Tacos are one of the defining dishes of Mexican cuisine, offering endless variations to suit every palate. From slow-cooked meats surrounded by complementary Mexican cheese to fresh seafood and vegetarian options, each type brings a unique combination of flavors, textures, and ingredients. Whether wrapped in a soft corn tortilla or a crispy shell, tacos are versatile and deeply rooted in regional traditions. Understanding the differences between taco varieties helps foodservice operators craft menus that cater to diverse tastes while honoring authentic Hispanic flavors.
- 1. Birria Tacos
- 2. Shrimp Tacos
- 3. Tacos al Pastor
- 4. Carne Asada Tacos
- 5. Carnitas Tacos
- 6. Lengua Tacos
- 7. Tacos de Canasta
- 8. Chorizo Tacos
- 9. Barbacoa Tacos
- 10. Tinga Tacos
- 11. Nopales Tacos
- 12. Tacos de Pescado
- 13. Cochinita Pibil Tacos
Types of Taco Meat
The choice of meat defines a taco’s flavor, texture, and overall appeal. Different regions and traditions influence the protein choice, from slow-braised cuts to grilled and marinated options. Whether serving classic beef, pork, or seafood tacos, selecting the right filling is key to creating an authentic experience. Below are a few popular types of taco meat:
- Beef: Carne asada, birria, barbacoa, lengua
- Chicken: Tinga, pollo asada
- Pork: Al pastor, carnitas, chorizo, cochinita pibil
- Seafood: Pescado, camaron
- Other: Goat and lamb birria and barbacoa varieties
Types of Vegan Tacos
For those seeking meat-free options, vegetarian tacos offer just as much depth and variety. These fillings highlight fresh produce, hearty legumes, and bold seasonings.
- Nopales (Cactus): Tender, slightly tangy cactus paddles, often grilled or sauteed.
- Mushrooms: Sauteed or grilled mushrooms, providing a rich, umami-packed bite.
- Frijoles (Beans): Black or pinto beans, mashed or whole, for a creamy and satisfying texture.
- Lentils: A protein-rich alternative, often cooked with traditional spices.
- Rajas con Crema: Roasted poblano pepper strips in a creamy sauce for a smoky, mildly spicy flavor.
- Plant-Based Proteins: Meat substitutes like tofu, jackfruit, or seitan, seasoned to mimic classic taco flavors.
Types of Tacos
Explore the most popular types of tacos from Mexico to add to your menu.
1. Birria Tacos
Birria tacos, or "stewed meat tacos," are known for their rich, slow-cooked filling and deep, savory flavor. Traditionally made with beef or goat, the meat is braised in a spiced chili broth until tender, then shredded and served in a crispy, dipped tortilla. These tacos are often enjoyed with a side of consomme for dipping, making them a favorite for special occasions and street food vendors alike.
- Meat: Beef (commonly brisket or chuck) or goat
- Tortilla: Corn, often dipped in consomme before grilling
- Toppings: Chopped onions, cilantro, lime, Oaxaca cheese
- What Do Birria Tacos Taste Like? Savory, slightly spicy, rich, deeply seasoned
2. Shrimp Tacos
Translated as "tacos de camaron," shrimp tacos highlight fresh seafood with a balance of bright and bold flavors. The shrimp are usually grilled or battered and fried, then paired with crisp slaw, creamy sauces, and zesty toppings. These tacos are especially popular in coastal regions and are a refreshing option for warm-weather dining.
- Meat: Shrimp, grilled or battered and fried
- Tortilla: Corn or flour
- Toppings: Shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, avocado, cotija cheese, lime crema
- What Do Shrimp Tacos Taste Like? Fresh, citrusy, slightly sweet, mildly smoky, creamy
3. Tacos al Pastor
Tacos al pastor, or "shepherd-style tacos," are a staple of Mexican street food, influenced by Lebanese shawarma. They feature thin slices of marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, then shaved onto a tortilla and topped with fresh garnishes. The marinade, made with achiote and dried chilies, gives the meat its signature red color and bold flavor. These tacos are a go-to for casual dining and late-night eats.
- Meat: Marinated pork, cooked on a vertical spit
- Tortilla: Corn
- Toppings: Pineapple, chopped onions, cilantro, salsa roja, queso fresco
- What Do Tacos al Pastor Taste Like? Sweet, tangy, slightly spicy, citrusy
4. Carne Asada Tacos
Carne asada tacos highlight the bold, charred flavors of flame-cooked beef. The meat is marinated with citrus, garlic, and spices before being grilled, chopped, and served in warm tortillas. These tacos are popular at barbecues, taco stands, and celebrations. For a unique twist, some locations serve pollo asado tacos with similarly prepared chicken instead of beef.
- Meat: Grilled, marinated beef (flank or skirt steak)
- Tortilla: Corn or flour
- Toppings: Diced onions, cilantro, guacamole, lime, cotija cheese
- What Do Carne Asada Tacos Taste Like? Smoky, savory, slightly charred, juicy
5. Carnitas Tacos
Carnitas tacos' main ingredient is slow-cooked pork crisped up in its own fat for a perfect balance of tenderness and crunch. The pork is seasoned with citrus, garlic, and spices, then braised for hours until melt-in-your-mouth soft. These tacos are commonly served at family gatherings and celebrations.
- Meat: Slow-cooked, crispy pork
- Tortilla: Corn
- Toppings: Diced onions, cilantro, salsa verde, pickled jalapenos, queso fresco
- What Do Carnitas Tacos Taste Like? Rich, savory, crispy, juicy, slightly citrusy
6. Lengua Tacos
As a more exotic choice, lengua tacos are a delicacy known for their incredibly tender texture and rich flavor - thanks to the beef tongue acting as the main ingredient. The tongue is slow-cooked until soft, then chopped into bite-sized pieces and lightly seared. These tacos are popular in traditional taquerias and enjoyed by those seeking an authentic, flavorful experience.
- Meat: Braised beef tongue
- Tortilla: Corn
- Toppings: Chopped onions, cilantro, salsa verde, radish slices, cotija cheese
- What Do Lengua Tacos Taste Like? Buttery, tender, rich, slightly beefy
7. Tacos de Canasta
Tacos de canasta, or "basket tacos," are soft, steamed tacos typically sold by street vendors. They are filled with a variety of ingredients, then stacked in a basket lined with cloth to keep them warm. Their slightly oily texture and comforting flavors make them a popular choice for breakfast and lunch.
- Meat: Shredded beef, chicharron, potatoes, or beans
- Tortilla: Corn
- Toppings: Pickled onions, salsa, crumbled queso fresco
- What Do Tacos de Canasta Taste Like? Soft, savory, mildly spicy, rich
8. Chorizo Tacos
Chorizo tacos highlight the bold, smoky, and spicy flavors of seasoned pork sausage. The chorizo is cooked until slightly crispy, releasing flavorful oils that enhance the taco’s taste. These tacos are commonly enjoyed as a late-night snack or part of a hearty meal.
- Meat: Spiced pork chorizo
- Tortilla: Corn or flour
- Toppings: Diced onions, cilantro, lime, crumbled queso fresco
- What Do Chorizo Tacos Taste Like? Smoky, spicy, slightly tangy
9. Barbacoa Tacos
Barbacoa tacos feature slow-cooked, tender meat traditionally prepared in an underground pit or slow-braised until juicy and flavorful. The cooking process enhances the meat’s rich taste, making these tacos a favorite for weekend meals and special occasions. They are often served with fresh toppings and a side of consomme for dipping.
- Meat: Slow-cooked beef, lamb, or goat
- Tortilla: Corn
- Toppings: Diced onions, cilantro, lime, crumbled queso fresco
- What Do Barbacoa Tacos Taste Like? Rich, tender, slightly gamey
10. Tinga Tacos
Tinga tacos are made with shredded chicken cooked in a smoky, spicy tomato and chipotle sauce. This dish originates from Puebla and is known for its bold, slightly tangy flavor. These tacos are popular for casual meals and family gatherings.
- Meat: Shredded chicken
- Tortilla: Corn or flour
- Toppings: Sliced avocado, crema, pickled red onions, crumbled queso fresco
- What Do Tinga Tacos Taste Like? Smoky, spicy, tangy, slightly sweet
11. Nopales Tacos
Nopales tacos showcase tender cactus paddles as the main ingredient, making them a popular vegetarian option in Mexican cuisine. The cactus is typically grilled or sauteed, giving it a slightly tangy and crisp texture. These tacos are often enjoyed as a healthy, flavorful alternative to meat-based varieties.
- Meat: None (vegetarian)
- Tortilla: Corn
- Toppings: Diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, crumbled queso fresco
- What Do Nopales Tacos Taste Like? Tangy, slightly citrusy, crisp, earthy
12. Tacos de Pescado
More commonly known as fish tacos, tacos de pescado originated in coastal regions of Mexico, particularly Baja California. They feature battered or grilled fish, making them a fresh and light option. These tacos are known for their combination of crunchy, creamy, and zesty flavors.
- Meat: White fish (such as cod or mahi-mahi)
- Tortilla: Corn or flour
- Toppings: Shredded cabbage, crema, lime, pico de gallo
- What Do Tacos de Pescado Taste Like? Light, flaky, crispy, tangy
13. Cochinita Pibil Tacos
Cochinita pibil tacos feature slow-roasted pork marinated in achiote paste and citrus juices, a traditional dish from the Yucatan Peninsula. The long cooking process infuses the meat with deep, tangy, and slightly smoky flavors. These tacos are a staple for festive gatherings and celebrations.
- Meat: Slow-roasted pork
- Tortilla: Corn
- Toppings: Pickled red onions, cilantro, habanero salsa
- What Do Cochinita Pibil Tacos Taste Like? Tender, tangy, citrusy, slightly smoky
From bold and spicy to light and refreshing, there's a type of taco to satisfy every palate. Each variety tells a story through its ingredients and preparation, reflecting regional influences and culinary traditions. Offering a well-rounded taco selection enhances menu appeal and provides an authentic and memorable experience. By understanding these different tacos, foodservice operators can elevate their offerings and celebrate one of the world’s most beloved dishes.
