A fully customizable taco night spread with marinated grilled chicken, shrimp, and steak, served alongside fresh guacamole, charred corn salad, pickled onions, and a variety of toppings and sauces. Designed for easy hosting, this setup balances homemade elements with simple shortcuts to create a vibrant, crowd-friendly meal.
Marinate the proteins
1 In separate bowls, combine chicken with taco seasoning, olive oil, lime juice, and garlic. Toss shrimp with chili garlic seasoning, olive oil, lime juice, and garlic, letting it marinate for 15 to 20 minutes. Season steak with olive oil, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Prepare the pickled onions
3 Add sliced onion to a bowl and pour over vinegar and water. Stir in sugar and salt, then let sit for at least 20 minutes.
Make the guacamole
5 Mash avocados until smooth, then mix in jalapeño, onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Cook the corn salad
7 Heat a skillet over high heat with a little oil. Add corn and cook until lightly charred, about 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and mix with jalapeño, cilantro, cotija, lime juice, hot sauce, and salt.
Prep the toppings
9 Chop tomatoes, shred lettuce, and cut limes into wedges. Set aside.
Cook the proteins
11 Grill or sear chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Cook steak for 3 to 5 minutes per side depending on thickness, then rest and slice against the grain. Cook shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side until opaque.
Warm the tortillas
13 Heat tortillas in a dry pan or on the grill until soft and lightly charred.
Assemble and serve
15 Arrange all components on a large table or board, starting with chips, guacamole, and salsa. Add proteins, sides, toppings, and sauces, and let everyone build their own tacos.
