What Makes Good Street Tacos | Mi Casa Breck Guide

Erin Gamble • September 5, 2025

Good street tacos come down to three simple things: fresh corn tortillas, well-seasoned meat, and the right toppings. These small but mighty tacos pack big flavor with just onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Unlike bigger restaurant tacos, street tacos keep things simple to let the meat shine.

In this guide, you'll learn exactly what makes street tacos special and how to spot the best ones. Whether you're eating at a food truck or making them at home, these tips will help you enjoy perfect tacos every time.

The Foundation: Perfect Corn Tortillas

Size Matters for Street Tacos

Real street tacos use small corn tortillas that are about 4 to 5 inches wide. This size makes them easy to hold in one hand while you walk around. The small size also means you can eat several different kinds without getting too full.

Many places serve two tortillas together, which Mexican people call "la copia" or "the copy." The second tortilla acts as backup in case the first one breaks from all the juicy meat.

Why Corn Beats Flour

Corn tortillas are the traditional choice because corn has been grown in Mexico for hundreds of years, long before wheat arrived from Europe. Using small, soft corn tortillas provides a neutral base that complements the flavorful fillings without overpowering them.

Fresh corn tortillas should be:

Soft and warm
Slightly thick but still flexible
Made from just corn masa and water
Heated on a griddle until lightly charred

The best tortillas have a slight corn flavor that doesn't fight with your meat. They should bend easily without cracking when you pick up the taco.

Getting Tortillas Right at Home

If you're making tacos at home, warm your tortillas on a dry griddle or skillet for a few seconds on each side, which makes the starches more flexible and adds flavor through light browning. You can also char them over an open gas flame for extra taste.

The Heart: High-Quality, Well-Marinated Meat

Traditional Street Taco Meats

A Mexican street taco is a small taco on corn tortilla with different meats like al pastor, carne asada, barbacoa, carnitas or chorizo. Each meat brings its own special flavor:

Carne Asada : Grilled beef (usually flank or skirt steak) with citrus marinade Al Pastor : Pork cooked on a spinning spit with pineapple Carnitas : Slow-cooked pork that's crispy outside, tender inside Barbacoa : Slow-cooked beef or lamb with rich, deep flavors Chorizo : Spicy Mexican sausage with bold seasonings

The Secret: Great Marinades

Marinating the meat in a mixture of acidic and enzymatic ingredients tenderizes it by breaking down muscle fibers and infusing it with flavor. The best marinades include:

Citrus juices (lime, orange) for tenderness
Garlic for deep flavor
Spices like cumin, chili powder, and oregano
A bit of oil to help everything stick together

The marinade needs to accomplish three things: tenderize the meat, infuse it with flavor and chemically change the structure so it retains juices. Good street taco meat should marinate for at least 1 hour, but not more than 8 hours or it gets mushy.

Cooking for Maximum Flavor

Cooking the meat quickly at high heat ensures a flavorful, caramelized exterior through the Maillard reaction while keeping the interior juicy and tender. The best street taco meat has:

A nice char or crust on the outside
Juicy, tender inside
Small, bite-sized pieces
Bold seasoning throughout

When you bite into good street taco meat, it should be packed with flavor and easy to chew. The pieces should be small enough that they don't fall out when you eat.

The Finish: Simple, Fresh Toppings

The Classic Three

Classic toppings include diced white onion, cilantro, limes, and roasted hot peppers. These three toppings show up on almost every street taco:

Diced White Onion : Adds crunch and sharp flavor that cuts through rich meat Fresh Cilantro : Brings bright, herbal notes that make everything taste fresher
Lime Juice : The acid brightens all the flavors and adds a tangy zip

Toppings on Mexican street tacos are simple, containing just fresh cilantro, diced onion, and perhaps some cotija cheese or queso fresco. This simplicity lets the meat be the star.

Why Less Is More

Street tacos don't pile on lettuce, tomatoes, or lots of cheese like American-style tacos. The focus is on the quality and freshness of the ingredients, capturing the essence of traditional Mexican flavors in a portable and affordable package.

This simple approach means each bite gives you:

The full flavor of the seasoned meat
Fresh crunch from onions
Bright herbs from cilantro
Tangy lift from lime

Optional Extras That Work

While the classic three toppings are traditional, some extras can make your tacos even better:

Salsa verde or roja for heat and flavor
Cotija cheese for salty richness
Pickled red onions for tang
Sliced radishes for extra crunch
Hot sauce for those who like it spicy

What Makes Street Tacos Different

Size and Simplicity

The most significant difference between street tacos vs. regular tacos is their size. Street tacos have a small corn tortilla base making them easy to grab and go. Most Mexican street food is small, making it easy to hold and eat as you walk the streets.

Regular restaurant tacos often have:

Bigger flour tortillas
Ground beef instead of marinated cuts
Lots of toppings like lettuce and tomatoes
Hard shells instead of soft corn tortillas

Street tacos keep it simple with better ingredients and bolder flavors.

Focus on Fresh Ingredients

Vendors typically use locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to prepare their dishes, ensuring vibrant flavors and high quality. Good street taco places care about:

Fresh tortillas made daily
Quality cuts of meat, not ground beef
Bright, fresh toppings
Homemade salsas
Proper seasoning and marinades

This attention to freshness makes each bite taste bright and full of flavor.

Traditional Cooking Methods

The cooking techniques used to prepare street tacos play a crucial role in defining their authenticity. One hallmark of a truly authentic street taco is the traditional method of grilling the meats over an open flame.

Real street tacos use:

Grilling over open flames for smoky flavor
Cast iron skillets that get very hot
Handmade tortillas on a griddle
Simple, time-tested recipes

These old-school methods create flavors you can't get with modern shortcuts.

How to Spot Great Street Tacos

Look for These Good Signs

Fresh Tortillas : They should be made on-site or delivered fresh daily Quality Meat : Look for actual cuts of beef, pork, or chicken, not ground meat Simple Menu : The best places focus on doing a few things really well Busy Lines : Popular spots usually have the freshest ingredients Spanish on the Menu : Authentic places often list items in Spanish

Red Flags to Avoid

Pre-made Everything : Avoid places where everything looks like it came from bags Too Many Toppings : If they pile on lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese, it's not authentic Hard Shell Options : Real street taco places don't usually serve hard shells Ground Beef Focus : While not always bad, it's less traditional than cut meats

Making Great Street Tacos at Home

Start with Good Ingredients

The key to a great street taco is the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients and the careful preparation of each component. For home cooks, this means:

Buy fresh corn tortillas from a Mexican market
Choose good cuts of meat like flank or skirt steak
Get fresh cilantro and white onions
Use real lime juice, not bottled

Keep It Simple

One of the most important tips for making street tacos at home is to keep things simple and authentic. Avoid overloading your tacos with too many toppings or sauces, and instead focus on using a few high-quality ingredients.

Start with:

A good marinade for your meat
Proper cooking at high heat
Warm, soft tortillas
Just onions, cilantro, and lime

Once you master the basics, you can try different meats and salsas.

Practice Makes Perfect

Making great street tacos takes practice. Don't worry if your first batch isn't perfect. Focus on getting each part right:

Tender, flavorful meat
Properly warmed tortillas
Fresh, bright toppings
The right balance of flavors

Where to Find Great Street Tacos in Breckenridge

Looking for amazing tacos in the mountains? Mi Casa Breck has been serving authentic Mexican food since 1981. Our skilled kitchen team makes fresh tortillas daily and uses traditional marinades for all our meats.

Try our famous steak tacos made with perfectly seasoned carne asada, or explore our full menu of traditional Mexican dishes. We're located right at the base of Peak 9, making us the perfect spot for après-ski dining .

Want to enjoy our tacos at home? Check out our takeout options or ask about catering for your next gathering.

Final Thoughts

Great street tacos come down to doing simple things really well. Fresh corn tortillas, properly marinated and cooked meat, and bright toppings like onions, cilantro, and lime create the perfect bite every time.

The beauty of street tacos is in their simplicity. They don't try to be fancy or loaded with extras. Instead, they focus on quality ingredients and traditional techniques that have worked for hundreds of years.

Next time you're craving tacos, look for the signs of authenticity: small corn tortillas, well-seasoned meat, and simple fresh toppings. Whether you find them at a food truck, a family restaurant, or make them at home, great street tacos will always satisfy your cravings with bold, fresh flavors that transport you straight to the streets of Mexico.

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Vegetarian Options at Mexican Restaurants

By Erin Gamble • October 3, 2025

Mexican restaurants offer tons of amazing vegetarian options that are just as tasty as any meat dish. From cheesy quesadillas to hearty bean burritos, you can enjoy all your favorite Mexican flavors without any meat at all. Many people don't know that Mexican food is actually perfect for vegetarians because it uses lots of beans, rice, cheese, and fresh vegetables. In this guide, you'll learn about the best vegetarian dishes to order, what to watch out for, and how to make sure your meal is truly meat-free. Whether you're a lifelong vegetarian or just trying to eat less meat, Mexican restaurants can become your new favorite dining spot. The Best Vegetarian Dishes at Mexican Restaurants Classic Bean and Rice Dishes Black Bean Burritos are filling and packed with protein. Most Mexican restaurants make their black beans without meat, but always ask to be sure. These burritos come loaded with rice, beans, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream. Refried Bean Tostadas give you a crunchy base topped with creamy beans. The crispy corn tortilla holds everything together perfectly. Just make sure the refried beans aren't made with lard. Rice and Bean Bowls are like burrito bowls without the tortilla. They're usually cheaper and just as filling. You get fluffy Mexican rice, seasoned beans, and all your favorite toppings in one bowl. Amazing Quesadilla Options Cheese Quesadillas are the simplest but often the best choice. The cheese melts perfectly between two flour tortillas and gets crispy on the outside. Ask for extra guacamole and salsa on the side. Veggie Quesadillas add grilled peppers, onions, and mushrooms to your cheese. Some places also add spinach or zucchini. These give you more nutrients and extra flavor. Black Bean Quesadillas combine the protein of beans with melted cheese. They're more filling than regular cheese quesadillas and taste amazing with hot sauce. Taco Treasures for Vegetarians Bean and Cheese Tacos use either black beans or refried beans with shredded cheese. Get them on soft corn tortillas for the most authentic taste. Veggie Tacos often have grilled bell peppers, onions, and zucchini. Some restaurants add roasted corn or cactus (called nopales) which tastes mild and slightly tangy. Potato Tacos are less common but incredible when you find them. The potatoes are usually seasoned with cumin and paprika, then grilled until crispy. Hidden Ingredients to Watch Out For Lard in Refried Beans Many Mexican restaurants use lard (pig fat) to make their refried beans taste rich and creamy. Always ask if the beans are made with lard or vegetable oil. Some places make both versions, so they can give you the vegetarian one. Chicken Broth in Rice Spanish rice sometimes uses chicken broth instead of vegetable broth or water. This makes the rice taste better but isn't vegetarian. Ask your server to check with the kitchen about how they make their rice. Meat in Sauces Some red sauces and mole sauces contain beef or chicken broth. Most green salsas are vegetarian, but it's always smart to ask. The kitchen usually knows which sauces have meat and which don't. Cheese Made with Rennet Most Mexican restaurants use regular cheese that's fine for vegetarians. But if you're strict about rennet (which comes from animal stomachs), you might want to ask about their cheese suppliers. How to Order Like a Pro Ask the Right Questions Start with "Do your refried beans contain lard?" This is the most important question because many restaurants use lard without mentioning it on the menu. Next, ask about the rice: "Is your Spanish rice made with chicken broth?" This helps you avoid accidentally eating meat broth. Finally, check about cross-contamination: "Are the vegetables cooked on the same grill as meat?" If you're worried about this, most kitchens can cook your food separately. Use Simple Spanish Phrases Learn these helpful phrases: "Sin carne" (seen KAR-nay) = without meat "Vegetariano" (veh-heh-tah-ree-AH-no) = vegetarian "¿Tiene carne?" (tee-EH-nay KAR-nay) = does it have meat? "Solo queso y verduras" (SO-lo KAY-so ee ver-DOO-ras) = only cheese and vegetables Customize Your Order Don't be afraid to ask for changes. Most Mexican restaurants are happy to: Leave meat out of any dish Add extra beans or rice Put guacamole on everything Give you extra vegetables Make special requests for dietary needs Regional Differences in Vegetarian Options Tex-Mex Restaurants Tex-Mex places usually have more cheese and bigger portions. They often offer: Cheese enchiladas with your choice of sauce Veggie fajitas with lots of peppers and onions Loaded nachos without meat Bean and cheese chimichangas Authentic Mexican Restaurants Traditional Mexican places might have: Nopales (cactus) tacos Chiles rellenos stuffed with cheese Fresh corn tortillas made daily Seasonal vegetable dishes More variety in bean types Fast-Casual Chains Places like Chipotle and Qdoba make it easy because you can see everything being made. They usually have: Clear labels for vegetarian items Fresh ingredients you can see Consistent recipes across locations Online nutrition information Nutritional Benefits of Vegetarian Mexican Food Complete Proteins from Beans and Rice When you eat beans and rice together, you get all the amino acids your body needs. This combination creates a "complete protein" that's just as good as meat protein. Black beans have about 8 grams of protein per half cup. Add rice and cheese, and you're getting plenty of protein in one meal. Fiber for Better Digestion Mexican vegetarian dishes are full of fiber from beans, rice, and vegetables. Fiber helps you feel full longer and keeps your digestive system healthy. Healthy Fats from Avocados Guacamole and sliced avocados give you healthy monounsaturated fats. These fats are good for your heart and help your body absorb vitamins. Vitamins from Fresh Vegetables Tomatoes, onions, peppers, and cilantro provide vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants. The more colorful your plate, the more nutrients you're getting. Money-Saving Tips for Vegetarian Mexican Food Order Combination Plates Many restaurants offer combo plates that include rice, beans, and an entree for one price. These are usually cheaper than ordering everything separately. Share Large Portions Mexican restaurant portions are often huge. Share a large quesadilla or order of nachos with a friend, and add a side of beans or rice if you're still hungry. Take Advantage of Happy Hour Some Mexican restaurants have happy hour food specials, not just drink specials. You might find cheaper appetizers and smaller plates during these times. Look for Lunch Specials Lunch portions are smaller but often include the same amount of food you need. They're usually $2-4 cheaper than dinner prices for similar dishes. Making Vegetarian Mexican Food at Home Essential Ingredients to Stock Keep these basics on hand for easy homemade Mexican meals: Canned black beans and pinto beans Long-grain white rice Corn and flour tortillas Mexican cheese (or Monterey Jack) Canned diced tomatoes Cumin, chili powder, and paprika Fresh limes and cilantro Easy 15-Minute Quesadillas Heat a pan, add a tortilla, sprinkle cheese on half, add any leftover vegetables, fold over, and cook until crispy. Serve with salsa and sour cream. One-Pot Mexican Rice and Beans Cook rice with vegetable broth instead of water, add cumin and chili powder, then stir in canned black beans during the last 5 minutes. Top with cheese and cilantro. Fresh Salsa in Minutes Dice tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños. Add lime juice, salt, and cilantro. Let it sit for 10 minutes for the flavors to mix. The Growing Popularity of Plant-Based Mexican Food Restaurant Industry Changes More Mexican restaurants now label their vegetarian options clearly on menus. The vegetarian and vegan restaurant industry has grown significantly, with revenue expected to reach $41.2 billion by 2025. Consumer Demand Rising According to Amy's Kitchen, 52% of Americans expressed interest in vegan food in 2023. This growing interest means Mexican restaurants are adding more plant-based options to attract new customers. Chain Restaurant Innovations Major chains like Taco Bell have earned American Vegetarian Association certification for their vegetarian menu items. They offer everything from bean burritos to black bean crunchwraps. Best Vegetarian Mexican Restaurants by Region Popular Chain Options Chipotle makes it easy with clear ingredient lists and customizable bowls. Their sofritas (seasoned tofu) provides a protein-rich meat alternative. Qdoba offers vegetarian proteins and lets you see your food being made. They have a good selection of fresh vegetables and salsas. Taco Bell has an entire vegetarian menu certified by food experts. You can substitute beans for meat in almost any item. Regional Favorites In California, many family-owned taquerias offer excellent veggie options. Texas has great Tex-Mex places with huge cheese enchilada plates. The Southwest has restaurants specializing in green chile dishes that work perfectly for vegetarians. Special Dietary Considerations Vegan Options at Mexican Restaurants For strict vegans, skip the cheese and sour cream but load up on: Guacamole and avocado Fresh salsas Beans and rice (if made without lard or chicken broth) Grilled vegetables Corn tortillas (most are naturally vegan) Gluten-Free Vegetarian Mexican Food Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, making them perfect for people avoiding wheat. Most rice, beans, and fresh vegetables are also gluten-free. Just watch out for flour tortillas and anything fried, which might be coated in wheat flour. Low-Carb Options Skip the tortillas and rice, but you can still enjoy: Cheese-stuffed peppers (chiles rellenos) Grilled vegetable platters with guacamole Bean salads with extra vegetables Cheese and vegetable omelets What Makes Mi Casa Restaurant Special for Vegetarians At Mi Casa Restaurant in Breckenridge, vegetarians can enjoy authentic Mexican flavors in a family-friendly atmosphere. Their menu includes several vegetarian options that highlight fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant's vegetarian fajitas feature cauliflower, zucchini, mushrooms, and potatoes with traditional seasonings. Their veggie tacos use smoky pastor-marinated roasted cauliflower with pineapple salsa. For those planning group events, Mi Casa offers private dining options that can accommodate vegetarian meal requests for large parties. Final Thoughts Vegetarian options at Mexican restaurants are plentiful, delicious, and often more affordable than meat dishes. The key is knowing what to ask for and understanding which ingredients might contain hidden animal products. Mexican cuisine naturally uses lots of plant-based ingredients like beans, rice, vegetables, and cheese. This makes it one of the best cuisines for vegetarians who want filling, flavorful meals. Don't be shy about asking questions or requesting modifications. Most Mexican restaurants are happy to customize dishes for dietary needs. With a little knowledge and confidence, you can enjoy amazing vegetarian Mexican food anywhere you go. Start exploring vegetarian Mexican options today - your taste buds and your wallet will thank you. Whether you're dining out or cooking at home, plant-based Mexican food offers endless possibilities for delicious, satisfying meals.