Can’t Tell the Difference Between Mexican Dishes? Here’s a Guide for You

January 14, 2021

Is it difficult for you to tell the difference between a burrito and a taco? Do you often confuse a taquito with an enchilada?

Now is the perfect time to clear things up. With this handy guide, you will learn about tacos, burritos, chimichangas, and more — as well as find the perfect Mexican dish for your taste.

Is That a Burrito or a Taco?

If you’re unsure whether what you’re eating is a burrito or taco, look at how it’s wrapped. Burritos have cylinder-shaped wraps, while tacos are folded in half to hold the stuffing in place. Also, look at its shell size.

Tacos are generally a lighter snack or meal, so they have a smaller tortilla shell. On the other hand, burritos are a hearty, full meal, and they are often wrapped in a larger tortilla. Burritos use flour tortillas as corn tortillas (used for tacos) tend to fall apart more easily.

One more thing: tacos tend to have one type of meat and lighter toppings, while burritos can hold a large number of fillings, including meat, vegetables, cheese, beans, and more.

How are Burritos Different from Fajitas?

Both burritos and fajitas are Mexican food served with fillings wrapped inside a tortilla. Again, a burrito’s distinct feature is its extra large tortilla that holds the meat, beans, and other fillings. The focal point of a fajita, on the other hand, is the meat (usually, beef strips), which is marinated before grilling with onions and peppers. Mexican restaurants in Alexandria, VA like ours often serve fajitas on a skillet with tortillas on the side — you can wrap the fajitas up however you like.

Burritos vs. Chimichangas

Burritos and chimichangas are both tortillas folded over a filling of meat and other ingredients. The main difference between these two Mexican favorites is that a chimichanga is deep-fried. Also, chimichangas are usually meat-filled and served with sour cream or cheese on the side, whereas burritos almost always have beans, along with meat, as fillings.

Which is Smaller, a Taquito or Enchilada?

Both rolled to hold their mouth-watering fillings, taquitos and enchiladas almost look the same. But here’s the difference: an enchilada has chili sauce and cheese on top, and is oven-baked, while a taquito tends to be smaller, deep-fried, and served without a sauce on top.

When Do Quesadillas Become Mulitas?

A quesadilla consists of two tortillas with cheese and other fillings sandwiched between them. Mexicans cook them on the grill until the cheese melts. It turns into a mulita in some regions when meat is added to the filling, and the entire dish is topped with garnishes like guacamole.

Next time you find yourself craving for Mexican food, you’ll be pretty sure which to order. And if you want to test your Mexican food knowledge, come here at El Paso Mexican Restaurants. Let us serve you the perfect, authentic Mexican dish you want — whether it’s a burrito, taco, quesadilla or enchilada.

Give us a call today to make a reservation.

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