Tacos have become an incredibly popular food item over the past few decades. From Mexico to America and around the world, tacos have developed a cult-like following. So what makes tacos so amazing? There are many reasons why tacos reign supreme when it comes to delicious cuisine.
Tacos Have Diverse Flavors
One of the best things about tacos is that they can be adapted with all kinds of flavors. From classic meat fillings like ground beef or chicken to vegetarian options like beans, tacos are extremely versatile. They can also be topped with a variety of salsas, cheeses, lettuces, and other garnishes to customize each bite. This diversity means there are tacos to suit just about any taste or dietary preference.
Some popular taco fillings include:
| Meat | Vegetarian | Seafood |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | Refried beans | Shrimp |
| Chicken | Black beans | Fish |
| Steak | Roasted veggies | Lobster |
| Pork | Potatoes | Octopus |
As you can see, the options for taco fillings are nearly endless! Whether you prefer traditional meats, vegetarian ingredients, or seafood, there’s a taco filling out there for you.
Tacos Come in Many Styles
Not only can you customize your taco fillings, but you can also choose between a variety of taco styles. From crunchy corn shells to soft tortillas, there are so many ways to enjoy the taco experience:
- Hard shell tacos – The classic style with a crispy, crunchy corn shell.
- Soft shell tacos – Warm, soft flour or corn tortillas.
- Street tacos – Soft corn tortillas with fillings like onions and cilantro.
- Baja fish tacos – Crispy fried fish in soft tortillas.
- Breakfast tacos – Tacos with breakfast foods like eggs, bacon, and hashbrowns.
Certain styles may be better suited for holding up to messy vs. dry ingredients. For example, hard shells are great for ground beef while soft tortillas work nicely for grilled fish. You can pick the taco shell based on the filling you prefer.
Tacos Make for Perfect Portability
One of the best aspects of tacos is that they are a handheld food. You don’t need any plates or utensils to enjoy them, just your hands. This makes tacos an extremely convenient and portable meal. They are perfect for:
- Outdoor festivals and events
- Pool parties
- Beach trips
- Picnics at the park
- Backyard BBQs
- Camping and hiking
No matter where you are, tacos can go with you. Just wrap them in some foil or put them in a reusable container and you’ve got an easy meal for eating on the go. You don’t have to worry about precariously balancing plates or utensils.
Tacos are Customizable
We’ve touched on it already, but it’s worth emphasizing again – tacos are incredibly customizable. They are like a blank canvas that you can fill and top however you please. There are so many combinations to try! Options include:
- Corn vs. flour tortilla
- Soft vs. crunchy shell
- Grilled vs. fried
- Meat, seafood, vegetarian fillings
- Cheeses – cheddar, queso, cotija
- Salsas – pico de gallo, salsa verde, guacamole
- Toppings – lettuce, tomato, onion, cilantro
- Hot sauces for added heat
You can truly customize your taco experience with different shells, fillings, cheeses, salsas and toppings. Try out flavor combinations until you find your favorites. This versatility makes tacos an ideal meal for gatherings with picky or selective eaters. Everyone can create tacos just the way they like them!
Tacos Have Complex Flavors
Tacos may seem simple on the surface, but they offer a delicious complexity of flavors. Each individual ingredient brings its own taste and texture to the party. For example, you get:
- Savory protein from meats, beans, etc.
- Saltiness from cheeses
- Spice from hot sauces and salsas
- Cool freshness from lettuces, tomatoes, onions
- Creaminess from avocados in guacamole
- Crunch from hard shells or toppings
- Heat from any grilled ingredients
- Herbaceousness from cilantro
- Rich unami from meat drippings
When you combine all these flavors and textures in each bite, it makes for an incredibly satisfying, tasty experience. The complexity keeps you coming back for more!
Tacos are Shareable
Tacos are perfect for sharing with family, friends, or even strangers! You can order or make a big batch of tacos and easily split them among a group. Pass around the family-style fixings like shredded cheese, lettuce, salsa, and guacamole for people to build their own. It’s a fun, interactive meal.
Planning a larger gathering or party? Consider setting up a taco bar buffet. Use long tables to display all the proteins, toppings, tortillas, and sauces so guests can make unlimited custom tacos. It’s sure to be a hit! Tacos work great for apps, dinners, or late-night snacks.
Tacos Cater to Adventurous Eaters
People who love to try new and exotic foods will enjoy tacos. Tacos provide the chance to sample unique ingredients you may not encounter elsewhere. Fillings like lengua (beef tongue), tripe (intestines), and cabeza (beef head) offer adventurous eaters some new flavors. Even smaller additions like epazote, radish, and chicharron can add uncommon tastes.
Of course, you can still make mild, familiar tacos too. But tacos present an opportunity for food thrill-seekers to expand their horizons. The broad range of traditional and modern options helps attract daring palates.
Tacos Have Roots in Mexican Culture
One of the best aspects of tacos is their rich history. Tacos have origins dating back to Mexican street food culture. They represent a delicious cross-section of regional and indigenous ingredients native to Mexico. Eating tacos offers a glimpse into Mexico’s culinary landscape.
Some cultural ties to tacos include:
- Corn tortillas made from traditional masa (corn dough).
- Cooking techniques like barbacoa (pit-barbecue) and birria (stew).
- Use of authentic ingredients like cotija cheese, epazote herb, and poblano peppers.
- Traditional fillings and salsas from different Mexican states.
Tacos have become popularized in American culture, but their heritage lies in Mexican cuisine. Their traditional roots help make tacos special and flavorful.
Tacos Can Be Healthy
With the right ingredients, tacos can also be a nutritious meal. Fillings like fish, shrimp, chicken breast, and beans offer lean protein. Using corn tortillas provides fiber to make you feel full. And loading up on toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro adds vitamins from fresh produce.
To make your tacos more healthy try:
- Choosing corn over flour tortillas
- Filling with grilled fish, shrimp, or chicken instead of red meat
- Using reduced fat shredded cheese
- Topping with salsa, pico de gallo, or guacamole instead of sour cream
- Adding lots of fresh veggies
- Using just a sprinkle of cheese
- Asking for small portions of meat
With a few simple tweaks, you can make tacos into more of a well-balanced meal while still keeping all the flavor. Eating tacos in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet is the key.
Conclusion
Tacos have become a phenomenally popular food for so many excellent reasons. They offer something for everyone with diverse flavors, styles, and endless customization. Tacos are convenient, portable, shareable, and customizable. They provide complex layers of flavors and textures plus a taste of Mexican culture. Tacos can also be healthy when made with nutritious ingredients. For all these reasons and more, tacos are hands down one of the best foods around!