Cheese And Street Tacos: The Perfect Melty Match

Street tacos are a common type of street food in Mexico, and they are also very popular in the US. They are made with tortillas, folded in half and filled with meat, cheese, vegetables, or fish. While cheese is not typically added to street tacos in Mexico, it is a popular ingredient in the US, especially in Tex-Mex cuisine. Some popular types of cheese used in street tacos include Cotija, Queso Fresco, Feta, and Cheddar.

Crumbly white cheese like Cotija, Queso Fresco, or Feta

Crumbly White Cheese for Street Tacos

A popular choice of cheese for street tacos is a crumbly white cheese like Cotija, Queso Fresco, or Feta. These cheeses can be crumbled over the taco filling and provide a nice contrast in texture.

Cotija cheese is a hard cow's milk cheese from Mexico, also known as Mexican crumbling cheese. It has a strong, salty flavour and is often used in Mexican cuisine. If you can't find Cotija cheese, Feta cheese can be a good substitute as it has a similar texture and taste.

Queso Fresco is another Mexican cheese similar to Cotija but with a higher moisture level. It has a mild, fresh flavour and is also crumbly in texture.

For those looking for a more robust flavour to balance out the acidity of the tacos, Feta cheese is a good option. It has a stronger, more tangy flavour than Queso Fresco and can add a nice sharpness to the tacos.

When choosing cheese for street tacos, it's important to consider the other ingredients and flavours in the taco. The cheese should complement the other toppings and enhance the overall taste experience.

In addition to the cheese, street tacos typically include meat (such as steak, chicken, fish, or pork), vegetables (such as onions, cilantro/coriander, and jalapeno), and a tortilla (either corn or flour). The beauty of street tacos is that they can be customised to your liking, so feel free to experiment with different combinations of ingredients!

Mexican Feta cheese

Mexican cuisine offers a dazzling variety of cheeses, from soft, fresh cheeses to firm, aged ones. One of the most popular Mexican cheeses is Cotija, a hard cow's milk cheese from the town of Cotija in the state of Michoacán, in western Mexico. It has a crumbly texture and salty flavour, likened to feta cheese. In fact, Cotija is often referred to as "Mexico's Parmesan cheese". Its sharp, salty flavour and crumbly texture make it a perfect addition to street tacos, adding a nice contrast to the acidity of the other ingredients.

While feta cheese is not traditionally Mexican, it can be a delicious addition to street tacos. Feta is a brined curd cheese that is typically made from sheep's milk, or a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk. It has a tangy, salty flavour and a crumbly texture, similar to Cotija. Feta is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, and its strong flavour can stand up to other robust ingredients.

When it comes to choosing cheese for street tacos, it's important to consider the other ingredients and flavours that will be present. Street tacos typically include meat, vegetables, and a corn or flour tortilla. The cheese should complement and enhance these flavours, without overwhelming them.

In addition to Cotija and feta, there are several other Mexican cheeses that could be a good choice for street tacos. Queso fresco, for example, is a soft, white cheese that resembles feta in texture and flavour. It is mild and slightly tangy, and crumbles easily, making it a great topping for tacos. Another option is queso añejo, which is the aged version of queso fresco. It has a firmer, drier texture and a salty flavour, similar to ricotta salata or Parmesan. It adds a nice crunchy texture when crumbled on top of tacos.

Ultimately, the best cheese for street tacos depends on personal preference and the specific ingredients used in the tacos. Cotija, feta, queso fresco, and queso añejo are all excellent choices that can enhance the flavour and texture of this popular Mexican dish.

Shredded cheese

For example, if you are making carne asada street tacos, you might want to use shredded Cotija cheese, also known as Mexican crumbling cheese. Cotija cheese is a hard cow's milk cheese from Mexico that pairs well with carne asada, which is typically made from flank or skirt steak. If you are unable to find Cotija cheese, you can substitute it with feta cheese, as it has a similar texture and flavour profile.

Another option for shredded cheese on street tacos is cheddar. This variety of cheese has a sharper flavour than Cotija or feta and can add a nice tanginess to your tacos. You could also use a Mexican blend of shredded cheese, which typically includes a mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and other cheeses.

When choosing shredded cheese for your street tacos, consider the other ingredients and flavours in your dish. You want the cheese to complement the other toppings and enhance the overall flavour profile. For example, if you are using acidic ingredients like lime juice, you may want a milder cheese like Cotija or queso fresco to balance out the acidity.

So, if you're looking to add some shredded cheese to your street tacos, consider the type of cheese that will best complement your other ingredients and enhance the overall flavour and texture of your dish.

Grilled vs ungrilled cheese

When it comes to choosing the right cheese for street tacos, there are a few factors to consider, including taste, texture, and how well it complements the other ingredients. While some people prefer to omit cheese from their street tacos altogether, for those who do enjoy a cheesy topping, the options are endless.

One popular choice for street tacos is grilled cheese. Grilling the cheese can add a nice charred flavour to the taco and create a tasty, warm topping. When grilling cheese, it's important to consider the melting point. Cheeses with a high melting point, such as Cotija, feta, or cheddar, are ideal for grilling as they will retain their shape and texture without melting completely. Grilled cheese can add a nice crispy texture to the taco, especially when paired with grilled steak or chicken.

On the other hand, ungrilled cheese offers a different set of advantages. Ungrilled cheese tends to be cooler, which can be beneficial for creating a temperature contrast with the other ingredients. It also allows the cheese to maintain its original texture and flavour. For example, ungrilled Cotija cheese will have a crumbly texture that can add a nice bite to the taco. Similarly, ungrilled queso fresco or feta can provide a subtle, fresh flavour that doesn't overpower the other ingredients.

Ultimately, the decision to grill or not grill the cheese comes down to personal preference and the desired flavour and texture profile of the taco. Grilled cheese can add a smoky, charred flavour and a warm, crispy texture, while ungrilled cheese can provide a cooler, crumblier texture and a more subtle, fresh flavour. Both options can enhance the street taco experience, and experimentation is encouraged to find the perfect combination.

Cheese with avocado

Avocados are a staple ingredient in Mexican cuisine, and when combined with cheese, they make for a delicious and creamy addition to street tacos. Here are some tips and ideas for creating mouth-watering cheese and avocado tacos:

Cheese and Avocado Combinations

When it comes to choosing the right cheese to pair with avocado, there are several options that can enhance the flavour and texture of your tacos:

• Cotija or Queso Fresco: These cheeses are commonly used in Mexican cuisine and are known for their crumbly texture and mild, salty flavour. Cotija cheese is often recommended for tacos as it adds a nice salty contrast to the other ingredients without overwhelming them.
• Feta: Feta cheese can be a good substitute for Cotija if you're looking for something similar but with a more robust flavour. It has a salty, tangy taste and a creamy texture that pairs well with avocado.
• Mozzarella: For a classic, mild cheese option, mozzarella can be a good choice. Its stretchy, melted texture can add a nice contrast to the creamy avocado.
• Manchego: This Spanish cheese is known for its sharp flavour and crumbly texture, making it a good option if you're looking for something more robust than Cotija or Queso Fresco.

Taco Assembly and Toppings

When assembling your cheese and avocado tacos, here are some suggestions for a well-balanced dish:

• Start with a warm, chewy corn tortilla as the base. You can also use a flour tortilla if you prefer.
• Spread a generous amount of mashed avocado onto the tortilla. You can also use guacamole for extra flavour.
• Add your chosen cheese, either crumbled or grated, on top of the avocado.
• Include some fresh toppings such as chopped onion, cilantro (coriander), and a squeeze of lime juice. These ingredients will add a refreshing flavour and texture to your tacos.
• If you want some spice, add a jalapeño pepper sauce or your favourite hot sauce.
• For extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken or steak to your tacos.

Example Recipe: Carne Asada Street Tacos

If you're looking for a heartier option, you can create Carne Asada Street Tacos by combining avocado and cheese with grilled steak. Here's a simple recipe:

• Marinate a flank or skirt steak in a mixture of juice, garlic, herbs, and spices.
• Grill the steak to your desired doneness, preferably medium-rare.
• Slice the steak into thin strips against the grain.
• Warm up some corn or flour tortillas.
• Spread mashed avocado onto the tortillas, then add the steak, crumbled Cotija cheese or Queso Fresco, diced onion, and fresh cilantro.
• Squeeze some lime juice on top and enjoy!

Feel free to customise your tacos with additional toppings, such as pico de gallo, salsa, or radish slices for extra crunch.

Frequently asked questions