Letโs talk about Tacos: it's National Taco Day amigos! ๐ฎ
Tacos - one of the greatest culinary inventions of all time. If you donโt know what a taco is, itโs a small tortilla (either a corn tortilla, which is the most common one to be used, or flour tortilla) that is topped with a variety of ingredients and folded, making it easier for you to grab it with your hands. These little pockets are filled with little bursts of flavour with every bite. ๐
Did you know that a person who makes tacos is called a taquero? Itโs usually a family business, so taqueros grow up learning how to make tacos and carry on with the family recipe. ๐ฒ๐ฝ
There are so many varieties of tacos that usually depend on the region of the country. Typically, corn tortillas are used in the central and southern regions of Mexico, whereas flour tortillas are more common in the northern region. Letโs have a look at the different types of tacos:
Al pastor ๐ท + ๐ + ๐
This kind of taco is known to be Mexico Cityโs most emblematic taco. Al pastor tacos date back to ancient times, when Lebanese immigrants settled in Mexico and started making tacos using pork instead of lamb alongside a flour tortilla and chipotle salsa. ๐ถ๏ธ
To make an al pastor taco, taqueros marinate pork leg and pork loin meats in adobo (a vinegary marinade) and cook it using charcoal. The meat is thinly cut and placed on the tortilla, along with a pineapple slice, onions, cilantro, and a bit of salsa, which holds everything together. ๐
Barbacoa ๐ + ๐ฅ + โฑ๏ธ
The traditional barbacoa taco is made with goat or sheep meat, although you may also find variations with beef. The term barbacoa supposedly refers to the way the meat is cooked: slow-roasted in an open fire or pit in the ground. However, it is now used to refer to barbacoa tacos. ๐
This kind of taco is usually served during a celebration or party, and is not your typical everyday taco since it takes a while to be made. The way that the meat is cooked results in a tender, succulent filling for a barbacoa taco. ๐งจ
Carnitas ๐ท + ๐ฅ + ๐ง
The carnitas are the taco of Michoacan. The oldest document about this kind of taco dates back to 500 years ago, where the traditional carnitas taco was created. However, the carnitas as known today originated in Michoacan. ๐ค
For carnitas, the pork is slow cooked in its own fat (a process known as confit). The fat within the muscles melts in between the pieces of meat and gives it a unique flavour. They are traditionally cooked in copper pots and usually include toppings like chile peppers, pickled chiles, carrots, onions, salsa, and lime juice. ๐ฟ
Guisado ๐ + ๐ฅ + ๐ณ
These kinds of tacos are common in almost every Mexican household since they are considered to be one of the varieties of Mexican home-cooking. Guisados are a kind of taco that are usually served for breakfast. The term guisado or guiso refers to stew, so the meat is served as a stew in a warm tortilla. ๐โโ๏ธ
The variations of guisados are endless: scrambled eggs and tomato sauce, hard boiled eggs and red rice, chicken with chipotle and onions, potato and chorizo, and so many more! ๐คฒ
Canasta ๐ + ๐ซ + โจ๏ธ
Tacos de Canasta were originally known as tacos mineros, or minersโ tacos, since they were traditionally eaten by workers in silver mines. They are very popularly sold as a street food at street corners or at football games, and they are super cheap. โฝ
These tacos are made during the early hours of the morning and can be filled with either mashed potatoes, refried beans, chicken in adobo, or minced pork. Theyโre placed in a basket that is lined with a plastic bag and covered in hot oil. The plastic bag is then sealed, allowing them to steam all day. ๐ค
Cochinita ๐ท + ๐ + ๐ง
The cochinita tacos, or cochinita pibil tacos, are usually made with pork that is slowly roasted in a sauce made of achiote chilli paste, oranges, and some spices. This taco variety is probably the most popular taco in Mexico and it is loved by everyone. ๐
Toppings for this kind of taco are typically pickled red onions and spicy habanero salsa for an extra kick in every bite. ๐ฅต
Suadero ๐ฎ + ๐ง + ๐งก
The term suadero refers to the cut of beef that is used to make these tacos. It is a thin cut of beef taken from the section between the belly and the leg of the cow and it is very soft in texture. โโ๐
The suadero meat is slowly cooked in fat, together with other cuts of meat, resulting in a rich and greasy yet soft and tender piece of meat. Typical toppings include salsa, onions, lime, and cilantro.
Pescado ๐ค + ๐ + ๐
As the name suggests, the taco de pescado - the fish taco - is made with fish as the main ingredient. Varieties include camaron (shrimp), marlin (smoked marlin) and pulpo (octopus). ๐ฃ
The taco de pescado is more commonly found in Mexican towns that are close to the beach, for obvious reasons. The fish inside the taco can be either fried (customary) or grilled. Just like most tacos, they are usually topped with salsa, onions, coriander, and lime juice. ๐๏ธ
There are even more varieties of tacos than the ones listed here, and there will probably be even more varieties in the future. It is widely known that tacos are best eaten as soon as theyโre ready - the fresher the better - and standing up, so that you do not feel full too quickly (and you can eat more tacos, of course). ๐ฎ
You can try these creative taco dishes at home, or get your fix from local restaurants including Bianca's, Amigos, Novi, NomNom, Avotaco, AKI, La Casa del Tacos, Wings 'n Things, 59 Republic and even BeefBar!
Have you tried any of these tacos? Let us know which ones you have tried in the comments! ๐
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