To say a lot of tacos are eaten in America every year is an understatement – an estimated 4.5 billion were eaten last year alone. With these numbers, it’s safe to assume that the taco is one of the country’s most loved foods. But why do Americans love tacos so much?
Sure, they’re fast, easy to eat, tasty, and available almost everywhere – but the same can be said of a ton of foods that haven’t quite managed to achieve the iconic status of the taco. After all, what other food has a dedicated day of the week just for enjoying its delicious goodness?
So, what influenced the taco’s popularity? Let’s explore the rise of our favorite food in the US and just why we encantan los tacos.
Bringing Tacos to America
Tacos have cultural significance in Mexican cuisine, including serving as a symbol of Mexican-American heritage and cultural pride. They represent a connection to Mexican roots and traditions in many places along the Mexican-American border.
After crossing the border with people just like our founders, tacos began cropping up in home kitchens, food carts, and food stands in Texas, Arizona, and California. Tacos went mainstream in the mid-20th century as American diners became more adventurous in their culinary tastes. The 1950s and 60s saw the commercialization of tacos in America, with fast food chains popularizing tacos as a convenient and affordable option.
Meanwhile, even as these Americanized versions of the taco were spreading, new immigrants and people living along the Mexico-United States border began to share their own dishes. Among them were more authentic tacos with Mexican ingredients like carne asada, pollo, carnitas, cabbage, beans, and more. Street vendors began to serve these authentic tacos to immigrants missing home and Americans alike.
So, Why Do We Love Tacos So Much?
As a purveyor of the world’s greatest food, we know exactly why tacos are so popular here in the US. Take it from us: it’s because they are…
Versatile
Tacos come with countless customization options you can choose based on your preferences (and they’re all delicioso). For proteins, you can choose from carne asada, carnitas, al pastor, pollo asado, and beans. Toppings traditionally include diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime – but there’s more! Some people choose more adventurous options like pickled jalapeños, mango, fried eggs, or even pineapple.
The tortilla lends itself to further personalization. Whether you prefer corn, flour, or a fried shell, each option has its own flavor profile. Sauces and condiments add another layer of flavor, like spicy salsas, pico de gallo, guacamole, and chipotle mayo. With tacos, the possibilities are endless.
Flavorful
Tacos are known for their bold and diverse flavors. They include a wide range of ingredients, from marinated meats to fresh vegetables, with generous amounts of spices and seasonings. Salads and sauces enhance the flavor even more, whether it is a spicy salsa verde or a smoky chipotle sauce.
The traditional cooking methods used to create tacos, such as grilling, braising, and frying, add distinct textures and flavors to the meat and vegetables. You’ll find caramelization, smokiness, crispiness, heat, and tenderness, to name a few.
Accessible
Almost every American knows where they can find their closest taco restaurant, food truck, or street vendor. Here in the Valley area, there are several Backyard Taco locations intent on serving you authentic tacos when your heart desires. Tacos are a convenient and accessible option for on-the-go meals, casual dining, catering, and more – plus, they’re affordable, too!
Nutrient-Packed
If you’re interested in getting all your macros, tacos are an ideal choice. The nutritious ingredient options like beans and chicken and the ease of portion control make tacos a popular option for many people seeking a protein-packed, flavorful meal. Better yet, tacos can be customized with low-calorie and low-carb fillings and can come in vegan and vegetarian variations.
What Makes a Taco Authentic?
As we mentioned earlier, most tacos eaten in America today are not classified as “authentic Mexican food” but rather Tex-Mex, regional, or even fusion tacos. So, what makes these Americanized tacos so different from authentic tacos? Let’s dive into the delicious differences!
(Then, we’ll fill you in on why our authentic tacos are so fantastico!)
Tex-Mex Tacos
Tex-Mex tacos were created when immigrants in Texas used the ingredients available to them. Sure, Tex-Mex isn’t authentic, but it is probably the next best-known style of taco in the US. Tex-Mex tacos are typically made on flour tortillas and can include ground beef tacos, chicken tacos, fajita tacos, beef and cheese, and breakfast tacos.
Regional and Fusion Tacos
Chefs are known for experimenting with unexpected flavor pairings and creative culinary techniques to showcase their creativity and skill, and the popularity of tacos has led to an explosion of unique regional and fusion tacos in the US. You might find Korean BBQ tacos with Korean beef and kimchii, Mediterranean tacos filled with grilled lamb or beef gyro meat, Indian-inspired tacos with naan and curried chicken, and many more.
Seafood Tacos
Seafood tacos are often considered regional tacos since they are arguably more popular in the coastal US. Some seafood tacos are authentic, as they originated in Mexico, while others are the product of creative culinary fusion. These tacos give people the option of a lighter alternative to meat-based tacos and incorporate fresh seafood ingredients and flavors. They come in fish tacos, commonly cod, tilapia, or mahi-mahi, shrimp tacos, ceviche, lobster, and octopus.
Street Tacos
Street tacos, sometimes called tacos de la calle or tacos al vapor, have gained popularity worldwide but come from Mexican street food culture. These can feature traditional Mexican fillings and minimalist toppings. Most are served on small corn tortillas that make them easy to eat while standing or walking. Like seafood tacos, street tacos are often authentic, but due to how much Americans love tacos, they can be made with any combination of creative fillings.
Authentic Mexican Tacos
Authentic tacos usually include:
- Tortillas made from corn and not flour
- Soft-shelled only, never hard-shelled
- Cilantro, cabbage, and white onion toppings, though cheese and sour cream are often offered
- Meat marinated in cumin, oregano, lime, onions, paprika, chiles, salt and pepper
The most popular meats associated with traditional Mexican tacos include:
- Tacos de Asada – Grilled beef tacos marinated in citrus and spices.
- Tacos al Pastor – Pork tacos marinated in adobo sauce and served with pineapple.
- Tacos de Pollo – Slow-cooked chicken tacos served with salsa verde or salsa roja.
- Tacos de Birria – Shredded beef stewed in a broth and served with cilantro, onions, and lime.
At Backyard Taco, all the tacos on our menu are authentic, just like Ruben and Marisela first tasted in Mazatlan. Auténtico also means choosing corn tortillas and traditional toppings so the flavor explosion in your mouth matches the ones our ancestors have been crafting for centuries. But we do offer flour tortillas, cheese, and sour cream for those who prefer.
Tacos Are a Social and Cultural Experience in America
While other foods may be as widespread as tacos in America, we’d argue that no other food has achieved a cultural foothold quite like the taco. That’s because they represent a social and cultural experience that brings people together. Here’s how:
Social Gathering and Community Bonding
Tacos are often enjoyed in casual settings like the home, the backyard (of course!), and community events. With the rise of taco restaurants in American cities, especially in diverse neighborhoods, the places we eat tacos outside of the home are becoming gathering spots for people to enjoy amigos and familia alike.
Tacos are the ultimate social food – they even have their own day of the week! Almost everyone has heard of Taco Tuesdays, and the day has become a popular tradition in restaurants and in American homes. Restaurants hold special deals and promotions on Tuesdays, like our $3 carne asada or birria and $2.75 chicken or al pastor deals.
Cultural Celebration and Appreciation
Tacos are a focal point of celebrations during Cinco de Mayo and Hispanic Heritage Month. Both of these commemorate important times in Mexican heritage and culture. Here at Backyard Taco, we’re proud to celebrate the vibrance of Mexican culture year-round, but we especially love doing so during these holidays and special occasions.
Join us for Cinco de Mayo, Mexican Independence Day, and much more, and experience traditional Mexican music, decor, and food.
Culinary Diversity and Innovation
Americans love the taco so much that it’s become a popular foundation for some true culinary innovation. We’ve already mentioned some of the innovative interpretations that blend local ingredients and culinary techniques together. The practice allows people of all heritages to experiment with their own culture’s flavors and Mexican flavors together.
The Taco/Foodie Culture
With the rise of social media came the rise of foodie culture. People love to share images of their favorite foods and their eating experiences online. You’re probably not surprised to learn that tacos are frequently featured on social platforms like Instagram, X, and TikTok – posts about the best attract people from all over the country to experience authentic, local flavors.
Try an Authentic Taco at Backyard Taco
At Backyard Taco, we take pride in bringing the old-world flavors of Mexico right here to the Valley area. Here, you’ll find savory Mexican meats and traditional toppings piled high on our craft-made tortillas. Since 2005, we have been sharing the flavors of Mazatlan, Mexico, with taco lovers in Arizona.
Come visit us at any of our Backyard Taco locations to eat tacos how they were intended to be eaten – with amigos, familia, and a lot of love. Don’t forget to download our Taco Team rewards app before you come so you don’t miss out on the discounts and other benefits!
Dr. Tyler loves tacos! He is one of the owners of Backyard Taco, and can sometimes be found moonlighting there at night or on the weekends.
Dr. Tyler Robison is an alum of Mesa’s Mountain View High School. He graduted from Brigham Young University before being accepted to the “Top Ten-nationally ranked” University of Louisville in Kentucky, where he earned his Doctorate in Dental Medicine and a Master’s Degree in Oral Biology. He graduated with honors in the top ten percent of his class. Dr. Robison continued at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco, where he received a second master’s degree in dental science and his orthodontic certification.
Dr. Tyler enjoys serving in his community. He is a provider for the Smile Back Foundation, which offers scholarships for free dental treatment to underprivileged East Valley students. He is also a Major in the U.S. Army Reserve and served during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2008.
Dr. Tyler Robison’s favorite pastimes include spending time with his family on the lake, at the beach, or on the slopes. He is an avid and crazy snowboarder! He has three incredible sons and one sweet daughter: Caden, Jace, Crew, and Bliss.
