Tacos are one of the most popular foods to come out of Mexico. A traditional Mexican taco consists of a soft corn or flour tortilla filled with a variety of meats, cheeses, salsas, and garnishes. While tacos have become popularized around the world, an authentic traditional Mexican taco has some key components that set it apart. In this article, we will explore the history of the taco, the different fillings and components that go into an authentic taco, and the experience of eating traditional tacos in Mexico.
What is the History of the Taco?
Tacos have a long history in Mexico dating back hundreds of years. The word “taco” comes from the Nahuatl word “tlahco” which means “half” or “midway”, referring to how the tortilla is folded over with a filling inside. Tacos were first created as a convenient food for people working in fields, mines, and elsewhere to eat during their lunch break. The tortilla could be easily folded and filled with ingredients that were available and portable.
Tacos began gaining popularity in the 18th and 19th century in Mexico City as street food that could be purchased from vendors. They became especially popular during the Mexican Revolution in the early 1900s as an easy meal for soldiers to take with them. After the Revolution, tacos continued growing in popularity across Mexico. When Mexican immigrants came to the United States, they brought tacos with them, popularizing them across the Southwest. From there, tacos have become a sensation around the world for their flavorful fillings wrapped in a soft tortilla.
What are the Different Types of Tortillas Used?
The foundation of any taco is the tortilla. There are two main types of tortillas used in authentic Mexican tacos:
Corn Tortillas
Corn tortillas are the original and most traditional tortilla used in Mexican tacos. Corn has been a staple crop in Mexico for thousands of years and using corn for tortillas dates back to the time of the Aztecs. To make corn tortillas, dried corn is soaked and cooked in limewater, which helps separate the hull from the kernels. The kernels are then ground into a dough called masa which is pressed into thin rounds and cooked on a hot comal griddle.
Corn tortillas have a rustic, earthy flavor and soft yet sturdy texture when fresh. They are the tortilla of choice for authentic street tacos in Mexico. Corn tortillas are thicker than flour tortillas and provide a neutral base which allows the taco fillings to shine.
Flour Tortillas
While corn tortillas are older and more traditional, flour tortillas are also popular, especially in Northern Mexico. Flour tortillas are made from wheat flour, salt, baking powder, shortening or lard, and water. The dough is kneaded until elastic and then rested before being pressed into rounds and cooked on a hot griddle.
Flour tortillas emerged more recently in the 20th century as wheat flour became more widely available in Mexico. They have a soft, smooth, almost silky texture. Flour tortillas are thinner and larger than corn tortillas. They have a mild flavor that highlights the fillings in the taco. Flour tortillas are the preferred wrapper for tacos in Northern Mexico and they are also widely used beyond the border in American “Tex-Mex” cuisine.
Both corn and flour tortillas are used for authentic Mexican tacos, depending on the region. Street taco vendors in the south of Mexico overwhelmingly use corn, while flour tortillas have made inroads at restaurants and in home kitchens, especially in the north.
What Types of Meat Are Used as Fillings?
The fillings are the heart and soul of a real Mexican taco. While today’s tacos feature a wide variety of fillings, these are some of the traditional meats used in authentic tacos:
Al Pastor
Al pastor is arguably the classic taco meat. It consists of pork that is marinated in chilies and spices and then roasted on a vertical rotisserie called a trompo. Sliced off the trompo as it rotates, the hot, juicy meat is sliced into a corn tortilla along with onion and cilantro. Al pastor has its origins in Lebanese shawarma but has become a quintessentially Mexican taco filling.
Carne Asada
Carne asada simply means grilled meat, usually beef. Steak is marinated in chilies, garlic, lime, and spices before being cooked over a hot grill. It is chopped or sliced and served in a corn or flour tortilla. Carne asada can be found all over Mexico and is one of the most common taco fillings.
Carnitas
Carnitas translates to “little meats” and it lives up to its name. Pork is braised until meltingly tender before being fried until crispy on the edges. The tender, juicy pork is placed in tortillas and topped with onions, cilantro, and salsa. Carnitas originated in the state of Michoacán but are now found nationwide.
Chorizo
Spicy chorizo sausage is a popular protein to use in tacos. Made from ground pork and well-seasoned with chilies and spices, chorizo adds a kick of heat and smoky flavor. It is removed from the sausage casing and sautéed before being paired with corn tortillas, onions, and cilantro.
Lengua
Lengua or beef tongue might sound intimidating but it is a traditional and prized taco filling. The tongue is braised until extremely tender before being sliced or diced and spiced. The meat almost melts in your mouth and has a rich, beefy flavor.
Pollo
While beef, pork, and lamb dominate taco fillings, chicken is also used, known simply as pollo. Chicken is marinated and grilled before being chopped or shredded for tacos. The smoky, savory chicken pairs well with typical taco toppings.
Tripas
Tripas or beef intestines are another traditional taco filling. The tripe is cleaned and then simmered for hours until soft and easy to bite into. Onions, cilantro, and salsa help balance the rich taste of the tripe.
These are just a handful of the flavorful meats used as fillings for tacos across Mexico. From rich al pastor to tongue-tingling chorizo, they offer a delicious variety to traditional tacos.
What are the Traditional Toppings that Go in an Authentic Taco?
Beyond the protein, there are several toppings that traditionally go into tacos served streetside in Mexico:
Onions and Cilantro
Pungent white onions and bright, herbal cilantro are absolute staples in authentic tacos. They provide freshness and balance out the richer meats. The onions and cilantro are typically not pre-chopped but chopped up as the tacos are assembled.
Salsa
A fresh tomato-based salsa adds moisture as well as acidic flavor to tacos. In Mexico, each region boasts their own beloved salsa recipes, adding another level of flavor. Common salsas for tacos include salsa roja, a red sauce made from tomatoes, chilies, garlic, and spices; salsa verde, made with tomatillos and green chilies; and pico de gallo, a fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, chilies, cilantro, and lime.
Limes
No taco is complete without a generous squeeze of lime juice. The bright acidity and citrus flavor cut through the richness of the meats and bring all the flavors together.
Radishes
Sliced radishes add a pop of peppery crunch to tacos. They are typically served on the side and eaten in between bites of taco to cleanse the palate.
Guacamole
Smooth, creamy guacamole can be added to tacos for additional texture and flavor. The cool richness pairs perfectly with spicy meats and salsas. Guacamole is made from ripe avocados mashed with onion, garlic, chilies, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
Queso Fresco
Crumbly queso fresco sprinkled over tacos adds a salty, mellow counterpoint to the other assertive flavors. Other Mexican cheeses like Oaxaca and cotija may also be used.
Onion, cilantro, salsa, lime, radishes, guacamole, and queso fresco are traditional taco toppings and sides that provide contrasting temperatures, textures, flavors, and visual appeal.
What About Fillings Like Ground Beef, Lettuce, and Cheese?
When you visit Americanized taco chains, you’ll often find familiar fillings like ground beef, lettuce, shredded cheese, and more. While tasty, these are not considered authentic or traditional for real Mexican tacos. Here’s a breakdown:
Ground Beef
Ground or minced beef is an extremely common filling in American-style “hard shell” tacos. While ground beef works well for dishes like burritos and chili, it is not a traditional taco filling in Mexico. Whole cuts or chunks of meat are preferred to allow fuller, richer flavor.
Lettuce
Crisp lettuce adds texture and color to American tacos but would be considered highly unusual in authentic Mexican street tacos. Traditional tacos have plenty of flavor and texture from their meat, salsa, and toppings.
Cheddar Cheese
Melted cheddar cheese smothers tacos in the U.S. In Mexico, aged queso Oaxaca or salty crumbled cheese like cotija are preferred over mild cheddar. The stronger Mexican cheeses integrate better with the other taco flavors.
Sour Cream
Cool, tangy sour cream is a taco fixture stateside. In Mexico, richness comes from guacamole or crema instead. Mexican crema has a tangy flavor similar to sour cream but a richer, creamier texture.
So next time you’re stateside and craving an authentic Mexican taco experience, load up on the al pastor, salsa, onions, and cilantro while skipping the ground beef, lettuce, cheddar, and sour cream. Or better yet, take a trip south of the border and taste real street tacos in Mexico!
What Drinks Go Well with Authentic Tacos?
Now that you know what goes inside a legit Mexican taco, what should you pair it with for something to drink? Here are some classic beverage choices:
Horchata
Sweet and creamy horchata is made from rice, cinnamon, vanilla, and almonds. The rice gives it a milky consistency. Horchata is perfect for counterbalancing spicy tacos.
Jamaica
With a tart, refreshing flavor, jamaica is made from dried hibiscus flowers and sugar. The vibrant red drink is a fantastic palate cleanser between bites.
Mexican Coke
Made with real cane sugar instead of corn syrup, ice cold Mexican Coke beautifully complements tacos with its fizzy sweetness. The glass bottle just feels right too.
Mexican Beer
Crisp Mexican lagers like Corona Extra, Pacifico, or Modelo Especial taste amazing with tacos. The light maltiness offsets the richness of the tacos. Go for an ice cold bottle or draft.
Aguas Frescas
Aguas frescas are fresh fruit juices diluted with water and sweetened. Flavors like watermelon, tamarind, or lime are refreshing Options with tacos on a hot day. You can also find classic Mexican drinks like tamarind, jamaica, and horchata premade or in powder form in the international aisle for an authentic agua fresca at home.
Iced tea, regular Coca Cola, and other sodas can also make good taco pairings. With so many great options, there’s no shortage of perfect beverages to accompany traditional Mexican street tacos.
What Does the Overall Taco Eating Experience Look Like in Mexico?
One of the best ways to enjoy authentic Mexican tacos is to visit and eat street tacos in Mexico. The street taco scene provides a glimpse into the food culture and taco traditions. Here’s a look at what the experience is like:
You’ll find taquerias on almost every street corner, typically small setups with a trompo roasting al pastor, steaming pots of fillings bubbling away, tortillas being freshly pressed, and staff assembling tacos. The aromas alone will have your mouth watering!
Tacos are freshly made to order right in front of you. You’ll tell the taquero what type of filling you want, and they grab a warm tortilla, fill it with succulent meat, chop up cilantro and onions, and finish it with salsa and lime before handing the assembled taco to you steaming hot.
Tacos are meant to be eaten right away at an outdoor stand or cart, or taken to go wrapped in paper for enjoying on your walk around town. Don’t expect a dining room with tables – just sweet, salty, spicy tacos enjoyed standing or walking around.
Eating tacos can be a loud, messy affair – and that’s all part of the fun! Take big bites and let the juices from the meat and salsa run down your chin. Lick your fingers, grab plenty of napkins, and order another! Washing it all down with an ice cold Mexican beer or soda makes for the quintessential street taco experience.
Prices are extremely affordable, with street tacos costing around 10-15 pesos each (less than $1 USD). You can get a satisfying meal of several flavor-packed tacos for less than $5.
The atmosphere at taquerias is lively and social. You’ll see families, friends, couples, and solo diners all happily enjoying the iconic food. The warm hospitality of owners and staff adds to the festive vibe.
Visiting Mexico to taste authentic street tacos immerses you into the sights, smells, sounds, and tastes of true taco culture. The flavors and memories will stay with you long after you return home.
Conclusion
An authentic traditional Mexican taco contains so much more than just ground beef in a crunchy shell. From rich al pastor to zesty salsa to double-wrapped soft corn tortillas, genuine street tacos in Mexico offer incredible flavor profiles. While variations abound from region to region, components like lime, cilantro, onions, guacamole, and queso fresco are cornerstones of tacos across the country. Tacos provide a delicious insight into Mexico’s diverse culture and cuisine. With their incredible history and traditions, tasty tacos will continue satisfying palates for generations to come!