Tacos are one of the most popular foods in American cuisine. They originated in Mexico, but have been adapted over time to suit American tastes. American style tacos differ in several ways from authentic Mexican tacos.
Origins of the Taco
The taco originated in Mexico, where it has been a staple food for hundreds of years. In Spanish, the word “taco” means “light lunch.” Traditional Mexican tacos consist of a small corn or flour tortilla that is folded and filled with meat, onions, cilantro, and salsa. Common fillings include beef, pork, chicken, or chorizo sausage. The tacos are topped with lime juice and eaten without utensils.
Tacos were first introduced to the United States by Mexican immigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries. As American tastes and cooking styles merged with traditional Mexican flavors, the American taco was born. The earliest references to American tacos date to the 1890s in California.
Differences Between Authentic and American Tacos
There are several key differences between traditional Mexican tacos and American style tacos:
- Tortillas – Authentic tacos use soft corn or flour tortillas. American tacos often use crisp fried taco shells made from corn tortillas.
- Fillings – Mexican tacos have simple fillings like meat, onions, cilantro. American tacos have more complex fillings with ingredients like cheese, lettuce, tomato, sour cream.
- Serving style – Mexican tacos are typically served open, while American tacos are often served in the fried taco shell.
- Salsa – Mexican salsa tends to be simpler with fewer ingredients. American tacos use complex salsa recipes with more additions.
- Garnishes – Simple lime juice and cilantro are typical for Mexican tacos. American tacos add more garnishes like guacamole, cheese, and sour cream.
While traditional Mexican tacos emphasize the protein and simple garnish, American tacos focus more on complex toppings and fillings in a crispy fried shell.
Common Fillings and Toppings for American Tacos
There are endless options for filling and topping American style tacos. Here are some of the most popular choices:
Proteins
- Ground beef
- Shredded chicken
- Carnitas (braised pork)
- Chorizo sausage
- Shrimp
- Fish
Cheese
- Cheddar
- Monterey Jack
- Queso fresco
- Pepper jack
Vegetables
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Onion
- Jalapeños
- Avocado
Sauces and Salsas
- Pico de gallo
- Tomatillo salsa
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
- Ranch dressing
- Nacho cheese sauce
In addition to the classic beef taco, there are endless flavor combinations to try with an American taco. Everything from BBQ pork to shrimp tacos topped with pineapple salsa have become popular modern twists.
Regional American Taco Styles
There are some regional differences in American taco preparation based on geographical influences:
| Region | Taco Style |
|---|---|
| Texas | Focus on meat fillings like brisket or steak. Toppings emphasize salsa, guacamole, and Mexican cheeses. |
| California | Emphasis on seasonal produce like avocado. Fillings like fish tacos and shrimp tacos are popular. |
| Southwest | Bold Mexican flavors and spices. Red and green chile salsas are typical. |
| Midwest | More reliance on ground beef and cheddar cheese. Toppings like lettuce, tomato and sour cream are common. |
No matter what region of the US, the American taco has come to represent a hearty and satisfying blend of Mexican-inspired flavors and ingredients with modern American tastes.
How Authentic Mexican and American Tacos Are Enjoyed
Tacos are eaten quite differently in Mexican and American cultures:
Mexican Taco Traditions
- Tacos are typically eaten for breakfast, lunch, or a late-night snack.
- They are served warm and eaten right after assembly.
- Tacos are meant to be eaten by hand without utensils.
- Traditional tacos do not come with a hard shell or fried tortilla.
- Lime juice and salsa are squeezed directly on the taco.
- Common drinks paired with tacos are horchata, salsa, and Mexican beer or soda.
American Taco Traditions
- Tacos are eaten as a meal or party food at any time of day.
- They may be served warm but are also often served cold.
- Most American tacos come in a fried crispy taco shell.
- Tacos are eaten out of hand but may also be served with utensils.
- Toppings are layered on rather than squeezed.
- Tacos are commonly paired with rice, beans, chips, guacamole, and margaritas or beer.
The social setting and eating styles differ greatly between the US and Mexico, with American tacos taking on a more informal, party-style role.
Popular American Taco Chains
Several restaurant chains have become famous for American-style tacos:
Taco Bell
Taco Bell is the largest Mexican-inspired fast food chain in the US. They serve ground beef or shredded chicken tacos with cheese, lettuce, and tomato in a crisp fried tortilla shell. Customers can also build customized tacos from a wide array of ingredients.
Del Taco
Del Taco offers American-style hard shell beef tacos along with more authentic Mexican options. Their menu also includes burgers, fries, and shakes for a true Tex-Mex diner experience.
Torchy’s Tacos
This Austin, Texas-based chain is known for experimental and untraditional taco fillings like fried avocado, Trailer Park (fried chicken), and The Republican (jalapeno sausage with pico and cheddar).
Baja Fresh
Baja Fresh offers build-your-own tacos with both traditional and trendy ingredients focused on fresh, fast assembly. Choices range from mahi mahi and shrimp to Korean BBQ tacos.
Homemade vs. Restaurant American Tacos
Making tacos at home allows for complete control over ingredients and customization to taste. However, restaurants can offer convenient access to a wider variety of fillings and flavors. Here is a comparison between the two options:
| Homemade | Restaurant | |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Use fresher, higher quality ingredients | Rely more on premade ingredients |
| Variety | Limited by effort and ingredients on hand | Huge variety of proteins, toppings, and shells |
| Cost | Less expensive per taco | More expensive per taco but convenient |
| Control | Full control over ingredients and assembly | Get what’s offered from a set menu |
| Timing | Requires time to shop and prepare | Tacos served in minutes |
The choice depends largely on whether the priority is convenience, cost, or control over the end result.
Conclusion
The American taco has evolved over the past century to become a beloved classic dish and part of pop culture. While staying true to the Mexican origins, American tacos have taken on a style of their own. Crispy shells, complex fillings and toppings, and casual enjoyment make the American taco a perfect summertime comfort food. Tacos can be customized with a wide range of flavors to suit any taste. Whether enjoying tacos at home, from a food truck, or at a lively restaurant, Americans have fully embraced the taco trend.