or other grains like farro or barley.

Protein Choices

A taco bowl typically includes ground beef or grilled chicken, but here are substitutes to fit your preferences:

1. Plant-Based Meat: For a vegetarian or vegan option, use soy-based crumbles like Beyond Beef or Impossible Meat. Season them heavily with taco spices for similar textures and flavors.

2. Beans: Black beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas are excellent protein-rich alternatives. Refried beans work specifically well for a creamy texture, while whole beans add bulk and flavor.

3. Sweet Potato or Butternut Squash: For a vegetarian or unique twist, roast diced sweet potatoes or squash and season with chili powder, cumin, and paprika.

4. Tofu or Tempeh: Crumble tofu or tempeh and sauté with taco seasoning. Pressing the tofu before crumbling ensures it absorbs more flavor and stays firm.

Vegetables

A traditional taco bowl includes lettuce and tomatoes, but substitutions can add variety:

1. Kale or Spinach: For a more nutrient-dense green, swap lettuce for fresh or sautéed kale or spinach.

2. Roasted Vegetables: Instead of raw veggies, use roasted peppers, zucchini, onions, or mushrooms seasoned in olive oil and taco spices for a smoky flavor.

3. Cabbage Slaw: Thinly sliced red or green cabbage tossed with lime juice, cilantro, and a touch of chili powder can act as a crunchy and tangy substitute for shredded lettuce.

Final Thoughts

The Trump Taco Bowl may have started as a quirky internet moment, but it’s undisputable that taco bowls combine the best of Tex-Mex flavors.