Tacos are one of the most popular foods in the world. In 2018, Americans ate more than 4.5 billion tacos!
While we know tacos come from Mexico, we don’t know exactly who invented them. But, we do know they’ve been around for well over a century, with the earliest mention of the word dating back to the late 19th century.
Perhaps one of the reasons why the dish is so popular is because there are so many types of tacos to enjoy. Still, there are some taco varieties that have stood the test of time.
Read on to learn about the most popular types of tacos.
1. Carne Asada Tacos
Carne asada literally translates to “grilled meat.” In the context of the taco, it’s referring to flap steak or ranchera from the short loin section of a cow.
This taco comes from Northern Mexico, and it’s particularly popular in the Sonora region. Typically, the meat is marinated with a blend of cumin, citrus juices, and other spices before it’s grilled.
Carne asada is usually sliced very slim or chopped up into small bits for tacos. These traditional tacos go great with some cilantro, guacamole, or sour cream.
2. Tacos Al Pastor
You’ll see tacos al pastor on the menu of nearly every traditional Mexican restaurant. Al pastor roughly translates to “shepherd style” pork.
To make tacos al pastor, the beef is marinated with a blend of spices and chilies before it’s slow-cooked on an open flame.
Typically, tacos al pastor are topped with pineapple, thinly sliced onion, or salsa.
3. Barbacoa Tacos
Barbacoa tacos are typically made with beef, mab, or goat meat. The meat is typically seasoned with spices and chilies.
In the traditional way of making barbacoa tacos, the meat is cooked in an underground oven until it’s tender and succulent. These days, barbacoa tacos are often made on a stovetop or in a slow cooker.
No matter which device you use for cooking, all barbacoa undergoes a long, slow cooking process that results in soft, easily shreddable meat. People often top their barbacoa tacos with apple cider vinegar, queso fresco, avocadoes, or sour cream.
4. Tacos de Papa
If you’re a vegetarian, fear not, as there’s a popular type of taco out there for you. Tacos de papa translates to potato tacos.
These tacos are typically made with soft corn tortillas that are stuffed with cumin-flavored potatoes. Then, the tacos are fried until they become crispy and develop a brown hue.
The tacos are traditionally topped with salsa, onions, tomatoes, hot chile peppers, or cheese.
Types of Tacos: Time to Explore
Now that you know about the most popular types of tacos, it’s time to let your taste buds do some exploring. While you can easily find these tacos at traditional Mexican restaurants, you can also make them at home! While they may not come out perfect right away, with a little practice, you’ll be a taco-making expert.
For more great food recommendations, be sure to check back in with our blog!