Tacos have become an incredibly popular food item over the past few decades. From fast food tacos to gourmet tacos, it seems like tacos are everywhere you look. But why exactly are tacos so popular and beloved? There are quite a few reasons that tacos have reached their current level of fame.
The Tortilla
The foundation of any taco is the tortilla. A fresh, warm tortilla perfectly complements the fillings inside the taco. The corn or flour tortilla provides a subtle sweetness and texture that allows the flavors inside the taco to shine. Tortillas are versatile enough to contain any type of filling imaginable. They hold up well to juicy meats, beans, rice, vegetables, and more without falling apart. Tortillas are also easy to eat and make tacos perfectly portable.
Flour Tortilla
Flour tortillas have a soft, pillowy texture that lends itself well to holding hefty fillings. The flavor is neutral enough that it doesn’t overpower ingredients inside the taco. Flour tortillas are often used for tacos with meat fillings and can be found in everything from breakfast tacos toTex-Mex tacos.
Corn Tortilla
Corn tortillas have a distinct sweet, corn flavor that perfectly accompanies lighter fillings like chicken, fish, or vegetables. The corn masa also lends a unique texture that stands up to soupy fillings without getting soggy. Crispy fried corn tortillas are used for tacos dorados and rolled tacos as well.
Endless Fillings
When it comes to taco fillings, the options are endless. From classic ground beef or shredded chicken to more gourmet fillings like carne asada or carnitas, the protein options satisfy any taste. Beans, rice, lettuce, cheese, and salsa are traditional veggie fillings. But tacos can also be filled with everything from breakfast eggs to French fries. The filling possibilities are limited only by your imagination.
Meat
Ground beef is the classic taco meat, but these days you can find tacos filled with all different types of meat. Marinated chicken and steak are popular in fajita tacos. Carnitas and barbacoa made from slow-roasted pork or beef brisket deliver tender, juicy bites of meat. Chorizo sausage and crispy bacon make excellent breakfast taco fillings. And grilled or fried fish and shrimp are tasty options as well.
Veggies
Veggies provide freshness and crunch to tacos. Lettuces like shredded cabbage, iceberg, and romaine are commonly used as the base on which to pile other fillings. Diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapenos deliver flavor and texture. Other great veggie fillings include grilled peppers and onions, roasted corn, sautéed mushrooms or squash, avocado, and more.
Beans, Rice, Cheese
Hearty beans and rice make inexpensive and satisfying taco fillings. Refried beans, black beans, pinto beans, and rice are used in bean and cheese tacos or burritos. Queso fresco, shredded cheddar, cotija, and Monterey Jack are all melty cheese choices. Beans and rice provide bulk to make very filling tacos.
Global Flavors
One of the best things about tacos is how customizable they are to accommodate different global flavors. While traditional Mexican fillings and salsas are always delicious, tacos can be adapted to match international tastes as well.
Mexican
In their native Mexico, tacos are filled with carnitas, carne asada, chorizo, pork belly, and other classic Mexican proteins. Diced white onion and cilantro add freshness while salsa verde, salsa roja, and fresh lime juice and chili peppers bring the heat. Other authentic options include corn with mayonnaise, huitlacoche (corn mushrooms), and tinga made from shredded chicken or pork.
American
Americanized versions of tacos feature lots of cheese, beef, sour cream, and crispy shell tacos. Popular fillings include ground beef or chicken, lettuce, tomato, shredded cheddar, sour cream, and hard taco shells. Breakfast tacos with eggs, cheese, bacon, and potato are also popular stateside.
Asian
For an Asian twist, use Korean bulgogi, teriyaki chicken, or Szechuan beef in tacos. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and vinegar for flavor. Garnish with shredded cabbage, scallions, and cilantro.
Greek
For Greek tacos, fill pita bread with gyros meat, feta cheese, hummus, tomato, red onion, cucumber, and tzatziki sauce. Mint and dill add freshness.
Portability
One of the things that makes the taco genius is its portability. Tacos are one of the ultimate handheld foods. The tortilla contains and supports all the fillings so you can pick up and eat a taco on the go with no need for plates or utensils.
Tacos can be easily held in one hand, leaving your other hand free for drinking, texting, or whatever else you may be doing while enjoying your taco. You don’t have to sit down for a plate of tacos – they travel with you anywhere.
Tacos are perfect for everything from road trips and beach days to campfires and midnight snacks. No plates or silverware required. Just grab and go.
Customization
Not only are tacos highly portable, they are also highly customizable, which makes them a crowd pleaser. Everyone can create their perfect taco by choosing exactly what fillings and toppings they want inside. Like more cheese and less onion? No problem. Want to add guacamole or salsa on top? Go for it. The possibilities are endless.
For parties, setting up a DIY taco bar lets guests build their ideal taco. Set out an array of proteins, toppings, salsas, and tortillas and let guests mix and match. This way everyone can craft tacos to suit their personal tastes.
Versatility
Tacos may be associated with Mexican food, but they have proven themselves highly adaptable to convey flavors from around the world. You can put virtually any cuisine into taco form for a handheld, customizable meal.
Tacos have been adapted to regional tastes everywhere from Asia to the Middle East. They frequently appear with breakfast fillings as well as in appetizer form. Tacos have proven extremely versatile across cultures and mealtimes.
Tradition
While tacos may seem ubiquitous today, they have a long, cherished history and tradition. Tacos are an important part of Mexican cuisine, culture, and family meals. They bring people together over food and play an integral role in celebrations.
Tacos are tied to a rich history. Digging into some tacos offers a delicious taste of Mexico’s culinary traditions. The care, skill, and joy that goes into crafting the perfect taco filling, simmering homemade salsa, and making tortillas from scratch results in an incredible eating experience.
Satisfaction
When done right, tacos deliver on all fronts. The interplay of flavors and textures – the soft tortilla, juicy fillings, creamy cheese, crunchy toppings, and fresh salsas – is incredibly craveable and satisfying. Tacos offer a symphony of tastes and textures in each bite.
A good taco leaves you feeling pleasantly full but not stuffed. The smaller size makes tacos easily digestible as well. All in all, tacos hit the spot and go down easy, leaving you happy and content without feeling overly full.
Value
Finally, tacos deliver a lot of flavor and satisfaction for minimal cost. Meat or other fillings are stretched by using relatively small amounts in each taco, bolstered by cheaper ingredients like beans and rice. Making tacos at home is also very budget-friendly.
Even restaurant tacos provide excellent value – generally two or three tacos make a complete and filling meal for less than $10. It’s easy to get your taco fix without breaking the bank, making tacos a recession-proof food.
Conclusion
With their delicious tortillas, endless filling possibilities, portability, customization, versatility across cultures, long tradition and history, satisfying flavors and textures, and great value, it’s easy to see why tacos have become so popular all over the world. Tacos check all the boxes – taste, convenience, flexibility, and affordability. It’s no wonder everyone is so taco obsessed!
