Breakfast Burrito vs Breakfast Taco
A Comparative Guide
Two contenders stand out for their convenience and flavor in the landscape of quick, satisfying breakfast options: the breakfast burrito and the breakfast taco. Both rooted in the rich culinary traditions of Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, these handheld delights offer a hearty start to the day, but they differ in significant ways. Breakfast tacos typically consist of a soft tortilla filled with a combination of eggs, meats like bacon (how long does bacon last?) or chorizo, and possibly some potatoes. (What wine goes well with potatoes?) They often come topped with cheese and salsa.
A breakfast burrito, on the other hand, tends to be more substantial, often wrapped in a larger flour (how long does flour last?) tortilla and generously stuffed with a similar array of ingredients, including multiple eggs, a blend of meats, beans, and cheese, which can sometimes lead to a hearty meal that's nearly the size of a football. The appeal of both lies in their versatility and the ease with which they can be customized to suit any palate, whether vegetarian or loaded with different types of meats.
As Texans and southern plains residents choose their sides in this flavorful rivalry, taste, and personal preference dictate one's loyalty to either the taco or burrito for the first meal of the day. While size and containment are primary factors distinguishing the two, both remain staples in Texas culture, each holding its own in a debate that's as enduring as it is delicious.
Historical Origins
The debate over the breakfast meal between breakfast burritos and breakfast tacos is as much about cultural identity as regional cuisine. Both dishes have roots deeply embedded in the historical tapestry of American and Mexican food (What wine goes well with Mexican food?) traditions, particularly in the Southwestern United States, where they are sold in restaurants, mobile food trucks and hole in the walls.
History of Breakfast Burritos
The concept of breakfast burritos can be traced back to 1975 in New Mexico, with the New Mexico Historical Society citing its invention during this year. The popularization of the burrito coincides with the rise of Mexican food in American cuisine, particularly in regions like El Paso and the Rio Grande Valley, where Mexican culinary traditions have had a strong influence. Burritos are a traditional food of Ciudad Juárez, a city bordering El Paso. It has become a staple of American breakfasts, incorporating ingredients such as eggs, bacon, potatoes, and cheese wrapped in a tortilla.
Breakfast Taco History
Breakfast tacos have a similar yet distinct origin story. They are a variation of traditional Mexican food, adapted and embraced primarily in South Texas cities such as San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, and Houston. In these areas, breakfast tacos became a common term for combining eggs, meats, and cheese in a tortilla, reflecting the fusion of American and Mexican morning meals. The term began to be widely used in the 1970s, suggesting that the item had already been part of the local cuisine before its popularization.
Key Ingredients
The deciding factor in differentiating a burrito from a taco often lies within the key ingredients used. While both share various common components, specific ingredients are more characteristic of one than the other.
Common Ingredients in Both
Eggs: Both breakfast tacos and burritos typically include scrambled eggs.
Cheese: A range of cheeses, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, add a rich flavor to both dishes.
Salsa: Provides a zesty kick, varying from mild pico de gallo to spicy green salsa.
Beans: Refried or whole beans are staples, offering a hearty texture to the meal.
Potato: Often seasoned and cooked until tender, potatoes are a versatile filling.
Bacon/Sausage: These meats contribute savory notes, with bacon bringing a smoky crispness and sausage introducing a spiced profile.
Burrito Specifics
Tortilla: Burritos are wrapped in a flour tortilla, typically more prominent to accommodate the filling.
More Fillings: A burrito might include a wider variety of ingredients, such as rice, larger quantities of potato, and additional meat options like chorizo.
Size: The burrito's size often requires it to be served with additional salsa on the side rather than inside to maintain its structural integrity.
Breakfast Taco Specifics
Corn Tortillas: More authentic tacos opt for tortillas made of corn, although some variations use flour.
Simpler Fillings: Unlike burritos, tacos have fewer components, focusing on simpler combinations for a quick bite.
Crispy Taco Shell: A breakfast taco may occasionally come in a crispy taco shell, though this is less common than the traditional soft tortilla version.
Preparation and Varieties
Burritos and tacos are quintessential components of Texan brunch tables, each prepared with distinct methods and an array of ingredients that cater to varied tastes. They demonstrate the versatility of simple ingredients wrapped in soft or crispy exteriors.
Making Breakfast Burritos
A quintessential burrito starts with a large, soft tortilla typically made of flour. Fillings include scrambled eggs, potatoes, cheese, and meats such as bacon or chorizo. Texans often tailor their burrito recipes to suit their palate, incorporating peppers, onions, or beans. To assemble, the fillings are placed in the center of the tortilla, which is then folded and wrapped tightly. The burrito may be finished in an oven or grill to ensure the cheese is melted and the exterior is slightly crisp. Some prefer to serve burritos wrapped in foil to maintain warmth and facilitate easy handling.
Ingredients:
Soft flour tortillas
Scrambled eggs
Meat (bacon, sausage, chorizo)
Potatoes
Cheese
Onions, peppers (optional)
Steps:
Lay the tortilla flat and add fillings in the center.
Fold the sides and roll the tortilla to enclose the fillings.
Heat in the oven or on the grill until the cheese is melted.
Making a Breakfast Taco
A smaller tortilla, which can be either soft or slightly crispy, is typical for a breakfast taco. This tortilla is the vessel for similar burrito fillings like eggs, cheese, and meats—though portions are smaller due to the reduced size. Breakfast tacos offer more opportunity for a crispy texture, especially when the tortilla is briefly cooked on a hot pan until it reaches the desired crispness. They serve tacos open-faced or folded, with each taco allowing for a quick, customizable bite that's easy to eat on the go.
Ingredients:
Small flour or corn tortillas
Scrambled eggs or soft scramble
Meat (bacon, sausage, brisket)
Cheese
Salsa or hot sauce (how long does hot sauce last?)
Steps:
Warm the tortilla on a pan until soft or crispy.
Add a moderate amount of fillings.
Serve open-faced or folded, often with a side of salsa.
When crafting either dish, one's choice of ingredients and attention to texture play pivotal roles. The burrito typically requires more substantial preparation and is known for its hearty, wrap-style appeal. In contrast, the breakfast taco caters to those who prefer a lighter, crisper option with quick assembly. Both are deeply embedded in the Texan breakfast tradition, showcasing local flavors and cultural influences on the first meal of the day.
Cultural Impact
The debate between breakfast burritos and tacos goes beyond mere preference, reflecting deep cultural roots and regional identities, particularly in Texas, where both have significant standing.
Breakfast Burrito Culture
The burrito holds cultural sway in parts of Texas, such as the Midland and South Plains areas. Often comprising a generous filling of eggs, bacon, cheese, and sometimes potatoes, beans, or chorizo, these burritos are synonymous with a hearty start to the day. They are typically wrapped in a large flour tortilla, signifying their cultural impact through size and substance.
Breakfast Taco Culture
Conversely, breakfast taco culture thrives in southern Texas, featuring prominently in cities' culinary scenes. Taco Cabana is a popular eatery, where many happily ordered breakfast tacos even this morning. Taco Cabana often serves as a cultural hub, where the morning ritual of breakfast tacos can be enjoyed alongside the vibrant sounds of mariachi music. Breakfast tacos, usually smaller than burritos, reflect a different set of cultural values—simplicity and community—where a simple tortilla holds together a mix of traditional ingredients. They call them breakfast tacos in Austin, Texas, and areas south.
