Trejo's Tacos: Recipes & Stories from L.A.

by Danny Trejo, Hugh Garvey

From the legendary actor and L.A restaurateur comes a cookbook featuring 75 badass recipes, from lowrider donuts and award-winning vegan cauliflower tacos to a sweet and spicy brisket inspired by Danny's mom's barbacoa.

Throughout Danny's life, sharing good food has always been essential--whether it was home-cooked meals made by his mom while imagining the menu for their dream restaurant or whipping up post-wrap celebratory tacos for his Hollywood friends. Now, with his own restaurant empire growing, Danny shares his favorite recipes for bold, fun, and versatile Mexican food by way of L.A. You'll come away with the know-how and skills for cooking slow-braised pork shoulder with bacon and chiles for unbelievably flavorful carnitas, turning spiced fried chicken or Mexi-falafel into tacos and burritos, and how to make cotija and chile mashed potatoes that will impress all your friends (especially when served with brisket!).

The book also includes stories about Danny's lifelong love of food, from the meals his mom made when he was growing up in the San Fernando Valley to a map of his favorite restaurants and hangouts in Los Angeles, how his time in prison led to his acting career and restaurant ownership, and his journey of becoming an AA/NA counselor. Like Danny's restaurants, Trejo's Tacos is generous, hospitable, and symbolic of L.A.'s vibrant Latino culture.

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Nonfiction, Food, Memoir, Biography, Reference

224 pages, Hardcover

Published April 21, 2020

About the author

Danny Trejo has developed a prolific career in the entertainment industry with a hard-earned and atypical road to success. From years of imprisonment to helping troubled youth battle drug addictions, from acting to producing, and now on to restaurant ventures, Trejo’s name, face, and achievements are well recognized in Hollywood and beyond.

Trejo has starred in dozens of films including DESPERADO, HEAT, the FROM DUSK TILL DAWN series, CON AIR, ONCE UPON A TIME IN MEXICO, the SPY KIDS movies, MACHETE, and MACHETE KILLS, the BAD ASS trilogy, DEAD AGAIN IN TOMBSTONE and co-starred in DEATH RACE 2, DEATH RACE: INFERNO, MUPPETS MOST WANTED, GRAND DADDY DAY CARE, 3 FROM HELL which was released in September 2019. Danny can also be seen in MADNESS IN THE METHOD, directed by Jason Mewes which was released in August 2019.

On the television side, Trejo reunited with Robert Rodriguez for Miramax’ From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series. He also had recurring roles on Sons of Anarchy, King of the Hill, Breaking Bad, and The Flash, and has been featured in episodes of Blue Bloods,WHAT We Do in the Shadows, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Kidding, among others. Danny has recently wrapped the 3rd season of AMERICAN GODS, where he will be playing the character of MR. WORLD.

Additionally, Trejo has voiced characters in the animated films STORKS and THE BOOK OF LIFE, along with the series American Dad!, Rick and Morty, Puss in Boots, Young Justice and Family Guy. He also voices the character of Boots in DORA AND THE LOST CITY OF GOLD, which released in August 2019. More recently, Trejo has lent his voice to Cartoon Network’s Victor and Valentino, Disney Channel’s Big City Greens, and Universal Pictures’ MINIONS 2: The Rise of Gru. Comedian Pete Davidson recently performed an original rap song titled “Danny Trejo”on Saturday Night Live as a tribute to Mr. Trejo.

If you didn’t think Trejo was busy enough, he recently expanded his Trejo’s Tacos empire to include 8 locations in the Los Angeles area, including two new locations at the Original Farmer’s Market and in the Colony in West LA. Trejo’s Coffee & Donuts has also proven to be just as successful and will continue to expand in the near future.

Despite Danny’s impressive list of credits, it is his continuous role as a devoted father of three and an intervention counselor that bring him the most satisfaction. Danny is excited to share his love of food with the world with the release of his first cookbook Trejo’s Tacos: Recipes and Stories from LA, released in April, 2020. Danny’s colorful life and prolific career are chronicled in the new bio-documentary Inmate #1: The Rise of Danny Trejo which will be available July 2020.

Reviews

[Vivian · Rating 3 out of 5]

5:2:1
5 part recipes, 2 parts autobiography, and 1 part history of Los Angeles.

This was good. Fun. It filled in a couple blanks in my Mexican taco cuisine repertoire--mainly things like lime crema and other condiments used to turn a decent taco into a delicious taco. Lockdown with grilled mahi-mahi tacos is a much happier than without. Trejo is also a great citizen of L.A.; the kind of person who makes a place better.

Apparently, he really is a great guy and super friendly. My husband met him in Venice on the boardwalk some years back. Also, his personal story reminds me of the power of redemption and how much people have in them. From street punk to inmate to movie star to entrepreneur and drug counselor. Los Angeles is a richer place with Trejo.

[Clay Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This the second cookbook I have read. Tacos are the only dish mentioned in the title but others are mentioned in the book. The photography in this work is gorgeous. I suspect that this book would be a good addition to any chef's shelf.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cookbook, memoir & love letter to the City of Angels. Machete is da bomb & so is his food :)

[Yodamom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tacos and Machete, the perfect combo. Danny Trejo is an amazing man and cook. His life has given him skills that he uses to help others and his food helps us all ! I tried nearly all of the recipes, loved them. There are so many options provided, many vegan choices too. His story is full of heart. Check out the documentary on him too if you get a chance, it's fantastic - Inmate #1: The Rise of Danny Trejo

[7jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this is a meat-eater’s cookbook most of the time, there are some vegetarian/vegan recipes included, so those who eat that way will get something out of reading this, too. Most of the recipes have photos; there is 75 recipes in total. The author is mostly known for his many acting roles, but has also been a criminal, and now is also a restauranteur with a variety of place around Los Angeles. He states that he doesn’t mind if the reader makes the recipes in different ways, or uses only part of the recipe (like marinade or sauce, for example), or mixes recipes freely – I like this. :)

Some shortish stories are included within: how he got started on the food business, mural art in LA, typical days in Trejo places, being a fan of the Rams and the Dodgers (and getting to serve food to the team, and not just in LA).
All recipes have a short information bit at the beginning, and some include useful tips. There is also useful information on what to have in the pantry, tools to have (incl. what to have when one wants to do the donuts – I think you do need to have some intention to do them regularly, and have people to eat them within 4 hours, when they are good).

The recipes are grouped (with each section having a short introduction):
- salsas, creams, sauces, and vinaigrettes
- tacos, burritos, bowls, and quesadillas (some recipes here are filling, then ways to use them in the first three; the biggest grouping)
- other food (= ”food that isn’t a taco” as it is put here)
- donuts and desserts (mostly donuts; the vegan recipes include honey as one sweetener choice, but not as the only one)
- drinks (mostly alcoholic but does have some that are not)

A few faves (there are more, no doubt about it, but here’s a few immediately-interesting for me):
Chicken tikka burritos, Mexi-falafel tacos, Jackfruit tacos, Mushroom asada bowls, Breakfast burrito, Roasted cauliflower tacos, BCR (beans, cheese & rice) bowls, Black pepper tofu tacos, Street corn in a bowl, Mexican-ish risotto… and from the drinks section: Strawberry lemonade.

Although I felt that the book could’ve gone on longer – I guess that’s a good sign – the recipes looked delicious, the photos included looked great, and it’s nice to see a good actor having so many good eating places. I guess I could keep them in mind if I ever go to LA (not very likely, but whatever). Interesting and with great variety of recipes; I like this cookbook!

[Scott Rhee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first cookbook I've ever read and/or reviewed. I wasn't quite sure how to "read" a cookbook, because I basically just peruse the recipes. Mostly, I just drool at the pictures, and "Trejo's Tacos" is full of wonderful drool-worthy pictures of tacos, fajitas, quesadillas, donuts (?), and mixed drinks. But it's also got several of Trejo's memories of growing up in L.A., being a bad boy, going to prison, falling into his career as an actor, having kids, and opening a successful string of taco/donut joints throughout the L.A. area. This book kind of opens my eyes to the fun of reading cookbooks, so I may read more. Recommended for people who like: tacos, donuts, mixed drinks, and that Mexican actor who played Machete and always plays bad guys. You've seen 'im in stuff...

[Ursula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello Gemmies! I have an exciting book review to share with you today. Trejo's Tacos: Recipes and Stories from LA is the new cookbook from actor, restauranteur, and philanthropist Danny Trejo. I have admired Danny Trejo for years and heard how delicious his donut and taco restaurants were. I don't live in California to be able to go to one of the locations in person, so I jumped on the chance to get this book and try some of the recipes at home. This is a beautiful cookbook. There are gorgeous color photos of every recipe, which I love. But this book is so much more, you get glimpses into Danny Trejo's life, the adversities he has overcome, his love for his children, and what led him to become a restauranteur. These stories are accompanied by more gorgeous photos.

Trejo's Tacos is chock full of delicious recipes, and to my surprise and great joy there are quite a few vegetarian and vegan options! There are a variety of recipes from sauces, tacos, bowls, desserts, and drinks. I made the cheesy bean dip and Mushroom Asado tacos. Both were DELICIOUS! The cheesy bean dip was super easy to make and I had all of the ingredients in my pantry! The Mushroom Asado Tacos were a little more labor intensive but the end result was well worth it! I cannot wait to try the churros and margarita donut recipes! If you are a fan of rags to riches stories, yummy recipes, and mouth watering pictures then go read this book! This gem published by Clarkson Potter is available for order from all major booksellers. Note: Barnes and Noble has a limited number of signed editions available! Order Yours before they run out! I give Trejo's Tacos 5 out of 5 gems. I cannot wait to try even more recipes in the book! Happy Reading and Happy Eating!

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trejo for president 💪🏽

[Author Annabelle Leigha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely cookbook. I've marked about 3 dozen recipes I want to try. Although not enough for me to purchase.

[Elizabeth (Literary Hoarders) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grab a copy of this cookbook if you love spices - wow! The sauces are remarkable. Our favorite so far is his Chicken Tikka, which is better than most restaurants. Next on our list are the Breakfast Burritos, which you make with homemade cheesy bean dip. 😮 Love the creativity and the background stories - Danny Trejo is a remarkable man.

[Nic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cookbook is wonderful. It has gorgeous photos accompanying fun recipes for all sorts of dietary needs with several amazing vegan recipes!! He tells stories of the highs and lows of his life so it feels like a personal memoir at times, which is lovely. It feels like a love letter to beautiful Los Angeles, a city I also love. It’s one of my favorite cookbooks I’ve read.

[Rebecca Reddell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I borrowed this from my work library over the holiday break, and it's been such a wonderful read. First, I have to say that it combined two of my favorite things: Tacos and Danny Trejo. When it came to our library, and I was processing it for the shelf, I knew I had to read it. After taking the time to devour Mr. Trejo's life journey, beginning with his stints in state prisons, getting clean and sober, working on 300+ movies, becoming a father, and becoming a drug counselor - heading back to the penitentiaries to counsel those still inside - I was enamoured.

His memories of his mother, growing up in LA and coming back to it as an adult, the recipes and food being a staple of his homelife whether there was little or plenty, and how his mother's kitchen was a safe haven growing up touched my heart. It was nice to learn more about a man I've always liked since first seeing him on a Monk episode. From that very first tv show, I've searched out the other shows and movies Mr. Trejo played on because something about that first performance led me to like him, even if I didn't personally know him.

The history, honesty, and reflection within this book make me appreciate the person who is an actor. Whether I've loved him in roles in Monk or Spy Kids, Nash Bridges, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, or any other part, there's something about him as a human being that draws you in and makes you want to learn more. You may not know him personally, but he's one of those people you can't help but respect and wish well.

Reading his cookbook on how to cook the Trejo way was fun, insightful, and delicious. I started writing down notes on what to keep on hand in my spice cabinet, and then I realized, I can't just rent this book, I have to buy it for my very own! The recipes had my mouth watering, and there were too many to try. His salsas, pestos, and sauces were delectable looking. The Mushroom Assada and Roasted Cauliflower Tacos had me writing a shopping list - which grew longer the more I found in this book.

Another uplifting part of this book was how it made me think of my dad. We used to eat tacos when I'd go over and visit him on a Friday or Saturday night. They'd be simple, no-fuss tacos, but they always seemed to be the best I'd ever eaten. This made me think of him and how we'd probably have looked through this cookbook together and tried some of these appetizing recipes. It made me miss him, but it made me smile as well. I'm sure he would have loved Trejo's Tacos too.

I highly recommend this cookbook if you're a lover of Trejo, a fan of tacos, or just in the mood to read and savor something worthwhile in this world. 2020 is better for its publication and the joy it brings to the world. Buen Provecho! :)

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited to dig into this book when it arrived and hoping for lots of fascinating anecdotes from Danny Trejo. There are a few, but not as many stories as I was kind of hoping for. There are plenty of recipes, however, and a good primer at the beginning on ingredients, spices, and cooking methods, ideal especially for anyone just learning to cook. Trejo offers lots of positive encouragement and his descriptions of the food made me almost feel like I was there taking a tour of LA and some of its signature eateries. The focus on the food makes sense as this is primarily a recipe book, and the Trejo's Tacos restaurants were founded by Trejo in loving memory of his mother, with whom he bonded as a kid most especially over their shared love of food and cooking.

[Claudia Vannucci · Rating 4 out of 5]

MACHETE COOKS

Che meraviglioso concentrato di cibo, cinema, pop culture e un bel po' di sano trash!
Danny Trejo: ex galeotto, padre single, attore di Hollywood, ristoratore e benefattore per decine di cause.
Il suo libro di ricette contiene Tacos e non solo, in versioni più o meno tradizionali, comprese alcune coraggiose quando discutibili versioni fusion (vedi il chicken tikka burrito). Ma soprattutto contiene foto di Machete col machete, ricordi, aneddoti di vita a Los Angeles, storie di galera e di Hollywood, e i preziosi consigli sui suoi posti preferiti dove mangiare a L.A.
Non do 5 stelline perché alcune ricette fanno oggettivamente cagare ma quello che conta è l'attitudine 🌮🔪

[Jenn Palomino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part cookbook, part memoir, part history of LA, I have loved this one for forever and glad to finally read through it all. I’ll be honest, I think I’ve already made the best recipes out of this but I got a bunch of ideas for sauces and sides! Can’t go wrong with the carne asada recipe and chicken, those are my go tos.

[Amy Noe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cookbook was a perfect combination of everything I love - beautiful photographs, a lot of fun colors, personalized stories about the food by the chef, a lot of versatility on the recipes, and just really great sounding food. I'm very excited about this cookbook and I'm sure it'll get a lot of use.

[Lise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes, I read a cookbook from cover to cover. I'm old, okay?
Most of these recipes seem like too much work, but I will try a couple. I enjoyed the stories about LA and his life there. I look forward to his autobiography.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-written book with great recipes. I've made the Bacon Cheeseburger Tacos, the Pico de Gallo, Pickled Red Onions, and the Chicken Tikka, and everything has been delicious.

[Elizabeth Sund · Rating 5 out of 5]

The steak sauce is a life changer! All the recipes are great, especially the margarita donuts

[Dave Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a cookbook. I'll admit, my main motivation for reading it was as a companion piece to Trejo's autobiography. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the book does a solid job of educating the reader about L.A. food culture and history, both through Danny's eyes and beyond. I'm eager to try out the recipes for carnitas and chicken tikka (that's right), pico de gallo and the various cremas. There are also recipes for sweet treats like Mexican hot chocolate cookies and horchata that appeal to me. The photography in this book is the only minor disappointment. My wife informs me that you haven't truly read a cookbook until you make something from it, so I better get cracking in the kitchen.

[Fastidious Kingdoms · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

I’ve made several recipes in this book. The recipes are easy to follow (a feat not as simple as it sounds), and the end products delicious.

I was a bit disgruntled last night when I found out too late (because it was written as a tip in the postscript) that the recipe for tikka sauce was actually a double recipe. Why wouldn’t you just give the recipe with instructions to double it if you wanted to keep some for later use?

[Autumn Kearney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trejo’s Tacos: Recipes and Stories from L.A. is a great book. I never saw a single movie that this man has acted in. However, I find everything that he writes captivating. This book is just as fun to read as Trejo: My Life of Crime, Redemption, and Hollywood. The recipes will stand the test of time. It's sweet how much he loves his mother.

[TJ Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Partial autobiography but mostly a cookbook. Fun stuff and a few recipes I will define trying out.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to make almost everything in this cookbook!

[Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve heard about Trejo’s Tacos for years but have never been on my trips to L.A. I’ve seen the Rose Bowl stands at football games, but want my first taste to be the fuller experience of one of the cantinas. After reading this book, I want to eat there more than ever. Danny Trejo is an icon, and the best of America. It was a joy to read his stories, to see his humanity and humility on the page.

I will be making quite a few of these dishes. It feels weird to replicate the food in a restaurant I’ve not dined in, but here we are! Can’t wait.

[Lang · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seems a mixture of Trejo's voice, a millennial editor, and an ad campaign. Some of this stuff seems to be direct quotes or recycled from his webpage and wikipedia. Obviously this is to market his chain, good on him, that's smart. But it felt like it was a collaboration with the City of LA tourist committee and not the love letter I was expecting. Good recipes.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is far and away my favorite Christmas gift this year. It's so well done, from the ease with which he shares his backstory to how clear and concise each recipe (and it's variations!) are. Putting the effort in to make all of the veggie options stand on their own (mushroom asada!) is such a rare skill, that I'm excited to try those ahead of some of the meat-based options. Plus, doughnuts.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danny Trejo's love for his mom and L.A. really shines through in the pages of this book. I loved reading it and I can't wait to try out the recipes. From vegans to meat eaters, from savory to sweets, there's a recipe for everyone!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yum! A cookbook full of recipes to make tasty tacos, bowls, and burritos. If those don’t fill you up, there are recipes for quesadillas, some appetizers, fajitas, salads, basic sides, donuts & drinks! I wish there was a Trejo’s Tacos near me.

[Nelly Santanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Danny Trejo, of course I had to buy his book. Never made tacos before but I can't wait to try more of his recipes !