Tacos are a popular Mexican dish that typically consist of a corn or flour tortilla filled with seasoned meat, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, and other toppings. While the fillings provide a variety of textures and flavors, adding crunchy toppings gives tacos an extra satisfying crunch with each bite. There are many crunchy topping options to consider when making tacos, from classic choices like shredded lettuce and crispy tortilla chips to more unique ideas like chicharrones and pepitas. The key is picking toppings that provide contrasting textures to the soft tortilla and saucy fillings. In this article, we will explore different crunchy taco topping ideas, tips for how to prepare and use them, and some of the most popular crunchy taco recipes.
Traditional Crunchy Taco Toppings
Here are some of the most commonly used crunchy toppings for tacos:
Shredded Lettuce
Shredded lettuce is one of the quintessential crunchy taco toppings. The crisp, cool lettuce provides freshness and balances out the hot, rich taco fillings. Iceberg, romaine, and green leaf lettuces are all good options. Make sure to shred the lettuce finely for maximum crunch.
Chopped Onion
Onions add bite and robust flavor to tacos. White, yellow, red onions are all good choices. Dice the onions finely or cut into thin slivers for crispy texture. Raw onions pack the most crunch, but grilled or caramelized onions can also add sweet crunch.
Diced Tomatoes
The juicy crunch of diced tomatoes complements the other taco textures nicely. Use fresh, ripe tomatoes and seed them before dicing for best results. Cherry or grape tomatoes halved also make good crunchy options.
Radish Slices
Thinly sliced radishes have a peppery crunch that livens up tacos. They’re low calorie too. Daikon, watermelon, and colorful heirloom radishes all work well.
Crumbled Tortilla Chips
Crushing tortilla chips and sprinkling them on as a topping adds straightforward crunch you can’t go wrong with. Any variety of corn tortilla chips will do.
Chopped Cilantro
Fresh, chopped cilantro not only provides flavor, but scattered leaves also give a subtle crunch. Other fresh herbs like mint or basil can also add texture.
Unique Crunchy Taco Toppings
Looking to shake up your usual taco toppings rotation? Here are some out-of-the-box crunchy topping ideas:
Pepitas
Roasted, salted pumpkin seeds give tacos nutty crunch and texture. Pepitas are also packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
Crumbled Chicharrones
These crispy fried pork rinds are a favorite taco topping in Mexico. Chicharrones made from chicken skin are also delicious. Crumble them up to release crunch in every bite.
Pickled Vegetables
Pickled carrots, jalapenos, red onions, or other vegetables make zesty, crunchy toppings. They cut through the richness of tacos nicely.
Toasted Nuts
Finely chopped or crushed nuts like almonds, peanuts, or walnuts lend crunch and flavor. Toasting enhances their crispness.
Crumbled Queso Fresco
Queso fresco is a moist Mexican cheese that maintains a pleasant gritty texture when crumbled. It has a mild, milky flavor.
Jicama
Jicama is a starchy vegetable with an apple-like crunchy flesh. Dice it small or cut into matchsticks for crispness.
Preparing Crunchy Toppings
Proper preparation is key for getting the most satisfying crunch out of taco toppings. Here are some tips:
- Cut vegetables and other toppings into small, uniform pieces for even crunching.
- Chill lettuce, onions, and other produce thoroughly before adding as toppings.
- Pat fried items like chicharrones dry to remove excess oil.
- Toast nuts, seeds, and breadcrumbs to enhance crispness.
- Use paper towels to soak up excess moisture from juicy toppings.
- Add crunchy toppings just before serving so they stay crisp.
Texture can diminish if toppings sit on tacos too long and become soggy. Prepare them freshly and finish tacos with crunch right before eating.
How to Use Crunchy Toppings
Here are some tips for incorporating crunchy toppings into tacos:
- Layer crunchy toppings under fillings so they don’t fall out when eating.
- Mix and match several different crunch toppings for varied textures.
- Sprinkle crunchy items over the tops of filled tacos for extra texture in each bite.
- Add crunchy toppings like slaws or pickles to taco fillings for integrated texture.
- Set out crunchy toppings in individual containers for easy self-topping.
Aim for a balance of soft and crunchy textures overall. Don’t overload tacos with so many crisp toppings that they break or become hard to eat.
Popular Crunchy Taco Recipes
Here are some delicious taco recipes that use a variety of fantastic crunchy toppings:
Baja Fish Tacos
These iconic tacos pair battered, fried fish with crunchy cabbage slaw, radishes, and chipotle crema. The cool, crisp toppings balance the hot fried cod beautifully.
Korean Beef Tacos
These fusion tacos top smoky grilled beef with kimchi and quick-pickled cucumbers for serious crunch and spice. A drizzle of spicy mayo ties it all together.
Breakfast Tacos
Potato, egg, and bacon or sausage fillings get topped with pico de gallo, avocado, cilantro, and cotija cheese for an array of morning crunch.
Fried Avocado Tacos
Crispy fried avocado slices lend creamy richness and crunch. They’re paired with crunchy cabbage, queso fresco, and chipotle ranch.
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos
Hearty roasted sweet potato and black bean filling gets contrast from jicama, pepitas, and cilantro. Creamy but tangy feta cheese ties it together.
Conclusion
Crunchy toppings are a great way to add contrasting texture and flavors to tacos. From lettuce and tomatoes to roasted pepitas and chicharrones, the options are endless. Use a variety of fresh vegetables, herbs, toasted nuts and seeds, crispy fried bits, and crumbled cheeses for a mesmerizing crunchy taco experience. Just remember to chop toppings finely, prepare them right before serving, and balance soft and crunchy textures. With the right medley of crispy crunch and rich, saucy fillings, you can create truly spectacular tacos.