A List Of 20 Taco Varieties And What Sets Each Apart
Tacos, a beloved culinary tradition of Mexico, offer a vast array of flavors and textures. Each variety brings a unique twist to the table, celebrating regional ingredients and cooking techniques. From the bustling streets of Mexico City to the coastlines of Baja, explore these 20 distinctive taco types and discover what makes them truly special.
1. Tacos al Pastor
Born from a fusion of Mexican and Lebanese cuisines, Tacos al Pastor are a feast for the senses. The marinated pork is cooked on a vertical spit, then shaved into thin slices. The bright red hue from achiote and chiles is unmistakable.
With pineapple on top of the trompo, it infuses the meat with a sweet tang. Served on small corn tortillas, they’re topped with juicy pineapple chunks, fresh onion, and cilantro. This taco is a vibrant celebration of flavor, combining sweet, spicy, and savory in every bite.
2. Carnitas
Carnitas are the epitome of pork perfection, achieved through slow simmering in their own fat. This method yields meat that’s both tender and crispy, offering a delightful contrast in textures. The rich, porky flavor is undeniable.
Garnished simply with onion, cilantro, and salsa, the focus remains on the succulent meat. This traditional taco hails from Michoacán, where it’s revered for its depth of flavor. A bite into a carnitas taco is like a warm embrace from the heart of Mexico.
3. Carne Asada
Carne Asada tacos capture the essence of the grill with their smoky, charred edges. Typically made from skirt or flank steak, the beef is marinated to enhance its natural flavors before grilling.
Served sliced or chopped, it’s often accompanied by creamy guacamole or fresh avocado. The simplicity of toppings like onions and cilantro allows the meat to shine. These tacos are a staple of outdoor gatherings, embodying the spirit of sharing and community.
Perfectly grilled, every bite is a celebration of bold, robust flavors.
4. Barbacoa
Barbacoa tacos are steeped in tradition, originating from the practice of slow-cooking meat in its own juices. Traditionally, beef or lamb is used, wrapped in leaves, and cooked until incredibly tender.
This method imparts an earthy, hearty flavor that’s hard to resist. Often served with a side of consommé, the tacos are juicy and slightly broth-like. With every bite, you taste the depth of Mexican culinary heritage, making barbacoa a classic dish for weekend feasts and special occasions.
5. Birria Tacos
Emerging as a modern favorite, Birria tacos offer a tantalizing blend of flavors and textures. The meat, often beef, is spiced and stewed until tender, then crisped on the griddle with cheese.
What sets these tacos apart is the tortilla, dipped in birria fat and grilled until red and crispy. Served alongside a rich consommé for dipping, they’re an indulgent treat. The fusion of tender meat and crispy tortilla, combined with the consommé, creates a multi-layered taste experience.
6. Tinga de Pollo (Chicken Tinga)
Explore the smoky depths of Tinga de Pollo, where shredded chicken is enveloped in a tomato-chipotle sauce. This dish balances smoky and slightly spicy notes, creating a taste that’s both comforting and exciting.
Often topped with crema, cheese, and lettuce, these tacos offer a cooling contrast to the warmth beneath. Originating from Puebla, Tinga de Pollo is a nod to classic Mexican home cooking. Each bite is a harmonious blend of savory and spicy, wrapped in a tender embrace.
7. Fish Tacos (Baja Style)
Transport your taste buds to the beaches of Baja with fish tacos that bring the ocean’s bounty to your plate. Typically made with battered and fried white fish, these tacos are a festival of textures.
Crispy fish pairs with crunchy shredded cabbage, while a creamy sauce and a squeeze of lime provide the perfect finish. Light and refreshing, these tacos evoke a sunny, carefree vibe. Perfect for a beachside meal, they encapsulate the essence of coastal living.
8. Shrimp Tacos
Dive into the succulent world of shrimp tacos, where tender shrimp are seasoned with chili-lime or garlic. Whether grilled or sautéed, the shrimp is the star, rich with flavor and a delightful texture.
Paired with slaws, avocado, and creamy or spicy mayo-based sauces, these tacos are a delightful mix of zest and smoothness. They’re perfect for those who crave the sea’s delicate flavors combined with a hint of heat, making every bite an exciting culinary adventure.
9. Suadero Tacos
Suadero tacos are a hidden gem, offering a unique cut of beef that’s both silky and rich. The meat, sourced from between the belly and leg, is slow-cooked and then seared to perfection.
Its buttery texture is complemented by a slight chew, making it a delight for beef lovers. Topped with simple garnishes like onion and cilantro, the focus remains on the meat. These tacos are a testament to the beauty of simplicity, where quality ingredients shine through.
10. Lengua Tacos (Beef Tongue)
Lengua tacos invite you to explore the tender side of beef. Made from braised beef tongue, these tacos offer an almost delicate texture. The clean beef flavor is celebrated with minimal toppings, allowing the meat to take center stage.
Often garnished with just onion, cilantro, and salsa, they’re a favorite among those who appreciate subtlety and depth. A revered delicacy, lengua tacos are a flavorful journey for the adventurous eater.
11. Tripa Tacos
Tripa tacos are not for the faint-hearted, offering a bold flavor that’s beloved by many. Made from beef tripe, the dish is cleaned, boiled, and then grilled or fried to achieve varying textures.
From chewy to crispy, each bite is a textural adventure. Often accompanied by a bright, spicy salsa, tripa tacos bring a robust taste that’s distinct and savory. These tacos are a true testament to the diverse palate of Mexican cuisine.
12. Tacos de Barbacoa de Borrego (Lamb)
Experience the rich flavors of Tacos de Barbacoa de Borrego, where lamb is slow-cooked to perfection. Often prepared pit-style, the meat becomes fall-apart tender, offering a slightly gamey taste.
Served with a side of consommé, they’re commonly enjoyed in the morning. The succulent, juicy meat paired with salsas creates a taste that’s both hearty and satisfying. A traditional dish, these tacos celebrate the artistry of slow-cooking and the depth of Mexican flavors.
13. Tacos de Canasta (“Basket Tacos”)
Tacos de Canasta are a street food favorite, offering a soft, steamed texture that’s uniquely satisfying. These pre-filled tacos are stacked in a basket and bathed in oil or sauce, allowing them to steam.
With fillings like potatoes, beans, or tinga, they’re a delightful surprise in every bite. Often sold from street-side baskets, they embody the vibrant hustle of Mexican street food culture. Their slightly oily texture and flavorful fillings make them a beloved snack.
14. Tacos Dorados (Flautas / Taquitos)
Tacos Dorados, also known as flautas or taquitos, bring a satisfying crunch to the table. Made by rolling tortillas around a filling and frying them until crisp, they’re a textural delight.
Often filled with shredded chicken, beef, or potatoes, these tacos are topped with lettuce, crema, cheese, and salsa. Their crunchy exterior and flavorful fillings make them a favorite for gatherings and celebrations, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
15. Breakfast Tacos
Start your day with breakfast tacos, a beloved morning treat in Texas and the Southwest. These tacos are filled with scrambled eggs, often paired with cheese, potatoes, chorizo, or bacon.
Served in soft tortillas, they’re typically topped with salsa and cheese. Whether enjoyed at home or on the go, breakfast tacos offer a hearty, satisfying start to the day. They’re a versatile choice, easily customized to suit any taste or craving.
16. Alambre Tacos
Alambre tacos are like a fiesta on a plate, combining chopped grilled meat with peppers, onions, and cheese. This mixture is cooked together, offering a taste that’s reminiscent of fajitas.
Served on a plate with tortillas, they invite you to build each taco yourself. The melty cheese and grilled veggies make each bite an explosion of flavor. Alambre tacos are perfect for gatherings, where everyone can customize their taco to their liking.
17. Cochinita Pibil Tacos
Cochinita Pibil tacos transport you to the Yucatán, where pork is marinated in citrus and achiote. Slow-cooked in banana leaves, the meat becomes tender and flavorful.
Its bright orange-red color is as striking as its tangy, slightly spicy taste. Often topped with pickled red onions and habanero salsa, these tacos offer a vibrant, zesty experience. A nod to Mayan culinary traditions, Cochinita Pibil is a sensory delight.
18. Tacos de Chorizo
Tacos de Chorizo are a fiery favorite, featuring spicy Mexican sausage crumbled and fried. The deep red, fatty chorizo is seasoned with paprika, chiles, and other spices, packing an intense flavor punch.
Often paired with potatoes, eggs, or simple garnishes like onion and cilantro, these tacos are a robust and savory treat. They’re perfect for those who love bold, spicy flavors that linger on the palate and ignite the senses.
19. Veggie / Nopales Tacos
Veggie or Nopales tacos are a celebration of plant-based goodness, offering a fresh and unique flavor profile. Nopales, or cactus paddles, bring a slightly tart, green flavor and a tender-crisp texture to the mix.
Often cooked with onion, tomato, and chiles, these tacos are a vibrant, healthy option. They’re perfect for those seeking a meat-free alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste or satisfaction, showcasing the versatility of Mexican cuisine.
20. Tacos Arabes
Tacos Arabes are a fascinating fusion born in Puebla, blending Mexican and Middle Eastern influences. These tacos feature marinated pork cooked on a spit, similar to shawarma, but served in a pita-style flour tortilla.
The seasoning leans towards Middle Eastern spices, offering garlicky and smoky flavors. The flatbread-style tortilla gives them a unique texture, setting them apart from traditional corn tortillas. Tacos Arabes are a testament to cultural exchange, offering a taste that’s both familiar and exotic.
