Best Tacos In Houston hide surprising flavours, and each region has its own recipes with special marinades or unsuspected combinations of ingredients. Discover them to enjoy a journey through Mexican cuisine.
A true culinary icon, tacos are a symbol of innovation and cultural fusion. A must-have for every food lover! Served from simple street stalls to fine dining restaurants.
While the taco may seem like a simple fast food, it is actually inspired by a combination of ancient recipes from Mexico and influences from around the world. The result is a versatile, delicious and globally recognized dish that is beloved by people all over the globe.
It is not possible to trace the exact origin of the taco, but it can be said that this beloved Mexican cuisine combines pre-Hispanic ingredients and techniques with more modern culinary innovations. The first ingredient that makes the taco unique is the tortilla, which was first created using an ancient process known as nixtamal, whereby the maize is soaked in lime water and then cooked. This technique allowed for the creation of a more durable and nutritious food, which eventually became the staple of Mesoamerican culture.
In the early 1900s, this traditional Mexican dish was introduced to America by migrant workers who brought with them their regional variations. It was later popularized by the many taquerias that began popping up all over the country. Tacos were then adapted to use ingredients that were more readily available in America, such as beef and cheese. It was also at this time that the fried U-shaped taco shell was invented, although it is not clear who exactly pioneered the idea.
The name “taco” itself is thought to come from the Nahuatl word tlahco, which means half or in the middle. The term can be found in Aztec writings as well as in colonial Spanish texts, but its usage is not credited to any particular person or time period.
Today, the taco is an internationally renowned dish that continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of the world’s population. As health consciousness has increased, this has led to the creation of a variety of different versions of the taco that cater to a wide range of dietary needs and preferences. These include gluten-free options, vegan alternatives, and low-carb choices. This flexibility and adaptability ensures that this beloved meal will remain a part of the global culinary landscape for years to come.
Fillings
The world of tacos is vast and varied, with each region offering a unique take on this tasty dish. There are vegetarian, meat and fish options to be found, as well as the beloved Mexican staple of beans.
The most traditional tacos are made with soft, tortilla-based wraps. Corn was originally the staple of Aztec cuisine, but flour was brought to Mexico by European colonizers and it is now common for many people to mix both tortilla types in their taco repertoire.
A wide variety of fillings are available for the taco, with some traditional choices being beef and slow-cooked pork. Some more adventurous cooks also opt for beans, sweet potatoes and fish (tacos de pescado).
It’s also important to remember that the tortilla is the canvas for your taco – a little creativity with the fillings and toppings can take an ordinary taco from good to great!
Toppings are a vital part of the taco, adding contrasting flavours and textures. Salsa and sauces are a must, bringing the whole taco together. Classic tomato salsa is a firm favourite, but you can also try a smoky chipotle salsa or a tangy pico de gallo – whatever your taste buds desire!
Another essential is sour cream – this creamy condiment is a great way to add richness and balance to spicy ingredients. For those who are dairy-intolerant, a light yogurt can be used in place of sour cream.
A great addition to any taco is a crisp piece of cabbage, red or green lettuce, baby spinach or a mixed salad greens. These crunchy, colourful vegetables will bring a freshness to your taco and complement the rich, warm flavours of most meat and fish tacos.
The final touch is a zesty garnish, which will really bring the taco to life. A squeeze of lime will do the trick, but you can use other citrus fruits like lemon and orange too. Cilantro is a popular choice, but you can also use radish slices or coriander leaves to create a fresh and vibrant garnish. Guacamole is also a great option if you want a more creamy topping.
Toppings
Authentic Mexican tacos contain many different toppings that add flavour, texture and colour to this simple dish. They can be dressed to suit any dietary requirements or personal preference.
A classic taco topping is sliced or chopped green cabbage, which gives the taco a light crunch. Chopped tomatoes are also popular. They are tangy, and can complement spicy fillings as well as the fresh, crisp flavour of other taco ingredients. Crushed or mashed avocado provides a creamy and mildly sweet addition to the taco. Finely chopped coriander, a traditional Mexican herb, is a must-have for tacos. The combination of its peppery and fragrant flavours with the other flavours in a taco is unbeatable.
Cheese is another essential ingredient to add flavour and texture to a taco. It goes perfectly with a variety of meat and vegetable fillings, and can also be used to create vegetarian tacos. It is recommended to add a mixture of cheeses to your taco bar so that guests can choose their favourites.
Fresh herbs such as mint, basil and cilantro are also essential for tacos. They are often added to salsas and guacamole to bring in their distinct flavour. Adding a few sprigs of the herbs to your taco can also make it look more attractive.
Roasted or grilled veggies are also great toppings for tacos. Grilling vegetables transforms them into a smoky and earthy taste that goes well with almost any taco filling. Onions, spring onions, chillies and nopales (cactus) are all common grilled veggies to include in tacos.
Sauces, salsas and guacamole are also popular taco toppings. Salsas and hot sauces provide a wide range of flavours, from salty to smoky or spicy and can help balance the flavour of any taco. Guacamole is a must-have for any Mexican meal, and it can be made by simply mashing up an avocado with lime juice, onion, coriander and salt. Creamy sauces and aiolis are also great for adding extra flavour and can also be used to add some thickness to a taco.
Other interesting taco toppings to consider are fried or grilled egg, and a variety of crunchy garnishes such as shredded lettuce, diced cabbage or carrots. A squeeze of lime is an important finishing touch, which helps to brighten the whole taco and bring out the flavours of all the ingredients.
Sauces
A taco is not complete without the right sauce. Whether the sauce is mild, tangy or fiery, it amplifies the fillings and adds a final touch of flavor. The variety of options available is truly staggering.
Fortunately, there are countless recipes for delicious taco sauces that can be made from scratch at home. The best taco sauce is one that contains fresh ingredients and has a balance of flavors that complements the individual fillings. It should also be easy to prepare and keep in the refrigerator or freezer for a week or more.
While the exact recipe varies from brand to brand, most taco sauces contain a combination of tomatoes, chili peppers, onions, vinegar and various spices. Many types of taco sauce are available in a range of heat levels, from mild to hot, and some contain added sugar or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
Some bottled taco sauces are sold in containers with a funnel attached for easier pouring. These are especially useful when making large quantities of tacos for a party or family gathering. Others are sold in clear plastic bottles, which allow the consumer to see exactly what they are getting before purchasing. The label should indicate the amount of sodium and other ingredients that are contained in the sauce.
Another important consideration is the texture of the sauce. Some are smoother and more liquidy, while others are thicker and chunkier. Choosing the right taco sauce for your personal tastes can be challenging, but by taking the time to read the labels and choose a high-quality product, you can elevate your tacos to new heights of taste and flavor.
To make a delicious and versatile taco sauce at home, combine tomato sauce, water, vinegar, honey, dried onion, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder and cayenne pepper in a saucepan and simmer until the ingredients are well blended. Adjust the quantity of cayenne pepper to control the level of spice in the sauce. This sauce is perfect for drizzling over burritos, quesadillas and nachos or as a dip for tortilla chips. It is also a great alternative to store bought taco sauce as you can control the ingredients and avoid artificial additives.