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10 TIPS FOR

GREAT TACOS

T acos are wildly
popular comfort
food around the
world. The taco as
most people know
it evolved from ancient Mexican
recipes blended with modern
influences. Before tacos were widely
eaten in America, native Mexicans
enjoyed a version that was very
different from the taco of today.

Tacos are believed to have
originated in Mexico long before
Spanish explorers arrived in the
area. Early tacos were said to be
freshly made using soft, flat, corn
tortillas and filled with fish and
cooked organs, according to Twisted
Taco. There wasn’t much fanfare to
these tacos, as they didn’t include don’t overcook or they can become 6. Fish tacos were made popular in
any lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, crunchy. California and other regions with
or sour cream. Early tacos likely access to fresh seafood. Fish tacos
weren’t even called “tacos.” The 3. Tacos shouldn’t be made from
word originated from Mexican the hard, preformed shells found are best made with firm, white,
silver miners in the eighteenth in stores. Authentic tacos are made boneless fish.
century who ate the food, and it was from soft flour (North Mexico) or
considered a meal of the working corn (Central and South Mexico) 7. When planning tacos that are
class. tortillas. filled with heavy, wet ingredients,
consider stacking two tortillas per
The taco information website 4. When selecting meats for the taco for strength.
TacoTuesday.com indicates tacos, authentic Mexican tacos
Americans eat 4.5 billion tacos in typically feature meats that are 8. Fillings should be cut into small,
a given year. At an average cost cooked on a cast iron skillet, in the even chunks for balanced bites.
of $1.50 per taco, Americans are oven, or on the grill says The Taco
spending $6.75 billion on tacos in a Guy Catering. More popular choices 9. Popular spice choices for tacos are
12-month time period. While tacos are usually carnitas (braised pork), cumin, chili powder, garlic powder,
are delicious enjoyed at an authentic chorizo, arrachera (skirt steak), and oregano, onion powder, and paprika.
Mexican restaurant, they’re also tacos al pastor (marinated pork).
easily made at home. The following Birria, which is a Mexican stew made
are 10 taco tips to help anyone from goat meat (or beef or lamb), 10. A squeeze of fresh lime juice will
master this popular dish. also is a popular filling. cut through the richness of tacos
and make them even more delicious.
1. Use high-quality, fresh tortillas. 5. Tacos should offer a burst of
You even can try making your own texture and flavor. Toppings help Tacos are an authentic Mexican dish
fresh tortillas from masa. make tacos special. Traditional that have stood the test of time and
options include pico de gallo, become a wildly popular food across
2. Heating the taco shells slightly cilantro, diced onion, radish, and the globe.
will make them more pliable. Just pickled onions.