Have you ever wanted to make a Fajita Vs Taco comparison? If yes, then this article is perfect for you.
People often mix fajitas and tacos, but it’s like confusing apples with apple pie. Sure, they both have fruit, but one is like a little treat while the other is a full-blown celebration.
The mix-up happens because both fajitas and tacos consist of meat wrapped in tortillas and topped with delicious additions like guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo.
The food mystery is that sometimes fajitas go undercover as tacos, but tacos can never pull off a fajita disguise.
This article features a complete Fajita Vs Taco comparison with all there is to know about Fajita and Taco. Do read on!
What are Fajitas?
Tacos and fajitas sometimes dance along the blurry line of distinction, especially when you create the ultimate fusion of fajitas and tacos. But tacos have become these wild, adventurous creations with endless options, while fajitas usually stick to their roots, grilling up tasty meat and veggies.
The word ‘Fajita’ comes from ‘Faja,’ a Spanish word meaning ‘girdle’ or ‘belt.’ The fajitas we eat nowadays became a big hit in the 1970s, but the original version goes way back to the 1930s to 1940s.
It will even interest you that the name fajita refers to the type of meat usually used in the dish carne asada.
The chewy meat is cut across the fibers, cooked on the grill, and served with grilled veggies and tortillas made from corn or flour. You can enjoy this by loading your tortillas with the fajita fillings.
And these days, you can find all sorts of fajita options, from seafood and chicken to vegan versions.
History of Taco
Tacos are like little tortilla pockets filled with whatever you like. They’re smaller than fajitas, meaning they can perfectly fit in your hands.
Not only are they ideal for eating on the go, but they’re also an affordable indulgence. And the intriguing part is that they are more than just a fantastic treat.
Guess what? The original tacos weren’t meant for eating. In the 18th century, Mexican silver miners had a clever trick up their sleeves. They used to wrap gunpowder in paper and stuff it into the holes they carved in rocks. And guess what they called those? Tacos!
From the Mexican mines to our hungry tummies, tacos have a fascinating journey. They’ve been a part of the Mexican culture for ages, possibly even since the 18th century,
Tacos have also found a special place in the American diet, so much so that Taco Bell, a popular fast-food chain, is ranked among the top 10 in the United States.
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Fajita Vs Taco: Key Differences
Imagine strolling down the street and spotting places where massive lines stretch onto the sidewalk. People are queuing up, patiently waiting for their turn, sometimes for an hour! What’s the fuss about, you wonder? Well, it’s tacos.
Tacos are holding their ground with their robust flavors and pocket-friendly prices, winning over more and more fans each day.
On the other hand, fajitas have an irresistible appeal, and their tasty toppings are crowd-pleasers. It’s like a Fajitas Vs Tacos face-off.
When it comes to tacos and fajitas, opinions are divided. Some people are convinced that tacos are the best, and there’s no comparison with fajitas. However, others hold a contrasting viewpoint.
Now you might be wondering, what exactly sets these two apart?
Fajitas usually sport a wheat tortilla, while tacos typically embrace the corn variety. However, in northern Mexico, tortillas are crafted with lard, wheat flour, and water. And that’s not even half of it! These tortillas come in a more compact diameter than the original one.
Tacos are a part of traditional Mexican food, while fajitas come from Texas and have a mix of Mexican and American flavors. Texans call this excellent fusion Tex-Mex cuisine.
A fajita can be enjoyed as a taco by wrapping it in a tortilla, but you cannot call a taco a fajita. So, fajitas score a point for their versatility!
Unlike tacos, you can serve fajitas without the crispy shell that defines a taco’s characteristic.
Fajita Vs Taco: How They Are Served
At Mexican eateries, you’ll get fajitas served hot in a cast iron skillet that is usually on a wooden platter. They bring tortillas separately, along with a bunch of toppings for you to pick from.
Tacos, on the other hand, are already prepared and ready to eat when they bring them to your table. But with fajitas, it’s up to you to fill your tortillas however you like and customize your meal!
What Can You Pair with Tacos?
Not sure what to serve with your tacos? Well, there are many fantastic side dish recipes that’ll go perfectly with your next taco meal!
When setting up a taco dinner, there are plenty of tasty sides to choose from, and it depends on the type of taco you’re going for. The usual suspects are rice and beans, but if you’re doing fish tacos, it’s incredible to add fresh veggies on the side too!
Bean side dishes:
Beans are fantastic as a side for tacos! They’re cheap and super simple to whip up. You’ve got different kinds to pick from, like the classic refried beans, but in Tex-Mex places in Texas, you’ll often find charro and borracho beans.
If you want something more nutritious, Refried Black Beans are a great choice, and they go amazingly well with cilantro lime rice!
Rice side dishes:
Tacos and rice are like a match made in foodie heaven! Rice makes a fantastic side for tacos because you can get all creative with flavors.
For beef tacos, you should try it with classic Mexican rice; it’s a winner. But if you’re into carne asada tacos, cilantro lime rice is the best because it goes well with the marinade flavors.
Sides that aren’t rice and beans:
Tired of the same old rice and beans with your tacos? How about throwing some grilled veggies or a fresh salad into the mix? You can also try adding Mexican Street Corn, and if you prefer something heartier, go for the roasted Tex-Mex potatoes.
These options will add some extra flavor to your taco spread!
Best Side Dishes for Fajita Dinners
Want to make your fajita night the best? You might be craving fajitas and wondering what to serve with them for dinner. Don’t worry; we will recommend a bunch of awesome Mexican-inspired recipes!
Start with a yummy shrimp cocktail appetizer, load up on salsa and guacamole for dipping, and get your delectable sides. Let’s kick start a fantastic fajita night that’ll have your family talking about for days.
Mexican Rice:
Don’t hesitate to add a mound of rice inside your fajitas or serve it on the side – nobody will mind! This delicious tomato-flavored rice is perfect for enhancing all those amazing flavors.
Cilantro Lime Rice:
Cilantro lime rice is another fantastic dish for fajitas. It has a tasty, mellow flavor, and it is super easy to prepare in an instant pot. You can also prepare it on the stovetop using the same ingredients.
Mexican Street Corn:
Mexican street corn is rich and tangy. You can pair it with your fajitas to counterbalance their spiciness, creating an excellent side dish.
Made with sweet corn as the base and adorned with a nice mix of smoked paprika, creamy garlic chipotle sauce, and queso fresco, Mexican sweet corn is an excellent accompaniment for your fajitas.
Corn Fritters
Corn fritters have this excellent crispy outside and tender inside that goes terrific with fajitas. They have a mild flavor that nicely balances the spiciness of the fajita mix.
You can dip them into your homemade guacamole or salsa for the fajitas, and they’re also a great way to use up any leftover elotes!
Frequently Asked Questions – Fajita Vs Taco
Is Fajita a Taco?
To start with, let’s explore the contrasting aspects of Fajitas Vs Tacos. Their visual appeal diverges significantly as fajitas make a grand entrance, arriving on a sizzling skillet with peppers and onions.
Conversely, tacos take a more humble approach, nestling their flavors in a tortilla shell with many fillings. So no, fajitas and tacos aren’t the same thing.
Are Tacos and Fajitas the Same?
With the fajitas Vs tacos debate, there’s a simple rule to remember. Fajitas always bring their A-game, grilling up all the veggies and meats to perfection.
But tacos, they like to keep things fresh with tomatoes and other veggie toppings. And in terms of seasonings, in their proper, authentic form, fajitas and tacos don’t differ much.
How Are Fajitas Traditionally Served?
One of the appealing aspects of fajita is the DIY approach! Fajitas come with a basket of soft tortillas and various tasty side dishes like salsa and sour cream. You have the freedom to customize your fajita using these condiments.
What Are the Three Types of Tacos?
Three main types or varieties of tacos are famous worldwide. They are carne asada, carnitas, and Al pastor.
What Is So Special About Tacos?
Why are tacos so loved and celebrated worldwide? You might wonder. Well, it’ll interest you that tacos are as healthy as they are delicious. When you have the best of both worlds in a meal, it’s difficult to part with it completely.
Due to their wholesome fillings, tacos provide a balanced diet of carbohydrates, protein, fats, and oil. You should also know that they are rich and good sources of iron, fiber, and calcium.
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Conclusion-Fajita Vs Taco
The Fajitas Vs Tacos argument is like a considerable steak debate, and people often say, ‘Fajitas can be tacos, but tacos can’t be fajitas.’ But we hope we have cleared the confusion surrounding both treats.
Instead of choosing sides, why not have both? There’s no need to fight over Fajita Vs Taco – let’s enjoy them both!