A soft shell taco is a type of taco that is wrapped in a soft, pliable tortilla rather than a hard corn or flour tortilla shell. Soft shell tacos allow for easy folding and less mess while eating, making them a popular fast food menu item. But what exactly are soft shell tacos wrapped in? The key ingredient that makes a soft taco shell is the flour tortilla.
Flour Tortillas
Flour tortillas are made from wheat flour, water, fat (like lard or vegetable oil), and salt. Sometimes leavening agents like baking powder are added as well. The dough is kneaded until elastic, rolled flat, and cooked on a hot surface like a griddle. This cooking process allows the raw tortilla to puff up, and when cooled, results in a soft, pliable flatbread.
Flour tortillas originated in Mexico as an alternative to corn tortillas. Wheat flour was introduced by the Spanish during colonial times. Compared to corn, wheat flour allowed for a softer and more pliable tortilla. The first flour tortillas were likely created in northern Mexico.
Over time, flour tortillas spread beyond regional cuisine and became popular across Mexico. Today, flour tortillas can be found all over Mexico and the United States as a staple bread for making tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more. They are mass produced by major companies, as well as made fresh in countless restaurants and tortillerias.
Flour Tortilla Varieties
There are a few main varieties of flour tortillas:
- White flour – Made with refined white wheat flour. Most common variety.
- Whole wheat – Uses whole wheat flour which gives a slightly nuttier, grainier taste.
- Spinach – Made with added spinach or other greens for extra color and nutrition.
- Tomato – Made with added tomato puree for a red/orange color.
- Herb – Made with onions, garlic, cilantro, or other herbs mixed into the dough.
For soft shell taco shells, refined white wheat flour tortillas are typically used. Their mild flavor pairs well with the wide array of taco fillings. Whole wheat tortillas can also be used for a bit more fiber and nutrients.
Making Soft Shell Tacos
To make a soft taco shell for soft shell tacos:
- Take a fresh flour tortilla and place it on a flat surface.
- Warm the tortilla either directly on the stove top for about 30 seconds per side, or wrap in damp paper towels and microwave for 15-30 seconds until warm and pliable.
- Once warm, flip the tortilla over so the smooth side is facing up.
- Place taco fillings of your choice (ground beef, chicken, veggies, etc.) down the center of the tortilla.
- Fold the sides of the tortilla up over the fillings.
- Fold or roll one side of the tortilla over the fillings more tightly to create the taco shape.
The ideal soft taco shell should be warm, soft, and easy to fold without cracking or breaking apart. Heating the flour tortilla is essential to making it soft and pliable enough to wrap around the taco fillings.
Soft Shell Taco Fillings
Some popular soft shell taco fillings include:
- Seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken
- Refried beans or black beans
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
Really any combination of proteins, beans, veggies, and sauces can be used to fill a soft shell taco. The warm, bendable tortilla shell can hold a variety of ingredients and flavors.
Soft Shell Tacos vs. Hard Shell Tacos
While the fillings may be the same, there are some key differences between soft shell and hard shell tacos:
| Soft Shell | Hard Shell |
|---|---|
| Made with wheat flour tortillas | Made with corn tortillas |
| Tortilla is warm, soft, and folded | Tortilla is fried into a U-shaped rigid shell |
| Allows for easy eating with less mess | Crispy texture but can crack and break apart |
| Easier to make at home | Need commercial fryer to make shells |
| More common at Mexican restaurants | More common at fast food chains |
Soft vs. Hard Nutrition
In terms of nutrition, soft shell and hard shell tacos are fairly comparable depending on the fillings used. However, a few key differences are:
- Soft flour tortillas contain more calories, carbohydrates, and protein than hard corn tortillas.
- Corn tortillas are higher in fiber and nutrients like vitamin B3, potassium, and magnesium.
- Frying hard taco shells adds more fat and calories compared to soft tortillas.
So soft flour tortillas can better stand up to robust fillings, while corn tortillas offer some additional nutrients. In the end, the fillings you choose will make up the bulk of the nutrition profile either way.
Popularity of Soft Shell Tacos
Soft shell tacos have become extremely common on Mexican restaurant menus and fast food offerings. Reasons for their popularity include:
- They are easy to make at home with simple ingredients.
- The soft tortilla is easier to eat than a crisp shell.
- They hold fillings like juicy ground beef or beans better than hard shells.
- Diners can customize flavors with various toppings.
- They are great for both sit-down meals or quick on-the-go snacks.
Major chains like Taco Bell have made soft shell tacos a cornerstone menu item. Regional Mexican food chains like Del Taco and Taco Cabana also rely on soft tacos as a customer favorite. Their convenience and simple ingredients make them a go-to Mexican dish for Americans across the country.
Homemade vs. Chain Restaurant Soft Tacos
While getting soft tacos from a fast food joint can satisfy a quick craving, making them at home allows for fresher and higher quality ingredients. Some differences include:
| Homemade | Chain Restaurant |
|---|---|
| Use fresh, handmade tortillas | Mass-produced, machine-made tortillas |
| Higher quality meats and produce | Pre-cooked meats, pre-cut veggies |
| Control over ingredients like seasonings | Standardized prep recipes |
| More variety of fillings | Limited selection of fillings |
| Only limited by imagination | Bound by corporate recipes |
Cultural Significance of Soft Shell Tacos
While flour tortillas originated in Mexico, soft shell tacos have become a distinctly Mexican-American food. They represent the blending of cultures that shaped modern Tex-Mex cuisine. Some important notes:
- Using wheat flour reflects influence of Spanish colonists in Mexico.
- Eating soft over hard tacos is more common in the US than Mexico.
- Reliance on beef and cheese reflects American tastes and ingredients.
- Mass production and commercialization of soft tacos originated in America.
Yet at the same time, soft tacos remain a symbol of Mexican cuisine and heritage. They are now enjoyed all across North America in both Americanized and authentic forms. Whether at a street stall in Mexico City or a Taco Bell in small town America, soft tacos have become an iconic food representing the blended cultures of the two neighbors.
Conclusion
Soft shell tacos have become a favorite food for good reason. A soft, warm flour tortilla filled with meats, beans, cheese, and veggies is simply a delicious combination. The soft taco shell is key, allowing for an easily packed meal that avoids the mess and waste of hard shells. Flour tortillas originate from Mexico, but were popularized for tacos in Mexican-American cuisine. They represent the comforting blend of cultures that defines communities across the United States. Next time your taco craving strikes, try making soft tacos at home for a fresh take on a satisfying classic.