Kamil Perry
Tacos are a traditional Mexican dish that combines meat and vegetables in a fresh flour or corn tortilla. While cheese is not a typical ingredient in traditional Mexican street tacos, it is a popular addition to tacos in Tex-Mex cuisine. There are several varieties of cheese that are commonly used in tacos, each with its own unique flavour and texture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Queso fresco, Cotija, Queso añejo, Chihuahua, Queso de Oaxaca, Crema, Queso asadero, Feta |
| Texture | Crumbly, moist, soft, dry, creamy, mild, melting |
| Taste | Salty, tangy, mild, fresh |
| Origin | Mexico, e.g. Chihuahua, Oaxaca, Michoacán |
| Similarities | Feta, ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, cheddar, Monterey Jack |
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What You'll Learn
- Crumbly white cheese: Queso fresco is a popular choice, but some find it too subtle
- Salty cheese: Cotija is a salty, crumbly cheese that resembles Parmesan
- Melting cheese: Queso asadero is a mild-flavoured melting cheese
- Creamy cheese: Queso de Oaxaca is a creamy, mildly-flavoured cheese that melts easily
- Garnish cheese: Crema is a naturally-sourced, thickened cream that adds a tangy bite to tacos
Crumbly white cheese: Queso fresco is a popular choice, but some find it too subtle
When it comes to choosing the right cheese for street tacos, a crumbly white cheese like queso fresco is a popular choice. Queso fresco, which literally translates to "fresh cheese", is a soft, moist, and crumbly whole milk cheese that resembles feta or ricotta in texture. It is often sold wrapped in a banana leaf or corn husk and can be crumbled over tacos, beans, and other Mexican snacks. While some people enjoy its subtle flavour, others may find it too mild and prefer a cheese with a more robust taste.
One option for those seeking a stronger flavour could be cotija cheese, which is another crumbly Mexican cheese with a sharp, salty taste similar to Parmesan. It pairs well with beans, salads, and antojitos, and can add a nice contrast of flavours to street tacos. Cotija cheese is a popular choice for those who want a more pronounced cheese presence in their tacos.
For those who want a cheese that melts well, queso de Oaxaca, also known as quesillo, is a creamy and mildly flavoured option. It melts easily, making it ideal for stuffing into quesadillas, burritos, or chiles rellenos. When shredded, it can also be used as a garnish on top of soups, tostadas, beans, and tacos.
Chihuahua cheese, also known as queso menonita, is another variety that can be used in street tacos. It resembles traditional cheddar cheese in flavour and is often used in quesadillas due to its melting capabilities.
Ultimately, the choice of cheese depends on personal preference and the desired flavour profile for the street tacos. While some may prefer the subtlety of queso fresco, others may opt for the stronger flavours of cotija or the melting qualities of Oaxaca and Chihuahua cheeses.
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Salty cheese: Cotija is a salty, crumbly cheese that resembles Parmesan
While street tacos often don't include cheese at all, Tex Mex style tacos are frequently topped with Cotija cheese. Cotija is a salty, crumbly cheese that resembles Parmesan in flavour. It is named after the town of Cotija in the state of Michoacán. It is an aged, dry cheese with a sharp, salty flavour. At room temperature or colder, it is dry and crumbly, but it will soften slightly when warmed. It is often sold in a round package and can be crumbled beautifully over tacos.
Cotija is a very popular cheese for street tacos, and it is frequently used in many homes. It is a great topping for beans, salads, antojitos, elote, and tacos. It is also a good choice for those who want a crumbly, robust cheese that complements the other ingredients in their street tacos.
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Melting cheese: Queso asadero is a mild-flavoured melting cheese
Street tacos are traditionally made with corn tortillas, cilantro, onions, lime, seasoned meat, and cheese. While some traditional Mexican street tacos do not contain cheese at all, Tex-Mex style street tacos are often topped with Cotija, a salty, crumbly cheese that resembles Parmesan in flavour.
If you are looking for a melting cheese to use on your street tacos, consider Queso Asadero, a mild-flavoured melting cheese from the state of Chihuahua. Asadero is similar to Queso Oaxaca, a creamy, mildly-flavoured cheese that melts easily. Both Asadero and Oaxaca can be melted into quesadillas or put on top of tacos as a garnish.
Other melting cheeses that can be used on street tacos include Monterey Jack, which can be used as a filling for chiles rellenos and tamales, and Chihuahua cheese, also known as Queso Menonita, which is commonly used in quesadillas.
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Creamy cheese: Queso de Oaxaca is a creamy, mildly-flavoured cheese that melts easily
Queso de Oaxaca, also known as quesillo in Oaxaca, is a creamy and mildly-flavoured cheese that is perfect for street tacos. It has a texture similar to string cheese, like mozzarella, and melts easily. This makes it an excellent option for stuffing quesadillas, burritos, or chiles rellenos.
Oaxaca cheese can also be shredded and used as a garnish on soups, tostadas, beans, and, of course, tacos. Its creamy texture and mild flavour make it a versatile option for street tacos, as it can complement a variety of other ingredients without being overpowering.
When using Oaxaca cheese for street tacos, consider shredding it and sprinkling it on top of your other ingredients. It can add a creamy, savoury element to your taco without being too dominant. If you're looking for a cheese that will stand out more, you may want to try something like Cotija, a salty, crumbly cheese that resembles Parmesan in flavour and is commonly used in street tacos.
However, if you're seeking a cheese that melts well and blends seamlessly with your other taco ingredients, Oaxaca is an excellent choice. Its mild flavour and creamy texture make it a versatile option that can enhance the overall taste experience without being too assertive.
In conclusion, Queso de Oaxaca is a fantastic option for street tacos due to its creamy texture and mild flavour. Its melting properties make it ideal for creating a cohesive and tasty taco experience, especially when combined with other classic taco ingredients like meat, vegetables, and spices.
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Garnish cheese: Crema is a naturally-sourced, thickened cream that adds a tangy bite to tacos
Tacos are a traditional combination of meat and vegetables in a fresh flour or corn tortilla. Cheese is also a popular ingredient for tacos, especially in Tex-Mex cuisine. Street tacos, however, are often served without cheese.
One cheese that can be used as a garnish for tacos is Crema. Crema is a naturally-sourced, thickened cream that adds a tangy bite to soups, vegetables, and tacos. It is similar to a combination of American sour cream and French crème fraîche. Crema is typically used as a garnish after cooking.
There are several other types of cheese that can be used in tacos. For example, Cotija is an aged, dry, and crumbly Mexican cheese with a salty flavour reminiscent of Parmesan. It is often used as a topping for beans, salads, antojitos, elote, and tacos. Another option is Queso Fresco, which is a crumbly, white cheese similar to feta or ricotta. It is perfect for sprinkling over antojitos, beans, and tacos. Queso Oaxaca, also known as quesillo, is a creamy and mildly-flavoured cheese that melts easily, making it ideal for stuffing quesadillas, burritos, or chiles rellenos. It can also be shredded and used as a garnish on top of soups, tostadas, beans, and tacos.
Other options for cheese to use in tacos include Chihuahua cheese, Queso Asadero, and Queso Añejo. Chihuahua cheese, also known as queso menonita or quesadilla cheese, resembles traditional cheddar cheese. Queso Asadero is a melting cheese with a mild flavour that can be used as a garnish for tacos or melted into quesadillas. Queso Añejo, or "old cheese", is aged Queso Fresco with a harder, drier texture that is often sold pre-grated. It is typically served crumbled on top of enchiladas.
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Frequently asked questions
Cotija cheese is a popular choice for street tacos. It is an aged, dry, and crumbly Mexican cheese with a salty flavor that resembles Parmesan.
Other options include feta, queso fresco, and Chihuahua cheese.
Cotija is a salty and crumbly Mexican cheese named after the town of Cotija in the state of Michoacán. It is often used as a topping for beans, salads, antojitos, elote, and street tacos.
If you're looking for a melting cheese, consider using queso asadero, which has a mild flavor and melts easily. You can also try Oaxaca cheese, which is similar to mozzarella in texture and melts beautifully.
