What Is a Walking Taco?
A walking taco is a single-serving bag of tortilla chips filled with taco toppings like ground beef, shredded cheese, tomatoes, and sour cream. The chip bag makes it easy to eat this taco while on the move, making the “walking taco” a true-to-its-name snack. It’s a crowd-pleasing option to add to your concession stand’s menu or if you’re catering a relaxed event.
How to Make Walking Tacos
Watch our video to learn how to make walking tacos:
Best Chips for a Walking Taco
The best chips for a walking taco are corn chips. Purchase single-serving bags from one of the following corn chip brands:
- Doritos
- Fritos
- Mission
- Tostitos
- Xochitl
Walking Taco Ingredients
Here are a few walking taco ingredient ideas to fill your bags:
- Ground meat
- Bell peppers
- Tomatoes
- Lettuce
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Hot sauce
- Jalapenos
- Guacamole
Walking Taco Assembly
Assembling a walking taco is pretty straightforward, but there are a couple of tips to keep in mind. Follow these steps to build a walking taco:
- Select a single-serving corn chip bag
- While the bag is still sealed shut, crush up the chips so they're easier to eat
- Open the bag and add about 1/3 cup of ground meat on top of the chips
- Sprinkle in any other desired toppings
- Serve with a fork or spoon, instruct the customer to mix everything together, and enjoy!
Walking Taco Ideas
Want to try something else? Get creative with one of these walking taco variations instead, including vegan walking tacos and vegetarian walking tacos:
- Carnitas - Pork, diced onions, salsa, and cilantro
- Tinga de Pollo - Shredded chicken in tomato chipotle sauce, cotija, cilantro, and red onion
- Black Bean - Spicy black beans, pickled onions, mango salsa, green cabbage, and avocado
- Al Pastor - Pork in adobo rub, grilled pineapple, red onions, and salsa verde
- Butternut Squash - Roasted butternut squash, roasted poblanos, shallots, green cabbage, and avocado
- Jackfruit - Shredded jackfruit cooked in seasoned sauce, corn, radishes, avocado, and green cabbage
Where to Serve Walking Tacos
As one of the most convenient and casual snacks, walking tacos are ideal to serve in fun and relaxed environments. If you run one or more of the below food service businesses or are simply just hosting a gathering, then consider adding walking tacos to your menu.
- Concession stands
- Carnivals
- Public pools
- Sporting events
- Block parties
- Street festivals
- Food halls
Serving walking tacos to your customers is a fast, easy, and profitable business move. Pair your walking tacos with high-profit cocktails like coronaritas, mezcal margaritas, and mangonadas to extend your offerings.
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How to Start A Concession Stand
Concession businesses have lower startup costs than both restaurants and food trucks, making them a great way for entrepreneurs to get their start in the foodservice industry. They’re also an ideal business model for operators who specialize in one niche menu item. While your concession stand’s location will determine its ongoing success, starting a concession stand requires a unique menu, corresponding equipment, and a thorough business plan. Read on to learn how to start a concession business and determine if it’s the right off premise dining model for your concept. Shop All Concession Supplies Click any of the tips below to learn about starting a concession stand: Develop A Concession Stand Concept Write a Concession Stand Business Plan Get Funding for Your Concession Stand Purchase a Concession Stand Get the Required Licenses and Permits Choose Food Storage and Preparation Equipment Select Your Concession Stand Supplies Hire a Concession Stand Staff Market Your Concession Stand What Is a Concession Stand? A concession stand, sometimes referred to as a snack bar, is an area where guests can purchase food, drinks, and snacks. They can often be found inside movie theaters, amusement parks, and stadiums. While some establishments own and operate their own concession stands, others contract with third parties. Common foods sold at concession stands include regional hot dogs , popcorn, and pretzels. How Much Does a Concession Stand Cost? The cost of acquiring a concession stand varies by the size of the unit and whether you’re purchasing a used cart or having one built from scratch. A new, medium-sized concession stand will cost between $11,000 and $21,000 to build. A new stand won’t contain any equipment, which increases your startup costs. You can purchase a used and equipped concession stand for between $6,000 and $45,000. The price range for used concession stands is so wide because it reflects both minimalistic, older stands and lightly used stands stocked with premium equipment. How to Start a Concession Business From writing a solid business plan to marketing your concession stand, we walk you through each step of starting your concession business. For additional financial planning advice, check out our guide to profit and loss statements complete with an interactive spreadsheet. 1. Develop A Concession Stand Concept Your concession stand concept and menu determine what size cart you need, how much startup money you’ll require, and the ideal location for your concession stand. Concession stand menus can offer everything from pre-made snacks to creative and gourmet cuisine. The needs of a simple prepared foods stand differ from a concession stand that sells fresh, gourmet waffles. 2. Write a Concession Stand Business Plan Once you have a general idea of what kind of concession stand you want to operate, you need to develop a business plan. Your business plan acts as the blueprint for your concession stand’s growth trajectory and helps you make the right investments without wasting time or money. A solid business plan is also what you’ll use to gain outside funding for your business venture. It gives both you and your investors a clearly defined look at your concession stand’s financial status, concept, target audience, and business structure. We have a comprehensive guide on how to write a business plan that walks you through each step of the process. 3. Get Funding for Your Concession Stand With your business plan in place, you’ll know how much money you need to start your concession stand. While you may launch a small, simple concession stand on your own, a larger concession business with a complex menu may require outside financing. We provide a list of potential places where you can seek funding below: Investors: You can use your business plan to pitch your concession stand concept to investors. Loans: There are small business loans, equipment loans, and leasing opportunities, and traditional bank loans available to business entrepreneurs. Crowdfunding: “Crowdfunding” allows a large group of people to invest small amounts of money into a business. It typically takes place on websites like GoFundMe, where you can set your concession stand funding goals, attract investors, and update them on your progress. 4. Purchase a Concession Stand With your business plan and funding in place, you can purchase a concession stand that meets your scale and budget. You’ll need to consider whether you want a stationary, short range, or trailer concession stand. This will affect what kind of stand you purchase, where it’s located, and even what laws apply to it. If you have a great location where you can reliably set up shop, like a stadium, then an inexpensive stationary concession stand is perfect for you. However, if you want to vend at multiple street corners spanning a few blocks, you’ll need a short-range cart. To cover more distance and change locations frequently, invest in a concession trailer or consider whether a food truck better suits your needs. Types of Concession Stands There are three different types of concession stands: stationary concession stands, mobile concession stands, and concession trailers. Each concession business model reaps the benefits of their target audience’s spending patterns. Stationary concession stands conduct their business in short bursts of high output. Short range carts experience slower and steadier sales. Trailer concession stands can serve events and a steady stream of returning customers. However, while the trailer model combines the benefits of stationary stands and short-range carts, they are more expensive to purchase and operate. Stationary Concession Stands: Stationary concession stands are small, have fixed locations, and don’t provide space for a lot of equipment or ingredient storage. They typically sell one prepared menu item or pre-made snacks. Mobile Concession Stands: Designed for short-range use, mobile concession stands often have a home location where vendors prepare their food before adding it to the cart, which typically contains a holding unit. Concession Trailers: Concession trailers offer long-range mobility, are powered via gas or generators, and have space to create a compact kitchen complete with countertop warming equipment and undercounter storage. Back to Top 5. Get the Required Licenses and Permits Like any business, you need licenses and permits to operate a concession stand. We provide a few of the common licenses and permits, but please check with your local ordinances to make sure you align with their stipulations. Food Manager Certification Food Vendor License Food Handling Certificate Sales and Use Tax Permit Employer Identification Number If you operate a mobile concession stand, check with your local drivers’ license department to see if you need a commercial license for your concession stand. 6. Choose Food Storage and Preparation Equipment Your menu determines what concession equipment you require. To power the equipment, it’s best to use a generator or a container of propane to keep everything operational throughout the day. It’s also important to note that some equipment — particularly gas-powered equipment — requires special hookups like gas connector hoses. To prevent overcrowding and heating, we suggest using undercounter or half height appliances. Some concession stands cook their menu off-site at a commissary kitchen and equip their carts with a few warmers. However, you may run out of food fast, which could hurt your reputation and customer retention. You can address this challenge by hiring additional staff to replenish and transport goods. Concession Stand Equipment The perfect concession equipment list balances tools for storing pre-cooked food at food safe temperatures and appliances for preparing raw food. As you form your list, evaluate your space and make sure you don’t overfill it. Having spare room maintains a safe working environment for employees enclosed in the small, hot space. While your exact equipment needs are defined by your menu, here are the most common concession business appliances: Food Holding & Warming Equipment: Keep your fare ready-to-serve with food holding and warming equipment. Hot Dog/Sausage Equipment: Invest in a roller grill, steamer, and merchandiser to cook, preserve, and sell sausages and hot dogs. Griddles: Cook burgers and hot sandwiches on a griddle. Ventless Fryers: Ventless fryers are perfect for compact concession stands. Remember to save space for spare stocks of oil. Popcorn Machines: Popcorn is an easy, inexpensive, and profitable concession stand food item. Cotton Candy Machines: You can set up a countertop cotton candy machine in your concession stand or use a cotton candy cart to conduct your business. 7. Select Your Concession Stand Supplies The equipment you choose will determine what kitchen tools and serving products you need. Tongs and turners are great all-purpose tools, but some appliances may require fryer baskets, ladles, or cutlery. You’ll also need cups, bowls, trays, and other common disposables to serve your customers. While the exact supplies may vary, almost every concession stand requires these items: Aprons Coin Dispensers Cash Registers Signs Snacks and Drinks Disposable Concession Supplies Cooking Equipment Serving Utensils 8. Hire a Concession Stand Staff Once your concession stand is established and you have acquired the necessary permits, you’ll need to hire a staff. The number of employees you’ll need to hire depends on your expected output and how much you offer on your menu. For example, a concession stand that offers a limited menu in a small venue may not require many employees to function, while stands that serve a large number of people and offer several different foods can require a larger staff. How Much Do Concession Stand Workers Make? A concession stand worker, or concession attendant, typically makes somewhere between $15,000 and $35,000 per year. This can vary depending on several factors including how often they work and where the stand is located. It’s important to note that concession stand workers are typically paid hourly, with wages ranging from as low as minimum wage to as high as $18/hour. 9. Market Your Concession Stand Thanks to social media, you can begin marketing your concession business before you open. Post pictures of your menu items as you practice your recipes. Use Instagram polls to engage with your target audience and find out what flavors would convert them into customers. For example, if you’re a gourmet popcorn concession business, ask your followers whether they’d rather try a Bloody Mary or Nashville hot chicken inspired popcorn mix. Back to Top Compact, accessible, and convenient, a concession stand is a unique foodservice model that has the potential to turn major profits. Concession stands are most successful in areas with sports stadiums and regular events. Save our guide as a reference to help you start your concession business. <aside class="pquote"> <blockquote> The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. Please refer to our Content Policy for more details. </blockquote> </aside>
Tequila Tasting
Hosting a tequila tasting is an excellent way to attract guests to your restaurant, bar, or pub. Much like wine tastings, tequila tastings give customers a chance to sample several different types of tequila, comparing them and deciding which one they like the most. When executed correctly, a tequila tasting can be a successful promotion. However, if you’ve never organized a tequila tasting, you may not know where to start. Below, we’ll investigate the different types of tequila, how you drink them, and how to host a successful tequila tasting. How to Taste Tequila Watch the video below to learn how to taste tequila the right way: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LMO6YkVRUQs?rel=0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> What Is Tequila? Tequila is a type of distilled beverage and one of the most popular alcoholic drinks in the world. It was first produced in the 16th century and its origins can be traced back to the city of Tequila, Mexico. There are several different varieties of tequila, and it is a key ingredient in popular cocktails such as the Margarita, the Paloma, and the Tequila Sunrise. Although the alcohol content can vary, most tequilas are somewhere between 35%-55% ABV (alcohol by volume). What Is Tequila Made Of? Tequila is made from the Weber blue agave plant. Blue agave, or tequila agave, is local to the western regions of Mexico and can typically be found growing in rich, sandy soils. This succulent is known for spiky leaves that can grow to over 7 feet. These leaves protect the pina, the heart of the plant. In some instances, the blue agave plant can be topped with yellow flowers. Of the 125 different species of agave that are native to Mexico, only one has been determined suitable for tequila production. That species is known as Weber blue agave. Classified by German naturalist Franz Weber in 1902, Weber blue agave has a fast-growing time and high sugar concentration, making it the most sustainable and easy-to-produce source for tequila. Because of this, the Mexican government passed a law in 1977 making it the only plant allowed to be used for tequila production. Types of Tequila There are five different types of tequila, each distinct and easy to identify from the next. The varying barreling techniques, aging times, and ingredients used in the production process result in each type featuring unique characteristics. The five types of tequila are: Blanco tequila: Also known as silver tequila, this type is the least aged. Its clear color derives from the fact that it is freshly distilled rather than being up through the aging process, though some blanco tequilas may still be aged for a limited amount of time. Joven tequila: Also referred to as gold tequila, joven tequila gets its gold color from flavoring agents and other additives such as caramel color, oak natural extract, and sugar syrup. In many cases, joven tequila is made from a blend of blanco and reposado or anejo tequilas. Reposado tequila: To be classified as reposado, a tequila must be aged in oak barrels for anywhere from two months to a year. This aging process is responsible for its golden color and can add hints of vanilla, nuts, or even coffee flavor to the drink. Some companies even choose to age reposado tequila in bourbon barrels, adding additional flavor. Anejo tequila: To qualify as anejo, a tequila must be barrel-aged for anywhere between one and three years. During this time it begins to lose some of its agave characteristics. This results in a richer and smoother drink compared to its counterparts. Extra anejo tequila: An extra anejo tequila is aged for a minimum of three years. It must also be aged in a container with a maximum capacity of 600 liters. Its color resembles that of whiskey or brandy, and it features a smooth, complex taste. How to Drink Tequila People around the world enjoy tequila in a variety of ways. Some choose to drink it alongside other ingredients, while others prefer drinking tequila on its own. Below, we’ve listed the three most common ways that people drink tequila: Tequila shots: Straight tequila can be taken as a shot on its own or accompanied by salt and lime. Tequila flights: Some individuals prefer drinking tequila over a longer period. A tequila flight allows you to sip on the drink rather than finish it in one shot. Doing so encourages the drinker to take in its flavor, scent, and several other characteristics. Cocktails: As one of the most popular forms of alcohol in the world, tequila is a prominent ingredient in several different cocktails. Whether you’re preparing a Margarita, a Tequila Sunrise, or experimenting with a new mixed drink recipe, adding additional ingredients can create new ways to serve the drink. Tasting Tequila It’s important to note that there isn’t one specific way to go about tasting tequila. As long as your guests can take in the different flavors, aromas, and physical traits of your drinks, your tequila tasting will be a success. However, if you wish to conduct your tequila tasting more traditionally, follow these steps: Fill glass: Begin by pouring your tequila into a long, narrow tequila glass or champagne flute. Observe the color and body: Take a moment to observe the color and consistency of the tequila, swirling it gently in the glass and taking note of how it moves. Take in the aroma: To best take in a tequila’s aroma, you must tilt the glass on its side so that the drink is close to the edge. Once this is achieved, you can take in its aroma. Observe differences: Compare the glass of tequila you have to the others in the selection. Note the differences in color, aroma, and consistency to grow a better appreciation for the tequila you are about to taste. Taste: Take a small sip of your tequila and make an effort to distinguish its flavor compared to other drinks, as well as any additional hints you may taste in it. How to Host a Tequila Tasting Whether you're entertaining a large group, hosting a holiday celebration, or just looking for new ways to expand your business, a tequila tasting can be an informative and enjoyable experience for you and your guests. If you've never attended or hosted a tequila tasting before, it may be difficult to identify a starting point. Below, we've included a list of steps to help you organize a successful tequila tasting in your restaurant or bar. 1. Buy Supplies To host a successful tequila tasting, you’ll first have to invest in the proper supplies for the event. Not only does having the right supplies help your event run smoothly, but when picked correctly, they can leave a positive impression on your guests. Below, we’ve included a list of supplies to help take your tequila tasting to the next level: Flight paddles: Sometimes referred to as flight boards or flight carriers, flight paddles are an excellent tool for transporting and organizing your tequila flights. Flight glasses: Quality glassware is essential to hosting a successful tequila tasting. A flight glass is specifically designed for samplings and tastings. They are available in several different sizes and typically feature a simple design, allowing for more focus on the drink itself. Dinnerware: A tequila tasting isn't completed without food to serve. Consider investing in quality dinnerware such as plates, bowls, and tasting dishes to create a presentable table setting for your guests. 2. Determine Tequila Selection Once you’ve gathered the necessary supplies, you’ll have to choose what tequilas to serve. Make an effort to feature a variety of tequilas in your selection to get the best results from your tasting. Be sure to choose tequilas that vary in age, allowing you to highlight each different stage of the aging process. Depending on your preferences, you can choose tequilas from one producer or several. You can even choose tequilas from different regions of Mexico. 3. Decide On a Menu Curating a menu is an essential part of organizing a tequila tasting. While tequila is a versatile drink, it generally pairs well with citrus or lime as well as dishes that contain white meat, fish, or pork. To create a more authentic tequila-tasting experience, you should make an effort to provide Mexican food at the event. Below, we’ve listed some popular tequila-tasting foods to offer on your menu: Chicken tacos Pork tacos Ceviche Grilled asparagus, green peppers, or corn Nachos Flan Whether you're a tequila lover or are just looking for a new way to promote your business, tequila tastings are an excellent way to attract guests. By understanding what tequila is, the different varieties of the drink, and how to organize a tequila tasting, you’ll be able to host a memorable event for your customers.
Types of Salsa
It’s a topping, it’s a condiment, and it’s universally loved. Salsa is one of those foods that’s easy to prepare and magically highlights the flavors of your fresh seasonal produce. Not all salsa has to be spicy, and it can be adjusted for personal tastes. It’s no wonder that salsa is one of the most popular condiments in the US. Since it’s such a crowd-pleaser, we want to introduce you to salsa varieties you can use to shake up your menu. Don't have time to prepare fresh salsa? Click below. Shop All Bulk Salsa Use these links to learn more about the different types of salsa: Pico de Gallo Salsa Taquera Salsa Roja Salsa Verde Salsa de Aguacate Salsa Criolla Salsa Sauce FAQs What Is Salsa? Salsa is the Spanish word for sauce, so to many Spanish-speaking cultures, salsa could refer to any sauce. Here in the US, we associate the word salsa with a dip made primarily from chopped tomatoes, chiles, and onions. The early Aztecs knew the combo of tomatoes and chiles was a flavorful contrast to the other staples of their diet. A conservative scoop of salsa was probably added to bowls of beans and corn to liven up the dish. Everyone loves complimentary chips and salsa, but salsa can also be elevated to a higher level. Approach salsa as a balanced, flavorful condiment meant to highlight your other dishes instead of a dip that's consumed in great quantities. Use the classic salsas below as your inspiration. Different Types of Salsa This list of salsas will inspire you to start a culinary garden for your restaurant. Fresh salsa usually contains no more than five ingredients and just requires a bit of chopping or blending. 1. Pico de Gallo Pico de gallo is a fresh, uncooked salsa made with finely chopped tomatoes, onions, serrano peppers, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. It’s known for its vibrant colors and fresh taste. Unlike other types of salsa, pico de gallo contains very little liquid, which makes it a great topping for tacos, quesadillas, and other Latin-inspired dishes. In Mexico, there are many variations on the basic pico recipe. Some regions prepare the salsa with jicama and oranges. You’ll also find versions of pico de gallo made with cucumber, mango, or watermelon. One thing is certain, though; traditional Mexican pico de gallo isn’t considered a dip. It’s eaten as a topping on other dishes or even considered a salad. Pico de Gallo Ingredients - Tomato, onion, serrano peppers, lime juice, cilantro, salt Pico de Gallo Uses - Topping, filling, or salad How to Pronounce Pico de Gallo - Peek-o-day-guy-o Other Names for Pico de Gallo - Salsa bandera, salsa fresca, salsa cruda 2. Salsa Taquera Salsa taquera translates to “taco sauce” in Spanish. It’s a popular salsa served in many Mexican taco stands or taquerias. The key ingredient in salsa taquera is the chile de arbol. This thin red chili pepper is hotter than a jalapeno and gives the salsa its signature spicy kick. To make this type of salsa, the chiles and other ingredients are cooked first. They can be boiled in water, roasted, or sauteed in oil. Once cooked, the ingredients are blended to make a smooth salsa. The arbol chiles are the star of the show in this salsa, but you can lower the heat by using fewer chiles and more tomatoes. Salsa Taquera Ingredients - Tomato, arbol chiles, onion, garlic, salt, lime juice Salsa Taquera Uses - Topping for tacos How to Pronounce Salsa Taquera - Sal-sa tah-keh-ra Other Names for Salsa Taquera - Chile de arbol salsa 3. Salsa Roja In Spanish, salsa roja means “red sauce”. This is a general term that covers any type of blended red salsa made with tomatoes. Salsa roja can be made from raw ingredients, cooked ingredients, or a combination of both. It can be pureed until it’s completely smooth or blended slightly for a chunky consistency. Salsa vs Enchilada Sauce Enchilada sauce is sometimes called red sauce, so how is it different from salsa roja? These two sauces might overlap in their ingredients, but the key difference is that enchilada sauce is thin, smooth, and served hot. It’s also considered an important part of dishes like enchiladas, while salsa roja is a cold table sauce that can be added to anything. Salsa Roja Ingredients - Tomato, onion, serrano or jalapeno peppers, garlic, lime juice, cilantro, salt Salsa Roja Uses - Table sauce and condiment How to Pronounce Salsa Taquera - Sal-sa ro-ha Other Names for Salsa Roja - Red sauce, salsa coicida, salsa asada, salsa Mexicana 4. Salsa Verde Salsa verde is a “green sauce” that’s made with tomatillos instead of tomatoes. The term salsa verde could refer to any green sauce, but in Mexico, green salsa is made with tomatillos. These small green fruits are native to Mexico and are less sweet and more acidic than tomatoes, which creates a type of salsa with a bright, vegetal flavor. Just like salsa roja, salsa verde can be made from cooked or raw ingredients. Roasting or charring the ingredients first brings out more sweetness in the salsa verde. Raw, uncooked ingredients produce tarter salsas. Because tomatillos have high acidity already, salsa verde doesn’t need lime juice to balance out the flavors. Salsa verde is pureed into a smooth sauce and served cold as a table salsa or condiment. Salsa Verde Ingredients - Tomatillos, onions, serrano or jalapeno peppers, garlic, cilantro Salsa Verde Uses - Table sauce and condiment How to Pronounce Salsa Verde - Sal-sa vair-day Other Names for Salsa Verde - Green salsa, verde salsa, tomatillo salsa 5. Salsa de Aguacate Salsa de aguacate is a creamy, green salsa made with tomatillos and avocado. The raw ingredients are pureed to make a smooth topping that’s often served with tacos and grilled meats. This type of salsa balances the refreshing coolness of avocado with the spiciness of serrano peppers. Avocado Salsa vs Guacamole Avocado salsa is another name for salsa de aguacate, but don’t get it mixed up with guacamole. The difference between these two green condiments is that avocado salsa contains tomatillos, and guacamole does not. Salsa de aguacate also has a thin, smooth consistency and guacamole is a thick, chunky dip. Salsa de Aguacate Ingredients - Avocados, tomatillos, onion, serrano peppers, garlic, cilantro Salsa de Aguacate Uses - Topping and condiment How to Pronounce Salsa de Aguacate - Sal-sa day ah-gwa-ka-tay Other Names for Salsa de Aguacate - Tomatillo guacamole, guacamole salsa, avocado salsa verde 6. Salsa Criolla Peruvian salsa criolla has a different look than the other types of salsas on our list because it contains sliced red onions instead of chopped onions. To achieve the perfect salsa criolla, the onions are thinly sliced, then sprinkled with salt, and lightly massaged. This removes any bitterness or bite from the onions and coaxes out their natural sweetness. Authentic salsa criolla also contains a bright orange chile called aji amarillo which adds a fruity, peppery bite. Orange bell pepper can be substituted for the amarillo pepper, but it produces a mild-tasting salsa. This red onion relish is a popular condiment in Peru, but it’s also enjoyed throughout Central and South America. Use it as a topping on meats and sandwiches. Salsa Criolla Ingredients - Red onion, aji amarillo peppers, cilantro, lime juice, salt Salsa Criolla Uses - Relish, topping, condiment, salad How to Pronounce Salsa Criolla - Sal-sa kree-o-luh Other Names for Salsa Criolla - Peruvian red onion relish, Peruvian pickled onions, red onion salsa Salsa FAQs We answer some common salsa questions below: Is Salsa a Sauce? Yes, salsa is the Spanish word for sauce. The salsa made from chopped tomatoes, peppers, and onions is more of a topping or condiment, but it can be blended into a smooth sauce-like consistency depending on your preference. Salsa taquera is often served in sauce bottles so customers can add the desired amount to their tacos. What Is Cantina Style Salsa vs Regular Salsa? Cantina style is a term used to describe salsa that is restaurant quality. Jarred cantina-style salsa has a thin consistency, and regular salsa in the jar is usually chunky. What's the Difference between Taco Sauce and Salsa? Taco sauce is a smooth, tomato-based sauce with a concentrated flavor that comes from garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and sometimes even sugar. Salsa can be smooth or chunky, but it gets most of its flavor from fresh produce and herbs like cilantro. What Is a Molcajete? A molcajete bowl is a Mexican tool used to mash ingredients for dishes like salsa or guacamole. Just like a mortar and pestle, the molcajete consists of a large bowl and a grinder tool called the tejolote. The original molcajete bowls were made from volcanic stone, but it's common to find them made in materials like granite or marble. There are also lightweight, plastic molcajete bowls that can be used for serving salsa in restaurants. History of Salsa Food You can’t talk about authentic Mexican salsas without first honoring their history. The origin of salsa made from chopped tomatoes goes back to a time when Central America was home to the Aztecs, Incas, and Mayans. It was likely all these cultures ate salsa in some form, but the Aztec diet was documented in more detail, so they are often credited with inventing it. A Franciscan missionary working in Central America recorded information about Aztec foods, including a sauce made from tomatoes, chiles, and squash seeds. This combination of ingredients didn’t go by one specific name until a Spanish priest dubbed it “salsa” in the 1500s. The Aztec tradition was passed down to subsequent cultures living in Central America and Mexico. Like many traditional Hispanic foods, salsa has come to be loved throughout all of North America. Now that you know more about the types of authentic salsa, you can skip the jarred stuff and prepare your own. Salsa is easy to make and adds a burst of flavor to your other menu items.