Kangaroo Tacos with Mango Salsa
Kangaroo Recipe
1Setup & Prepare
About This Recipe
Spiced kangaroo strips in soft tortillas with fresh mango salsa, avocado, and lime—a Mexican-Australian fusion favorite.
Cultural Context
(125 words) Tacos have become globally beloved, and Australians have embraced this Mexican street food with characteristic creativity. Using kangaroo for tacos creates a lean, flavorful filling that pairs beautifully with bright, acidic salsas and traditional Mexican seasonings. The combination of Australian protein with Mexican technique represents modern fusion cuisine at its most accessible. Food trucks and casual restaurants across Australian cities serve kangaroo tacos, often with tropical fruits like mango that thrive in Australia's climate. The dish works on multiple levels—quick to prepare, healthy, customizable, and delicious. This recipe demonstrates kangaroo's versatility in global cuisines while keeping preparation simple and fun. Perfect for casual entertaining or weeknight dinners, these tacos deliver big flavors with minimal effort.
2Ingredients
Shopping List
3Cooking Instructions
- For mango salsa: combine diced mango, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice in bowl. Season with salt and toss gently. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Combine sliced kangaroo with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper in bowl. Toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for 15-30 minutes at room temperature.
- Heat olive oil in large cast-iron skillet or grill pan over high heat until smoking. Add kangaroo in single layer (work in batches to avoid crowding) and cook for 1½-2 minutes per side until nicely charred but still pink inside. Remove to plate.
- Warm tortillas in dry skillet or directly over gas flame until soft and slightly charred.
- To assemble tacos: place warm tortilla on plate, add small amount of shredded cabbage, then kangaroo strips, generous spoonful of mango salsa, sliced avocado, and drizzle of sour cream.
- Garnish with extra cilantro and crumbled queso fresco if using. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing.
- Serve 2-3 tacos per person with sides of black beans and Mexican rice.
4Chef's Notes & Pairings
Chef's Notes
- Don't overcook kangaroo—it should be medium-rare for tender, juicy tacos.
- Mango salsa adds sweetness and acidity that perfectly balances kangaroo's gamey notes.
- For spicier tacos, leave some jalapeño seeds in the salsa or add hot sauce.
- Corn tortillas are traditional and gluten-free; flour tortillas are softer and more pliable.
- Set up a taco bar so guests can customize their own—it's interactive and fun.
Wine Pairing
Mexican Beer or Sparkling Wine – Cold cerveza with lime is traditional, but Australian sparkling rosé also pairs beautifully with these flavors.
Nutrition Facts
(per serving, 3 tacos) Calories: 520 | Protein: 44g | Fat: 22g | Carbohydrates: 42g | Fiber: 8g
