Jamaica & Squash Blossom Tacos
By the QuiteRecipes team (Jamy & Kaïna) | Food Service Professional, Early Childhood Expert & Parents
A gourmet vegan taco recipe featuring tender hibiscus flowers and delicate squash blossoms, served with a zesty homemade salsa verde.
These tacos are a vibrant, sophisticated take on Mexican street food, built around jamaica flowers and delicate squash blossoms. We pickle and roast the jamaica so it brings deep color and a tangy bite, then tuck it into tortillas with the blossoms. Beautiful on the plate, even better eaten.
🥄 Ingredients
- 🫗 8–10 husk tomatoes (tomatillos)
- 🫗 2 small garlic cloves
- 🫗 1 slice onion
- 🫗 1 chili guero
- 🫗 2 serrano peppers (optional)
- 🫗 Fresh coriander
- 🫗 Salt and water (as needed)
- 🫗 5 cups jamaica (hibiscus) flowers, boiled until tender, rinsed, and drained
- 🫗 6–7 squash blossoms, washed and stalks removed
- 🫗 1 cup onion, chopped
- 🫗 1/4 cup chili guero, chopped
- 🫗 1 tsp garlic powder
- 🫗 1 tsp liquid smoke (optional)
- 🫗 1 tbsp vegetable seasoning
- 🫗 1 tbsp parsley powder
- 🫗 2–3 tbsp soy sauce
- 🫗 Oil (as desired)
Nutrition Facts*
*Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients, brands and portion sizes. Values are provided per serving.
🎥 Video Tutorial
Jamaica & Squash Blossom Tacos
Video credit: embedded from YouTube. All rights belong to the original creator, who allows sharing on other websites.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- ✕
Overcooking Squash Blossoms: If cooked too long, they will turn into a mushy puree. They only need a minute or two of heat to wilt.
- ✕
Salsa Balance: Taste your tomatillos before blending; if they are overly tart, add a pinch of sugar or extra onion to balance the acidity of the salsa.
🔄 Variations
Extra Creaminess: Top these tacos with the [Vegan Sour Cream (VG-0014)](VG-0014) to provide a cooling contrast to the acidity of the hibiscus.
Protein Boost: Add some pan-fried tofu crumbles to the flower stew for a more filling meal.
🧊 Storage
- 📦
The flower stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove. Store the salsa separately for best freshness.
💡 Chef Tips
Rinsing Hibiscus: Ensure the jamaica flowers are rinsed very well after boiling to remove any excess acidity, which balances the flavor perfectly with the soy sauce.
Handling Blossoms: Squash blossoms are delicate. Add them at the very last second of the cooking process to maintain their vibrant color and texture.
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About the Authors
This recipe and guide was developed, tested, and approved in our home kitchen and daily life. Jamy is a retired Food Service District Manager and Early Childhood Program Manager who spent his career overseeing multi-site restaurant operations, large-scale culinary production, and daycare menu management. Kaïna brings the ultimate real-world test: making sure it brings ease and joy to our kids on a busy weeknight.
Read more about our professional background and philosophy →