She Strengthens

Unraveling the Flavors of Fajitas and Tacos

The Sizzling Truth About Fajitas

When it comes to Mexican cuisine, two dishes often get lumped together: fajitas and tacos. However, these two culinary delights are far from identical twins. Fajitas, traditionally made with skirt steak, are a customizable, sizzling meal that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.

A Brief History of Fajitas

Carino Cortez, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and chef at Viva Villa Taqueria in San Antonio, Texas, sheds light on the origins of fajitas. “Fajitas are the actual filling, traditionally made with carne asada, a skirt steak.” Cortez’s grandfather opened Mi Tierra Café and Bakery in 1941, which is credited with bringing sizzling fajitas to the U.S. from northern Mexico.

The Fajita Experience

Unlike tacos, fajitas arrive at the table in a sizzling black cast iron skillet, accompanied by soft corn or flour tortillas, served separately. The customer gets to compile their own fajita, choosing from a variety of toppings. This interactive dining experience makes fajitas more of an event than a quick meal.

Tacos: The Sandwich of Mexico

Jody Lancarte, special events and catering manager at Joe T. Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant in Fort Worth, Texas, likens tacos to sandwiches. “A taco can be made out of anything: eggs, beans, whatever. You can put everything under the sun in a taco.” Lancarte’s family-owned restaurant has been serving up traditional Mexican cuisine since 1935.

The Meat of the Matter

In fajitas, the meat is typically paired with grilled or sautéed peppers and onions, cut into similarly sized strips. In tacos, the vegetables are often chopped or sliced and served raw as a topping. This distinction highlights the unique flavor profiles of each dish.

Try Our Recipes!

Ready to taste the difference between fajitas and tacos? Check out our recipes:

• Grilled Skirt Steak Fajitas: A classic recipe that marinates skirt steak for 8 hours or overnight.
• Tacos al Pastor: A flavorful combination of chile-marinated pork, pineapple, and spices.
• Salmon Fajitas: A modern twist on traditional fajitas, featuring heart-healthy salmon and bell peppers.
• Chorizo and Potato Breakfast Tacos: A spicy breakfast treat that combines chorizo sausage, scrambled eggs, and potatoes.
• Basic Chicken Fajitas: A quick and easy recipe that marinates chicken for as little as 10 minutes.
• Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado-Corn Salsa: A refreshing seafood twist on traditional tacos, featuring succulent shrimp and a creamy salsa.