Andy Montoya
Street tacos are a versatile dish that can be made with various fillings and toppings. While some traditional taco recipes do not include cheese, several types of cheese are commonly used in street tacos, depending on the desired flavour and texture. Common cheeses used in street tacos include Cotija, a popular Mexican crumbly white cheese similar to Parmesan; queso fresco, a fresh, crumbly, lightly salted, and versatile Mexican cheese; and feta, which has a similar taste and texture to Cotija. These cheeses can be used alone or in combination with other ingredients to create a unique and tasty street taco.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese used on street tacos | Cotija, Feta, Queso Fresco, Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Queso Oaxaca |
| Texture | Crumbly |
| Taste | Salty, Sharp |
| Colour | White |
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Cotija cheese
The salty, sharp flavour of Cotija cheese pairs particularly well with the other ingredients in street tacos. The cheese helps to balance out the acidity of the lime and the freshness of the cilantro, while also complementing the juicy steak and creamy avocado. It adds a nice depth of flavour to the dish without overwhelming the other ingredients.
When using Cotija cheese in street tacos, it is important to use a generous amount to ensure the flavour comes through. The cheese can be crumbled or grated on top of the other ingredients, or mixed directly into the filling. Some people also like to use a combination of Cotija and other cheeses, such as feta or queso fresco, to create a more complex flavour profile.
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Feta
For those looking for a vegetarian option, feta can be combined with black beans, chilli powder, cumin, red onion, cilantro, and lime to create a delicious filling for corn tortilla tacos. The corn tortillas are heated on a skillet and then filled with the black bean and feta mixture, creating a pocket that is then cooked until golden and crisp.
Another option for street tacos is to use feta with steak, cilantro, pickled onions, and lime juice as toppings on warm tortillas. This combination provides a contrast between the warm steak and the cool, refreshing toppings, creating a unique and tasty street taco.
Overall, feta is a versatile and tasty option for those looking to add cheese to their street tacos. It provides a robust flavour and texture that complements the other ingredients commonly used in this dish.
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Queso fresco
When making street tacos, queso fresco can be added as a topping along with other ingredients such as avocado, onion, cilantro, and lime juice. It is a popular choice for carne asada street tacos, which typically include steak, avocado, and other fresh ingredients. Queso fresco can also be used in place of other cheeses, such as cotija, which is another popular choice for street tacos.
Overall, queso fresco is a delicious and versatile cheese that is perfect for adding a salty, savoury touch to street tacos and other Mexican dishes. It is a common choice for those looking to add an authentic Mexican flavour to their meals.
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Monterey Jack and Cheddar
While traditional Mexican street tacos do not include cheese, Tex-Mex recipes often feature Monterey Jack and Cheddar. These cheeses are a good substitute if you can't get your hands on more authentic Mexican varieties.
Monterey Jack is a semi-hard cheese with a mild flavour and excellent melting properties. It is often used in Tex-Mex cuisine, such as in quesadillas, nachos, and tacos. Cheddar, on the other hand, is a hard English cheese with a sharp, tangy flavour. It is one of the most popular cheeses in the world and is used in a wide variety of dishes.
When used in street tacos, Monterey Jack and Cheddar can add a creamy texture and savoury flavour. They can be used as a topping, melted over the other ingredients, or even mixed into the filling. For example, you could use them in chicken tinga tacos or carne asada street tacos, which are made with thin slices of grilled steak, avocado, onion, and cilantro.
While Monterey Jack and Cheddar are not traditional, they can be a tasty addition to street tacos, especially if you're looking for a melty cheese to balance out the other textures and flavours in your tacos.
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Crumbly white cheese
Cotija cheese is a popular choice for street tacos and is often used as a topping or filling. It can be crumbled or sprinkled on tacos, adding a robust flavour that complements the other ingredients. The cheese is also commonly used in other Mexican dishes such as nachos, enchiladas, and elote (Mexican street corn).
In addition to Cotija cheese, there are other varieties of crumbly white cheese that can be used in street tacos. One option is queso fresco, a traditional Mexican cheese made from raw cow's milk or a combination of cow and goat's milk. Queso fresco has a mild taste and a soft, moist texture similar to crumbly, low-moisture mozzarella. It is typically used as a finishing cheese, sprinkled on tortillas or crumbled over refried beans.
Another option for a crumbly white cheese on street tacos is feta. Feta cheese is not traditionally Mexican but can add a robust flavour to tacos. It has a similar texture and taste to Cotija cheese, making it a suitable substitute.
When choosing a crumbly white cheese for street tacos, it is important to consider the other ingredients and flavours in the dish. Cotija cheese, for example, is saltier than queso fresco, so adjustments may need to be made to the rest of the dish if using one cheese in place of the other.
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Frequently asked questions
Some popular cheeses to use on street tacos include cotija, feta, queso fresco, Monterey Jack, and cheddar.
Cotija is a crumbly, aged, and salty cheese that is very popular in Mexico. It has a similar flavor and texture to feta.
Queso fresco is one of the most common types of Mexican cheeses. It is a crumbly, lightly salted cheese that is often used as a topping for dips and appetizers. Cuajado is another common Mexican cheese that is soft, moist, and custard-like.
