Frederic Melton
Street tacos are a Mexican dish that is typically smaller than traditional American tacos and served open-faced. While cheese is a popular ingredient in tacos, especially in Tex-Mex cuisine, street tacos in Mexico are not usually served with cheese. However, some people choose to add cheese to their street tacos, with popular options including Cotija, feta, queso fresco, and goat cheese. These cheeses provide a similar texture to the more classic options of cheddar or Mexican blend.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Cotija, Feta, Queso Fresco, Goat Cheese, Cheddar, Mexican Blend, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Sharp Cheddar, White Cheddar |
| Texture | Crumbly, White, Creamy, Salty |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Authentic Mexican street tacos don't have cheese
While it may be tempting to add cheese to your Mexican street tacos, it's important to note that this is not traditionally part of the dish. Street tacos are already full of flavor and don't need cheese to make them delicious.
Mexican street tacos are a far cry from the tacos that Americans are used to. They are generally much smaller and are served open-faced so you can see all the toppings. The tortillas are typically corn or flour, but they are always small, and you usually get two of them. This gives a cleaner eating experience.
The Meat
The focus of a street taco is the meat. Carne Asada is the term for the steak used in these tacos and the best cuts are flank steak or skirt steak. The steak is usually rubbed with a Mexican spice mix and then grilled or pan-fried. It's important to let the steak rest for about 10 minutes before slicing it, to seal in the juices and ensure the meat is tender and flavorful.
Toppings
Aside from the meat, toppings are optional. Authentic toppings include fresh salsa, onion, cilantro, avocado, and lime juice. While cheese is not a traditional topping, you can add it if you wish. The most authentic cheese to use would be Cotija, but you could also use sharp cheddar, white cheddar, or Monterey Jack.
Cheese and Crackers: The Perfect Wine Companions
You may want to see also
Cotija is a popular choice
Cotija cheese is commonly found in the dairy section of grocery stores and is typically purchased in a block to be shredded at home. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, including tacos, enchiladas, and quesadillas.
When choosing cheese for street tacos, it is important to consider the other ingredients and flavours in the dish. Cotija cheese pairs well with a variety of meats, vegetables, and spices commonly used in street tacos. It adds a salty, savoury note that enhances the overall flavour profile of the dish.
In addition to its flavour and texture, Cotija cheese has a relatively long shelf life compared to other cheeses. This makes it a convenient option for those who want to always have some cheese on hand for their street tacos or other Mexican-inspired dishes.
For those who are unable to find Cotija cheese in their local grocery stores, there are a few substitute options available. Feta cheese, for example, has a similar texture and flavour profile to Cotija and can be a suitable alternative. Other options include queso fresco, which is another crumbly, white cheese, or goat cheese, which provides a similar texture.
Cheese Platter Delights: Exploring Varieties and Flavors
You may want to see also
Queso fresco is a milder alternative
Queso fresco is a popular choice for street tacos, as it has a higher moisture level than other options such as Cotija. Cotija is a salty, crumbly cheese that is often compared to Parmesan in flavour. It is a more traditional option for street tacos, but its strong flavour can be too much for some.
If you're looking for a cheese with a milder flavour than Cotija, but still want something with a crumbly texture, then queso fresco is a great option. It provides a similar texture to Cotija but with a more subtle flavour that won't overpower the other ingredients in your taco.
In addition to queso fresco, feta, goat cheese, and even a classic cheddar or Mexican blend can be used as toppings for street tacos. However, it's important to note that traditional Mexican street tacos do not usually have any cheese at all. So, if you're looking for an authentic experience, you may want to skip the cheese altogether.
Chicken Parmesan: Choosing the Perfect Cheesy Topping
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Feta is a good substitute for Cotija
Feta is a Greek cheese that is typically made with pasteurized goat milk. However, feta cheese sold in the United States is often made with cow's milk, making it more comparable to Cotija. Feta has a similarly salty flavour, though it is slightly stronger than Cotija, and it has a slightly less fresh milk flavour. It is also similarly crumbly, though feta doesn't melt as well as Cotija.
When using feta as a substitute for Cotija, it is important to note that feta can be saltier than Cotija, so you may need to adjust your recipe accordingly. Feta can be used as a substitute in the same way you would use Cotija cheese, such as crumbling it over a finished dish, in some kinds of tacos, as a soup topper, or to add a different flavour to burritos or quesadillas.
The Best Cheeses to Use for French Onion Soup
You may want to see also
Cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic non-Mexican options
While street tacos in Mexico don't traditionally feature cheese, cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic non-Mexican options for those looking to add a cheesy kick to their tacos. These two cheeses are popular choices for those who like to add a generous sprinkling of cheese to their tacos, alongside other toppings such as salsa, lime juice, and sour cream.
Cheddar is a well-known and much-loved cheese that is often used in Tex-Mex style tacos. It has a sharp taste and can be purchased in a variety of shades, from a deep orange to a pale white. White cheddar, in particular, is a good option for those looking for a less mature flavour.
Monterey Jack is another popular choice for those who enjoy a more mellow, creamy cheese. It has a similar texture to mozzarella and is an excellent melting cheese, making it perfect for those who like their tacos to be oozing with cheese. For those who like a little spice, pepper jack cheese is a variety of Monterey Jack that includes spicy peppers.
While these two cheeses are not traditional Mexican options, they are both excellent choices for those who want to add a generous helping of cheese to their street tacos.
Cheesecloth for Hard Cheeses: Choosing the Right Type
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Street tacos often don't have any cheese at all. However, Tex Mex style tacos are often topped with Cotija, a salty, crumbly cheese that slightly resembles Parmesan in flavour. Other options include feta, queso fresco, or goat cheese, which provide a similar texture. For a more classic taste, opt for cheddar or a Mexican blend.
Feta is a good alternative to Cotija cheese. It has a similar texture and taste, and can be used if Cotija is not available in your region.
Street tacos are generally much smaller than traditional American tacos and are served open-faced so you can see the toppings. They are usually served with two small tortillas, which helps give a "cleaner" eating experience.
