Taquitos and rolled tacos are both Mexican food dishes made with corn or flour tortillas. However, there are some key differences between the two in terms of ingredients, preparation method, shape, and taste.
Origins and History
Taquitos are believed to have originated in Mexico. The word “taquito” means “small taco” in Spanish. Taquitos were created as a way to make use of leftover taco fillings. The fillings were rolled up in corn tortillas, which were tightly rolled and fried to hold in the contents. This produced a crispy outside and a flavorful filling inside.
Rolled tacos likely originated in San Diego and were inspired by taquitos. They were created by Mexican restaurants and fast food chains in California as a unique spin on classic tacos. Rolled tacos are essentially a variation of taquitos that use flour tortillas instead of corn and have looser rolls.
Ingredients
The main ingredients in taquitos and rolled tacos are the tortillas used:
- Taquitos: Corn tortillas are traditionally used. They have a grainy texture and robust corn flavor.
- Rolled tacos: Flour tortillas are traditionally used. They have a soft and smooth texture and mild flavor.
In terms of fillings, both taquitos and rolled tacos can contain similar ingredients like:
- Shredded chicken, beef, or pork
- Refried beans
- Cheese – Oaxaca, cotija, queso fresco
- Onions, cilantro
- Salsa
However, taquitos often have more complex seasoned fillings like peppered shredded beef while rolled tacos may opt for simpler fillings to complement the flour tortilla.
Preparation
Taquitos and rolled tacos have different preparation methods:
Taquitos:
- Corn tortillas are warmed to make them pliable.
- A small amount of filling is placed in the center of the tortilla.
- The sides are folded inward to close in the filling, and the taquito is rolled tightly into a cigar shape.
- The taquitos are fried in oil until crispy.
Rolled Tacos:
- Flour tortillas are warmed to make them pliable.
- The tortilla is filled with ingredients and rolled up like a log.
- The rolled taco is fried lightly on each side to brown but remains soft.
Key differences include frying method and roll tightness. Taquitos are crispy all over while rolled tacos are softer. Also, taquitos are wrapped tighter than the looser rolled tacos.
Shape
The differing preparation methods lead to taquitos and rolled tacos having distinctive shapes:
- Taquitos – Very tight, small cylindrical shape. Around the diameter of a cigar.
- Rolled Tacos – Larger diameter rolls that are more loosely wrapped. Wider and flatter compared to taquitos.
The tighter wrap helps taquitos achieve an all over crunch while the looser wrap allows rolled tacos to have a softer bite.
Taste
The tastes of taquitos and rolled tacos differ in the following ways:
Taquitos:
- Crunchy texture
- Robust corn tortilla flavor
- Strong seasonings in the filling
- Often served with salsa or guacamole for dipping to balance out the fried flavor
Rolled Tacos:
- Softer layered texture
- Milder flour tortilla taste
- Simpler fillings to match the tortilla
- Often served with sides like rice and beans instead of dips
Overall, taquitos tend to be more intensely flavored while rolled tacos have a milder taste profile. The crispy corn shell of the taquito is the star while the flour tortilla remains in the background for rolled tacos.
Common Dishes
Here are some common dishes using taquitos and rolled tacos:
| Taquitos | Rolled Tacos |
|---|---|
| Beef taquitos – Shredded beef filling | Chicken rolled tacos – Shredded chicken filling |
| Cheese taquitos – Oaxaca and cotija cheese filling | Bean and cheese rolled tacos – Refried beans and cheddar |
| Potato taquitos – Filled with shredded potato | California rolled tacos – Filled with cheese, potato, beans |
| Chicken taquitos – Shredded chicken filling | Supreme rolled tacos – Filled with meat, beans, veggies |
Both dishes are highly customizable in terms of fillings, but taquitos tend to highlight one or two fillings while rolled tacos often have more elaborate mixes.
Serving Methods
Taquitos and rolled tacos are served in some different ways:
- Taquitos – Often served appetizer-style with salsa and guacamole dips. Can be topped with ingredients like melted cheese, lettuce, sour cream.
- Rolled tacos – Typically served as entree with sides like Spanish rice, refried beans, lettuce, pico de gallo.
Taquitos are perfect for sharing and snacking on while rolled tacos are more of a meal. Taquitos can be eaten by hand while rolled tacos are often eaten with a fork to prevent unroll.
Restaurant Availability
Both taquitos and rolled tacos are available at different restaurant types:
- Taquitos – Mexican restaurants, taquerias, tex-mex chains, bars/pubs, movie theaters, ballparks
- Rolled tacos – Mexican restaurants, tex-mex chains like Taco Bell, Del Taco, Naugles
Taquitos are more widely available as appetizers and snacks while rolled tacos are signature items mainly at major taco chains. Taquitos can be easily adapted as finger foods.
Nutrition
Taquitos and rolled tacos have the following nutritional profiles:
| Nutrition Facts | Taquitos (3 oz) | Rolled Tacos (3 oz) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 430 | 340 |
| Fat | 26g | 16g |
| Carbs | 28g | 34g |
| Protein | 12g | 10g |
| Sodium | 730mg | 580mg |
Taquitos tend to be higher in fat and calories since they are fried crunchy. Rolled tacos have a bit less fat and calories as they are quickly pan fried. Both make for tasty yet indulgent treats!
Cost
On average, taquitos tend to cost slightly more than rolled tacos. Here are some average costs:
- Taquitos – $9 for 6-8 taquitos as an appetizer, $12 for a taquitos entree plate with sides
- Rolled Tacos – $3-4 for 2-3 rolled tacos a la carte, $7-9 for entree plates with sides
The extra labor involved in individually rolling taquitos makes them pricier. Rolled tacos can be mass produced more easily. But for special occasions, taquitos make an excellent shareable indulgence.
Ease of Preparation
At home, rolled tacos are generally easier to prepare than taquitos:
- Taquitos – More time consuming to roll up each individually. Frying can be messy and labor intensive.
- Rolled Tacos – Assembly line rolling and frying is simpler. Their looser wrap means less rolling finesse needed.
Pre-made taquito shells are available to save time. But homemade taquitos do require more preparation compared to rolled tacos for the average home cook.
Popularity
Both taquitos and rolled tacos have grown in popularity over the years, but taquitos have a slight edge:
- Taquitos – Have spread on menus across the U.S. beyond just Mexican restaurants. Their party-friendly format gives them wide appeal.
- Rolled Tacos – A signature menu item of major taco chains and beloved in areas like California. Their milder flavor can have broader appeal.
Taquitos have become more ubiquitous and can be found in everything from trendy fusion restaurants to sports arenas. But rolled tacos have a devout following, especially in California taqueria culture.
Regional Differences
There are some regional differences between taquitos and rolled tacos:
- Taquitos – Most popular in their original home of Mexico and the Southwestern U.S. Also found across the country.
- Rolled Tacos – Originated in California and very popular in the state, especially Southern California. Less common elsewhere.
While taquitos are now widely available across the U.S., rolled tacos originated in California and are still most prevalent there, where they were popularized at chains like Naugles and Del Taco.
Freezing and Leftovers
Here is how taquitos and rolled tacos fare for freezing and leftovers:
Taquitos
- Freeze well – can be reheated in oven or air fryer
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated but lose some crispiness
Rolled Tacos
- Don’t freeze as well – tortillas get soggy
- Leftovers should be eaten shortly after, best when freshly fried
The tighter fillings of taquitos allow them to reheat better than rolled tacos. Their fried shell also maintains texture better after freezing. Rolled tacos are best eaten fresh.
Trendiness
Both taquitos and rolled tacos have been growing in trendiness:
- Taquitos – Gourmet variants like duck confit or lobster taquitos have emerged. Fusion taquitos are popular e.g. Korean BBQ taquitos.
- Rolled tacos – Gaining attention for their customizability. Trendy fillings like poke and viral flavors like Flamin’ Hot.
Taquitos are being reinvented with fusion flavors at modern restaurants while rolled tacos are going viral on social media with unique fillings. Both allow for creativity to make them trendy.
Conclusion
Taquitos and rolled tacos share origins in Mexican cuisine but have diverged into distinct dishes. While taquitos highlight the corn tortilla and rolled tacos feature the flour, both offer a tasty, handheld way to enjoy taco fillings. Taquitos tend to be more upscale and shareable with dips while rolled tacos are more casual meal fare. Their differences come down to textures, shapes, and preparation methods. So whether you prefer the hearty crunch of a taquito or the soft layering of a rolled taco, both make for appetizing taco-inspired finger foods with plenty of flavor.