Soft Vs. Crunchy: What Taco Do You Choose? - The Original Grande (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between soft and crunchy tacos? ›

The key difference between hardshell and softshell taco tortillas beyond the obvious texture differences is their method of preparation. Hardshell tacos are fried corn tortillas shaped to holdtaco fillings, while softshell tacos are simply smaller tortillas similar to those used for burritos and enchiladas.

While soft shell fans argue that warm tortillas offer a satisfying experience, hardshell lovers counter with that satisfying crunch. When you bite into a hard shell, one of the first things you notice is that thick tortilla breaking in your mouth with other toppings accompanying it with amazing flavors.

Authentic, traditional tacos are almost always served in soft tortillas. The hard shell taco Americans know today was invented in 1949, and helped the Americanized version of the taco spread across North America.

Crunchy taco

Also, I never realized that "Supreme" just means adding sour cream and tomato. I feel cheated without those toppings, and it looks less appetizing. But will those subtractions really make a difference? Review: Yes, they did.

If you think of iconic American tacos, the crispy taco what most often comes to mind. This style, which also goes by the name of hard-shell tacos or crunchy tacos, is defined by the corn tortilla fried into a U shape, then stuffed with meat, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese.

Traditional Soft Tacos

These tortillas are pliable and slightly chewy, providing the perfect vessel for a myriad of fillings. Soft tacos are typically made fresh, served warm, and fold easily around their contents, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

In addition to yellow or white corn, look for blue corn tortillas (or taco shells) for bonus antioxidants from anthocyanin. While soft tortillas are considered healthier, it's fine to use crispy fried taco shells occasionally, too.

Hard shell tacos are sometimes known as tacos dorados ("golden tacos") in Spanish, a name that they share with taquitos, a similar dish.

But hard-shell tacos are simply not common in Mexico, where the tortillas used — whether made of corn or, far less commonly, wheat — are almost always soft (via Casa Bonita).

Street tacos commonly use the preferred shell of soft corn tortillas. You'll oftentimes see these corn tortillas double-layered.

What do real Mexican tacos look like? ›

In Mexico, tacos don't have lettuce on them. Or tomatoes, Or cheese. Authentic tacos are filled with high-quality marinated meats (or vegetables), & are delicious as they are. They don't need extra trimmings that you find on less traditional tacos.

Crunchy Tacos

"With 170 calories, 13 grams of protein and 300 milligrams of sodium, this is a well-rounded snack (or double up for a meal!) that will actually keep you full."

Yes taco shells are supposed to be crunchy.

The founder of your favorite Mexican-inspired restaurant. While he didn't invent the taco, he did play a large role in bringing the delicious, crunchy, cheese-filled taco that you know and love straight to the mouths of the masses.

In its purest form, a hard taco shell is basically a fried corn tortilla that has been folded to make it easy to hold the ingredients of a taco. The taste will also be different, as hard shell tacos will add a crunchy flavour to your food, but warm, soft tortillas will let you enjoy the corn flavour.

Use a fork to prop up hard tacos.

Never leave hard tacos laying on their sides. The filling is likely to spill out and your shell will soak up any liquid on your plate. Instead, rest a fork right-side-up with the tines facing your taco. Gently insert your fork into the end of the taco, balancing it vertically.

The main difference between a burrito and a taco is the shell size. Tacos are generally a lighter snack or meal, while a larger burrito is a hearty, full meal. For a taco, it can either be a soft or hard corn shell, while a burrito is generally a larger flour tortilla, as corn tortillas tend to fall apart more easily.