The Most Popular Taco, Ranked

Choose the taco you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 20, 2024 07:38
In a small town not too far from here, a heated debate occurs every Friday evening where residents argue over which taco should take the top spot as the town's favorite. They agree on one thing though: finding the best can be a mouth-watering challenge. This common quest unites taco lovers from all walks of life, each bringing their personal taste to the table. By voting for your favorite kind of taco, you not only get to see how your choices stack up against the community's favorites but also influence the living rankings. This ongoing input from taco aficionados like you ensures that the list remains fresh and truly reflective of what people enjoy most. Engage in this flavorful pursuit and see where your top pick lands. Your vote counts!

What Is the Most Popular Taco?

  1. 1
    74
    votes
    Carne asada taco
    Popo le Chien · CC BY-SA 3.0
    This is a classic taco made with grilled steak that is marinated in lime juice, garlic, and other spices. It is popular because of its savory and tender taste.
    The Carne Asada taco is a traditional Mexican dish consisting of grilled marinated beef (carne asada) served on a tortilla and typically accompanied by various toppings and salsas. It is renowned for its bold flavors and juicy, tender meat.
    • Meat: Grilled marinated beef
    • Tortilla: Corn or flour tortilla
    • Toppings: Common toppings include diced onions, cilantro, salsa, guacamole, and lime wedges
    • Marinade: Carne asada is typically marinated with a blend of citrus juices, garlic, spices, and sometimes beer or tequila
    • Grilling Method: Traditionally cooked on a grill or open flame to achieve a slightly charred and smoky flavor
  2. 2
    43
    votes
    Al pastor taco
    Popo le Chien · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Al pastor taco

    Lebanese immigrants in Mexico
    This taco is made with spit-roasted pork that is marinated in a mixture of chilies, pineapple, and other spices. It is popular because of its sweet and spicy flavor.
    The Al pastor taco is a popular Mexican dish that consists of thin slices of marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit called a trompo. It is typically served on a soft corn tortilla and topped with pineapple, onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. This taco is known for its savory and slightly tangy flavor.
    • Protein: Marinated pork
    • Cooking method: Vertical spit (trompo)
    • Tortilla type: Corn tortilla
    • Toppings: Pineapple, onions, cilantro, lime
    • Flavor profile: Savory, slightly tangy
  3. 3
    30
    votes
    This taco is made with slow-cooked pork that is seasoned with garlic, cumin, and other spices. It is popular because of its crispy and tender texture.
    Carnitas tacos are a popular type of taco in Mexico, typically consisting of slow-cooked pork that is tender and crispy. The pork is traditionally seasoned with a mix of herbs and spices, such as oregano, garlic, and bay leaves, giving it a rich and flavorful taste. The meat is often cooked in its own fat until it becomes tender and develops a crisp outer layer. The carnitas are then served on soft corn tortillas and topped with various garnishes, such as diced onions, cilantro, salsa, and lime juice. The combination of the tender, flavorful pork and fresh toppings makes carnitas tacos a delicious and satisfying choice.
    • Meat: Slow-cooked pork
    • Seasoning: Herbs and spices (oregano, garlic, bay leaves)
    • Cooking Method: Cooked in its own fat until tender and crispy
    • Tortilla: Soft corn tortillas
    • Garnishes: Diced onions, cilantro, salsa, lime juice
  4. 4
    16
    votes
    This taco is made with fried or grilled fish that is seasoned with lime juice, cilantro, and other spices. It is popular because of its fresh and light taste.
    The fish taco is a popular Mexican dish consisting of a tortilla filled with crispy fish, topped with various condiments and garnishes. It is typically made with white fish, such as cod or tilapia, that is coated in a seasoned batter and fried until golden and crispy. The fish is then placed in a warm tortilla and served with a variety of toppings such as shredded cabbage or lettuce, salsa, sour cream, guacamole, and lime wedges.
    • Type of fish: White fish (cod or tilapia)
    • Cooking method: Battered and fried until crispy
    • Tortilla: Soft corn tortilla
    • Toppings: Shredded cabbage or lettuce, salsa, sour cream, guacamole, lime wedges
    • Flavor profile: Combines the crunchiness of the fish with the freshness of the toppings and tanginess of the lime
  5. 5
    10
    votes
    Shrimp taco
    Popo le Chien · CC BY-SA 3.0
    This taco is made with grilled or fried shrimp that is seasoned with garlic, lime juice, and other spices. It is popular because of its juicy and flavorful taste.
    The shrimp taco is a popular and delicious Mexican dish that features succulent grilled or fried shrimp as the main filling. It is typically served in a warm tortilla and topped with a variety of fresh ingredients and flavorful sauces to enhance the taste. The combination of the tender shrimp, seasonings, and vibrant toppings creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that appeals to seafood lovers and taco enthusiasts alike.
    • Shrimp Type: Grilled or fried shrimp
    • Tortilla: Corn or flour tortilla
    • Toppings: Freshly chopped cilantro, diced onions, shredded lettuce, and lime wedges
    • Sauces: Commonly accompanied by tangy salsa, creamy avocado sauce, or spicy chipotle mayo
    • Seasonings: A variety of spices such as chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika used to marinate the shrimp
  6. 6
    7
    votes
    This taco is made with slow-cooked beef that is seasoned with garlic, cumin, and other spices. It is popular because of its tender and juicy texture.
    Barbacoa taco is a traditional Mexican dish made with slow-cooked, tender and flavorful meat, typically beef or lamb, that is seasoned with various spices and then wrapped in a soft corn tortilla. The meat is traditionally cooked in an underground pit, resulting in a unique smoky flavor and incredibly tender texture. The barbacoa taco is typically served with toppings like chopped onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for added freshness and tanginess.
    • Meat: Traditionally made with beef or lamb
    • Cooking Method: Slow-cooked in an underground pit
    • Spices: Seasoned with various spices such as garlic, onions, chili peppers, and cumin
    • Tortilla: Wrapped in a soft corn tortilla
    • Toppings: Commonly served with chopped onions, cilantro, and lime juice
  7. 7
    11
    votes
    Chicken taco
    Popo le Chien · CC BY-SA 3.0
    This taco is made with grilled or shredded chicken that is seasoned with lime juice, cilantro, and other spices. It is popular because of its versatile taste.
    The Chicken taco is a popular type of taco that features tender and flavorful chicken as the main filling. It is typically served in a tortilla and can be customized with various toppings and condiments.
    • Main filling: Chicken
    • Tortilla: Corn or flour
    • Toppings: Lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese, salsa, guacamole
    • Condiments: Sour cream, lime, cilantro
    • Cooking method: Grilled, sautéed, or roasted
  8. 8
    1
    votes
    This taco is made with grilled or sautéed vegetables that are seasoned with herbs and spices. It is popular because of its healthy and flavorful taste.
    The Veggie taco is a vegetarian-friendly taco that is filled with a variety of plant-based ingredients. It is a delicious and nutritious alternative for those who prefer not to consume meat. The Veggie taco offers a burst of flavors and textures, making it a popular choice among taco lovers.
    • Type: Vegetarian taco
    • Main Ingredients: Mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms), beans, corn, and cheese
    • Tortilla: Corn or flour tortilla
    • toppings: Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, lettuce, and cilantro
    • Seasonings: Various spices such as cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder
  9. 9
    7
    votes
    Chorizo taco
    Popo le Chien · CC BY-SA 3.0
    This taco is made with crumbled or sliced chorizo sausage that is seasoned with paprika, garlic, and other spices. It is popular because of its smoky and spicy taste.
    The Chorizo taco is a popular Mexican taco filled with spicy and flavorful Chorizo sausage. It is widely enjoyed across Mexico as a breakfast or street food option.
    • Taco Type: Street Taco
    • Main Ingredient: Chorizo sausage
    • Flavor Profile: Spicy and flavorful
    • Popular Toppings: Salsa, onions, cilantro
    • Serving Time: Breakfast or any time of the day
  10. 10
    4
    votes
    This taco is made with shredded chicken or beef that is cooked in a tomato and chipotle sauce. It is popular because of its savory and slightly spicy taste.
    The Tinga taco is a traditional Mexican taco made with shredded chicken that is simmered in a smoky and spicy tomato sauce. The tangy and flavorful sauce is made with chipotle peppers, onions, garlic, and tomatoes. The shredded chicken is then stuffed inside a warm corn tortilla and topped with various garnishes.
    • Protein: Shredded chicken
    • Sauce: Smoky and spicy tomato sauce with chipotle peppers, onions, garlic, and tomatoes
    • Tortilla: Corn tortilla
    • Garnishes: Various garnishes like lettuce, avocado, fresh cilantro, and crumbled cheese
    • Flavor: Tangy, spicy, and smoky

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Ranking factors for popular taco

  1. Type of meat
    Tacos can be made with various meats such as beef, chicken, pork, and fish. The popularity of each meat may vary based on regional cuisine.
  2. Topping/salsa
    Tacos can be customized with various toppings/salsas such as guacamole, pico de gallo, cheese, sour cream, and hot sauce. The popularity of each topping/salsa may also vary regionally.
  3. Tortilla
    The tortilla can be made from corn or flour. Some people may prefer one over the other.
  4. Authenticity
    Authenticity can play a role in the popularity of a taco. Some people may prefer traditional tacos that reflect the culture or origin of the taco.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular taco. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or taco is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1869 views
  • 203 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each taco once every 24 hours. The rank of each taco is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular taco

Tacos are a beloved dish that originated in Mexico and have since become a favorite across the globe. With endless options for fillings and toppings, it's no wonder that there are countless variations of this delicious meal. But what is the most popular taco? Is it the classic beef taco, or perhaps the spicy chicken one? At StrawPoll, we've gathered data from thousands of polls and rankings to determine which taco reigns supreme. So, get ready to dig into the results and discover the ultimate fan-favorite taco!

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