The Tacocentric Culture of America: How Much Are Eaten and Where They Come From

The United States has a deep and enduring love affair with tacos, a tradition that spans restaurants, homes, and every corner of the nation.

How Many Tacos Are Eaten in America?

Taco Bell: Known for its fast-food prowess, Taco Bell serves around 2 billion tacos annually. This figure includes their iconic offerings like the Doritos Locos and other favorites.

Jack in the Box: Another major player, Jack in the Box serves approximately 550 million tacos each year, contributing significantly to the national taco tally.

Home-Served Tacos: While restaurant statistics are impressive, the true depth of taco consumption in America comes into play when considering the vast number of tacos eaten in homes, often with those crispy yellow shells.

Wild Varieties: Fish tacos, popularized in Baja, have become ubiquitous. Fish tacos are just one of the many flavors of tacos you can find, whether in a casual eatery or at a street food vendor. The sheer variety makes it impossible to accurately count the number of different types of tacos served in the country.

Immersion in Taconomy

In San Antonio, one of the most taco-centric cities in the nation, the taco consumption habits are particularly pronounced:

San Antonio, Texas: Living in San Antonio, I could easily consume three breakfast tacos on a good day, two most of the time, and sometimes one with coffee if I was in a hurry. The variety never seemed to diminish. Savoring lunch tacos became a ritual, and trying sushi tacos for dinner was a thrilling culinary adventure.

Exploring Taco Culture

For a deeper dive into the rich history and cultural impact of tacos, consider the book Taco USA: How Mexican Food Conquered America by Gustavo Arellano. This engaging read delves into the evolution of Mexican cuisine in the United States, tracing its roots from the Civil War to the present day.

Taco Bell by the Numbers

Taco Bell at a Glance: Taco Bell, a well-loved fast-food chain, has a significant presence in the taco marketplace. Their website offers a range of tacos, from familiar favorites to innovative combinations.

Taco Recipes

For those who wish to experience the real deal at home, here is a simple tacos de lengua (beef tongue) recipe:

Tacos de Lengua Recipe

Ingredients:

1 pound beef tongue, cubed 2 tablespoons oil Salt and pepper to taste 2 tomatoes, diced 1 onion, diced 2 cups beef broth 1 teaspoon cumin 1 tablespoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon onion powder 1 lime, juiced Taco shells Avocado, sliced Cheese, grated Lettuce, chopped

Instructions:

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add beef tongue, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, onion, beef broth, cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the tongue is tender. Add lime juice and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Divide the beef tongue into taco shells. Top with avocado, cheese, and lettuce.

Tacos de lengua, while a traditional Mexican dish, offer a unique chance to explore a different flavor in the great wave of tacos that have swept across America.

The Ineffectual Search for Numbers

While it's impossible to quantify the exact number of tacos consumed annually across the vast expanse of the United States, what we can say is this: there are countless varieties, from the breakfast tacos I savored in San Antonio to the sushi tacos that once thrilled my taste buds. The number of tacos served in homes, combined with those from restaurants, is staggering in its scale and variety. The love for tacos isn't just a fad; it's a cultural phenomenon that continues to evolve and inspire new flavors and combinations.

For more in-depth exploration, dive into Taco USA: How Mexican Food Conquered America or try your hand at some authentic and innovative taco recipes. Whether you're a fan of Tacos in a blanket at home or a seasoned taco bell shopper, the world of tacos offers endless adventures and flavors.