Skinny Breakfast Taco

If you’ve never had a breakfast taco, you’re in for a wonderful treat.  So popular in Texas where it’s the smaller cousin to the breakfast burrito.  This type of taco easily fits in your hand and your mouth, with all your breakfast needs self-contained in one neat, little package. One problem, it’s usually pretty fattening, but not this skinny one… My slimmed-down version is a healthy way to start the day! Each filling taco has only 108 calories and 3 grams of fat. So quick, easy, and delicious!
Skinny Breakfast Taco

Why You'll Love 

Looking for a quick, healthy, and satisfying way to start your day? Skinny breakfast tacos offer a delicious and guilt-free breakfast option that's perfect for busy mornings. These lighter versions of traditional breakfast tacos swap out high-fat ingredients for healthier alternatives, such as using lean protein like scrambled eggs or turkey sausage, whole wheat tortillas, and loading up on fresh vegetables and salsa. By making these simple swaps, you can enjoy all the flavor and portability of a breakfast taco without the extra calories and unhealthy fats. Whether you're watching your weight, looking for a protein-packed breakfast, or simply want a delicious and convenient morning meal, skinny breakfast tacos are a fantastic choice that will keep you fueled and satisfied until lunchtime.

Ingredients For My Skinny Breakfast Tacos

Here's a detailed explanation of each ingredient in Skinny Breakfast Tacos, focusing on their specific contributions to the dish:
  • Reduced-Fat Butter or Smart Balance Light (½ teaspoon): This small amount of fat serves the essential purpose of preventing the eggs from sticking to the pan during cooking. Using reduced-fat butter or a light butter alternative like Smart Balance Light is a key strategy for keeping these tacos "skinny." These options provide the necessary lubrication for cooking without adding the high levels of saturated fat and calories found in regular butter or oil. The butter also contributes a subtle richness to the eggs, enhancing their flavor.
  • Egg Whites (2): Egg whites are the star of this skinny breakfast taco, providing a lean source of protein without the added fat and cholesterol found in the yolks. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, making it an important part of a healthy breakfast. Egg whites also create a light and fluffy texture when cooked, which contrasts nicely with the crunchy taco shell and other toppings.
  • Chopped Scallions (2 tablespoons): Scallions, also known as green onions, add a mild onion flavor with a touch of freshness to the eggs. They contribute a subtle sharpness that complements the other ingredients without being overpowering. The green parts of the scallions also add a pop of color to the tacos, making them more visually appealing.
  • Salt and Pepper (to taste): These common seasonings play a crucial role in enhancing the flavor of the eggs. Salt brings out the natural flavors of the eggs and other ingredients, while pepper adds a subtle warmth and complexity. Seasoning "to taste" allows for personal preference and ensures the tacos are seasoned just right.
  • Crispy Taco Shell (1): The crispy taco shell provides the structural base for the taco, offering a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the soft eggs and other toppings. Choosing a baked crispy taco shell, such as Mission taco shells, is another important step in making these tacos "skinny." Baking, rather than frying, significantly reduces the amount of added fat and calories. The shell also provides a convenient and portable way to eat the taco.
  • Chopped Tomatoes (2 tablespoons): Tomatoes add a burst of freshness, juiciness, and a slightly acidic flavor to the taco. They provide a refreshing contrast to the warm eggs and other ingredients. Tomatoes are also a good source of vitamins, particularly vitamin C, and antioxidants, adding nutritional value to the taco.
  • Chopped Romaine Lettuce (2 tablespoons): Chopped romaine lettuce adds a refreshing crunch and cool temperature to the warm taco filling. It provides a light and fresh element that balances the richness of the eggs and other ingredients. Romaine lettuce also contributes some vitamins and minerals, further enhancing the nutritional profile of the taco.
  • Salsa (1 tablespoon): Salsa adds a vibrant burst of flavor and a touch of heat to the taco. It complements the other ingredients and adds another layer of texture. Choosing a medium chunky salsa, like Pace Medium Chunky, provides a balance of flavor and texture without being overly spicy. The chunky texture also adds visual appeal and a more substantial feel to the taco.

How to Make Skinny Breakfast Tacos: A Quick, Healthy, and Delicious Breakfast Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions:
  1. Melt the Butter: Begin by melting ½ teaspoon of reduced-fat butter or a light butter alternative like Smart Balance Light in a small nonstick pan over medium heat. Using a nonstick pan is essential for preventing the delicate egg whites from sticking and making cleanup easier. The small amount of butter or butter alternative is just enough to lightly coat the pan and prevent sticking without adding excessive fat. Melting it completely before adding the eggs ensures even cooking and prevents hot spots that could cause the eggs to cook unevenly or burn.
  2. Prepare the Egg White Mixture: While the butter is melting, prepare the egg mixture in a small bowl. Add 2 egg whites and 2 tablespoons of finely chopped scallions (green onions). Mix the egg whites and scallions together using a fork or whisk until they are just blended. You don't need to whip them; simply ensure the scallions are evenly distributed throughout the egg whites. The scallions add a mild oniony flavor and a touch of freshness to the eggs, enhancing their overall taste and providing a subtle visual appeal with their green color.
  3. Scramble the Eggs: Once the butter is melted and the pan is heated, pour the egg white and scallion mixture into the pan. Scramble the eggs over medium-high heat, stirring frequently with a spatula or spoon. Frequent stirring is key to creating light and fluffy scrambled eggs and preventing them from becoming dry or rubbery. Continue to cook the eggs until they are thoroughly cooked and no longer runny. The eggs should be opaque and set, but still moist. Avoid overcooking, as this will result in dry, tough eggs.
  4. Season the Eggs: Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, season them with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. It’s best to season the eggs at the end of the cooking process to prevent them from becoming watery. Salt enhances the natural flavors of the eggs and other ingredients, while freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth and complexity. Using freshly ground pepper provides a more vibrant flavor than pre-ground pepper.
  5. Assemble the Taco: Now it’s time to assemble your skinny breakfast taco. Take one crispy taco shell, such as a Mission taco shell. It’s important to choose baked taco shells rather than fried ones to significantly reduce the fat and calorie content of the tacos. Carefully divide the cooked scrambled eggs and add them to the taco shell, distributing them evenly along the bottom. This creates a base for the other toppings.
  6. Add Toppings: Layer the cooked eggs with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of chopped romaine lettuce, and 1 tablespoon of salsa, such as Pace Medium Chunky. The fresh tomatoes add a burst of juicy sweetness and a touch of acidity, while the chopped romaine lettuce adds a refreshing crunch and cool temperature. The salsa provides a concentrated burst of flavor and a touch of heat, complementing the mild flavor of the eggs and other ingredients. Using a chunky salsa adds texture and visual appeal.
  7. Serve Immediately: These Skinny Breakfast Tacos are best served immediately while the eggs are still warm and the taco shell is crispy. This ensures the best flavor and texture. If they sit for too long, the shell can become soggy from the moisture of the toppings.
  8. Scaling the Recipe: This recipe is easily scalable, meaning you can easily double, triple, or even quadruple the ingredient quantities to serve more people. Simply multiply the amount of each ingredient by the desired number of servings. This makes it a great option for feeding a family or preparing breakfast for a brunch gathering.
These Skinny Breakfast Tacos are a quick, easy, and healthy way to start your day. They offer a delicious and satisfying combination of protein, fresh vegetables, and bold flavors, all while being light on calories and fat. The simple preparation and easy scalability make this recipe a perfect choice for busy mornings or feeding a crowd.

Helpful Tips About this Recipe

Makes 1 taco

Food Facts

Breakfast tacos are a typical breakfast meal in south Texas. They are their go-to breakfast, so commonplace, they don’t think about it much. They’re everywhere in Texas from an authentic taqueria that has carnitas added to the eggs to even a place such as Whataburger.
No one agrees on which cook popularized them. Nor is there agreement that Austin was the locus of the development; San Antonio and other cities in the Southwestern United States also claim them. To Texans “, they were a way for Tex-Mex joints to compete with Egg McMuffins.”

Shopping Tips

Most supermarkets sell packages of taco shells. Look for these crispy shells in the same aisle where salsa is sold.  I used a brand called Mission. Store leftover shells in an airtight plastic bag. They will keep wrapped for several weeks.

WW Freestyle SmartPoints 2-Blue
WW SmartPoints
3-Green
WW POINTS PLUS 3
 
SKINNY FACTS: for 1 breakfast taco
108 calories, 3g fat, 1g sat. fat, 0mg chol, 11g protein, 11g carbs, 2g fiber, 390mg sodium, 1g sugar
FACTS: for 1 Freestyle SmartPoints
59 calories, 1g sat fat, 1g protein, 0g sugar

 

Skinny Breakfast Taco

Skinny Breakfast Taco

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Breakfast, Main Course
Cuisine American, Mexican
Servings 1
Calories 108 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ teaspoon reduced-fat butter or Smart Balance light
  • 2 egg whites
  • 2 tablespoons scallions,  chopped
  • A little salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 crispy taco shell, such as Mission taco shells, see shopping tips
  • 2 tablespoons tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon salsa, I like Pace Medium Chunky

Instructions
 

  • Melt butter in a small nonstick pan.  In a small bowl, add the egg whites and scallions. Mix until blended.  Pour eggs into pan and scramble on medium-high heat, until thoroughly cooked. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • To assemble the taco: Divide and add cooked eggs to the taco shell.  Layer with tomatoes, lettuce, and salsa all over the top of the eggs.
  • This recipe can easily be doubled, tripled, and so on. Serve at once.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tacoCalories: 108kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 11gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 390mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gBlue Smart Points: 2Green Smart Points: 3Plus Points: 3
Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

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