Filipino and Mexican cuisine shares deep roots and affinity when it comes to methods of cooking, choice of spices, and textures. The Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade paved the way for the widest possible exchange of material goods, cultural traditions and practices. In which contributed majorly to the gastronomical fusion and identities of Filipino, and Mexican cuisine.
In this recipe video, with the help of SYSU TasteSetter, the classic Mexican road-side snack; tacos, is now made Simpol and possible. An easier approach that does not compromise the taste nor the experience.
Ingredients
Set A: Marinating
- 1kg beef chucks
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 2 tbsp cayenne
- 2 tbsp coriander, cracked
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, minced
- 2-3 tbsp tomato paste
- ¼ cup calamansi juice
- 4 tbsp beef flavor savory paste
Set B: Sauteing and Pressure Cooking
- 4-5 pcs cinnamon barks
- 3 pcs laurel leaves
- 2 tsp cracked black pepper
- 2 tbsp annatto oil
- ¼ cup orange and lime zest
- 1 large onion, minced
- 1 cup onion and lime juice
- 2-3 cups water
- Salt to taste
Set C: Sauce Making
- 1 green bell pepper, grilled
- 3-4 green chilis, grilled
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 large white onion, sliced
- 3 pcs garlic cloves
- 1 bunch cilantro stalks
- Salt at taste
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1 bunch cilantro leaves
- ½ tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp salt
Set D: Assembling
- 1 cup beef fat, divided
- 5-10 pcs tortilla wrap
- 2 cup mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup birria broth
- 1 cup salsa verde
- 1 cup fresh salsa (tomato and onion)
Procedure:

A. Marinating
In a pot combine all ingredients and leave for about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
B. Sauteing and Pressure Cooking
After marinating for 1 hour, add the cinnamon barks, laurel leaves, cracked pepper and annatto oil then heat up the pot, mix and saute. Add the onion, orange and lime zest and juice, water and salt to taste. Mix well the cover and let it pressure cook for 50 minutes.
C. Sauce Making
Grill the green bell pepper and green chilis until the skin is wrinkled, blistered and charred. Cover with a paper towel, let it steam, then set aside. Heat the pan over medium heat, add oil and saute the white onion, garlic and season with salt. Blend everything,such as the cilantro stalks, sauteed onions and garlic, vinegar, charred bell pepper and green chilies blend well then add the lime juice and salt. Set aside.

D. Assembly
Strain the beef to separate the broth, slightly saute the shred the beef and let the broth simmer for 5-8 minutes. By making the tacos, separate or remove the beef fat on the broth. Heat the pan and add the beef pat, tortilla wrap, then add the beef meat and cheese and fold it in half.
Serve salsa verde, fresh salsa, broth and tortilla wrap then enjoy!

Simpol Cooking Notes:
- Marinating the beef allows the seasonings to penetrate the meat, resulting in deeper, more developed flavor. The longer the marination time, the more flavorful the beef comes.
- Beef flavoring helps enhance the overall taste of the dish by adding depth, richness, and more umami profile. Complimenting the natural flavor of the beef and creates a more well-rounded dish.
- Charring aromatics such as onions, garlic, and chilies is a key technique in many Mexican dishes. Developing the smoky, complex flavor that add depth and authenticity to sauces, salsas and marinades.
- Flip the tortilla in the rendered beef fat to allow it to absorb the savory flavors while developing a beautifully golden color and crispy texture.
- Fresh salsa is highly versatile and can be customized to suit your taste. Beyond the classic tomato version, you can incorporate ingredients such as avocado, corn, mango and other fresh produce to create different flavor and texture combinations.
From the fiery kick of chili peppers to the comforting embrace of tortillas, this dish tells a story of tradition and passion. All made possible with SYSU TasteSetter—allowing you to savor the vibrance of Mexican cuisine right in the comfort of your own home.
So grab your friends and family, and savor the flavors of Mexico with a dash of Filipino creativity—the Simpol way.
Check out the full recipe video here.
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