Mexican street tacos are one of the most beloved and flavorful dishes in Mexican cuisine. Unlike the Americanized versions filled with sour cream, shredded cheese, and hard taco shells, authentic street tacos focus on simplicity, bold flavors, and fresh ingredients. Whether you’ve enjoyed them from a street vendor in Mexico or at your favorite local taqueria, there’s something undeniably special about the perfectly balanced bite of a real street taco.
At Delia’s in Jordan, MN, we take pride in serving authentic Mexican street tacos that honor tradition while delivering unforgettable flavors. But what exactly makes these tacos so delicious? Let’s break down the key elements that separate real street tacos from the rest.
1. The Tortilla: Fresh, Soft & Handmade
The foundation of any great street taco is the tortilla. Unlike the flour tortillas commonly used in American-style tacos, authentic Mexican street tacos are served on small, soft corn tortillas. These tortillas are typically handmade from fresh masa (corn dough), giving them a slightly chewy texture and a rich, toasty flavor.
Corn tortillas provide the perfect base for street tacos because they enhance the taste of the fillings without overpowering them. Many taquerias, including Delia’s, serve tacos with two stacked tortillas to ensure they hold up against juicy meats and flavorful toppings.
2. The Filling: Simple Yet Flavorful Proteins
Mexican street tacos don’t rely on excessive toppings—they let the meat and marinades do the talking. Traditional taco fillings are marinated, slow-cooked, or grilled to perfection, creating bold flavors that shine on their own. Some of the most popular and authentic taco fillings include:
- Carne Asada – Grilled steak, typically marinated with citrus, garlic, and spices for a smoky, charred flavor.
- Al Pastor – Marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, similar to shawarma, often served with pineapple for a sweet and savory combination.
- Carnitas – Slow-cooked pork that is crisped up on the grill, creating a perfect balance of tender and crunchy bites.
- Barbacoa – Juicy, slow-braised beef or lamb, seasoned with rich spices and cooked until fall-apart tender.
- Chorizo – Spicy, flavorful Mexican sausage that adds a bold, smoky heat to tacos.
- Pollo Asado – Grilled, marinated chicken with citrus and achiote seasoning for a fresh, zesty flavor.
Each of these meats is seasoned, cooked, and served in its purest form, ensuring every bite is juicy, well-balanced, and packed with traditional Mexican flavors.
3. The Toppings: Fresh, Minimal, and Essential
Unlike the overloaded toppings you find in many Tex-Mex tacos, authentic street tacos keep it simple and fresh. The toppings are meant to enhance the flavor of the meat, not overpower it. Here’s what you’ll typically find on a street taco:
- Fresh Cilantro – Adds a bright, herbal flavor that complements the richness of the meat.
- Diced White Onions – Brings a slight crunch and mild heat, enhancing the overall flavor balance.
- Lime Wedges – A squeeze of lime juice cuts through the richness of the meat, adding acidity and brightness.
- Salsas – Ranging from mild to fiery, salsas like salsa verde (tomatillo-based), salsa roja (red chili-based), and creamy avocado salsa add an extra layer of heat and flavor.
At Delia’s, we serve our street tacos with these classic, no-fuss toppings so that the flavors of the meat take center stage.
4. No Cheese, No Sour Cream, No Gimmicks
One of the biggest misconceptions about Mexican street tacos is that they are covered in cheese, sour cream, and lettuce. In reality, traditional street tacos don’t include dairy-based toppings—and for good reason.
Cheese and sour cream can overpower the delicate balance of flavors and make the tacos too heavy. Instead, the natural juices of the meat, fresh toppings, and zesty lime juice create the perfect harmony of textures and flavors.
5. The Cooking Method: Charred, Smoky, and Authentic
Street tacos aren’t just about what’s inside—they’re also about how they’re cooked. Authentic taquerias use griddles (plancha), open flames, or vertical spits to cook the meat, creating a crispy, slightly charred exterior with a juicy interior.
The secret lies in the seasoning and slow-cooking methods, ensuring that each bite is rich in flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tender. At Delia’s, we follow these same traditional cooking methods to bring you authentic, perfectly grilled street tacos just like you’d find in Mexico.
6. The Experience: Authentic, Messy, and Full of Flavor
Eating a real Mexican street taco is an experience. There’s no need for forks and knives—just pick it up, fold it, and enjoy the explosion of flavors. Street tacos are often served on a simple plate or wrapped in parchment paper, making them easy to enjoy whether you’re dining in or taking them to go.
The best part? They’re meant to be eaten with your hands, with fresh lime juice dripping down and salsa adding just the right kick. It’s all part of what makes Mexican street tacos an unforgettable culinary experience.
Try Authentic Street Tacos at Delia’s in Jordan, MN
If you’re craving real, flavorful, and perfectly crafted street tacos, come visit us at Delia’s in Jordan, MN. Our tacos are made using fresh, high-quality ingredients, cooked to perfection, and served just the way they’re meant to be—simple, bold, and authentic.
Whether you prefer carne asada, al pastor, carnitas, or barbacoa, we’ve got the perfect taco waiting for you. Stop by today and taste the difference of real Mexican street tacos!