Tacos in Mexican Cuisine

Tacos in Mexican Cuisine

If you want truly authentic tacos, you must wait until dusk. While most families eat their biggest meal in the afternoon, the taco carts are a handy way to have a light meal later in the evening.

The scent of seasoned, cooked meat is almost intoxicating as you walk down the evening streets. In many of the bigger cities, the vendors stay open until midnight or later. What makes the different tacos stand out from each other are the ways the meat is cooked as well as what kind of meat is used.

Tacos al Pastor

Once made from lamb, tacos al pastor, or “shepherd-style” tacos resemble the gyro sandwiches from the Middle East. Today’s tacos al pastor is mostly made from pork. The meat is thinly sliced before being stacked on a vertical spit for roasting. When done, the meat is cut off in thin slices and stuffed into a thick flour tortilla. The whole thing is topped with a spicy salsa made from chipotle.

Tacos de Carnitas

The pork in tacos de carnitas is cooked in lard with orange rinds, which gives the meat its golden color. The local people will choose their favorite part of the animal to eat in their tacos. Some may prefer the heart or liver, while others like the skin, the cheeks, or ears. Tourists usually choose the boneless meat, which is succulent and delicious.

Tacos al Carbon

Also known as tacos de carne asada, these tacos contain meat grilled over mesquite coals. Thin pieces of beef are quickly grilled then chopped and stuffed into tortillas. Garnishes of onions, cucumbers, salsa, limes, guacamole, and radishes are available.

Tacos de Fritangas

Fried meat is the secret ingredient. You may find breast meat, chorizo or even lamb testicles in these booths. While the descriptions may make you pause, once you have topped them with onions, salsa, and cilantro and taken your first bite, you will fall in love with the flavors.

Tacos de Cazuela

A cazuela, or clay pot, plays a key role in this dish. The meat is cooked in one of these traditional pots on a low heat. You may find a choice of chicken, turkey, duck, pork, beef, goat, or lamb. You may also get vegetables in this taco such as squash blossoms, mushrooms, or cactus leaves. In some areas of Mexico, these tacos also can be found with iguana, seafood, or grasshoppers.