Authentic Flavors of Tacos El Gordo - Tijuana Style Tacos

The Authentic Flavors of Tacos El Gordo

The tantalizing smells of sizzling meats, chopped onions, and fresh cilantro beckon you into the original Tacos El Gordo location in Chula Vista, California. One bite transports you to the vibrant streets of Tijuana, where Tacos El Gordo first began serving their signature tacos in 1989.

The family-owned restaurant has stayed true to their Mexican roots, bringing the authentic flavors of Baja California across the border to hungry patrons in America. Their commitment to traditional cooking techniques and high-quality ingredients has earned them a cult following across San Diego County.

It All Starts with the Adobada

While tacos el gordo offers a variety of meat options, the main attraction is undoubtedly the adobada. Lean pork is marinated overnight in a blend of chiles, spices, and vinegar. The meat soaks up the complex flavors of the marinade, transforming into tender, tangy adobada.

The next morning, an expert taquero slices thin pieces of adobada from the trompo, a vertical rotisserie spit. The taquero carefully carves the outer layer of crispy pork before cutting toward the moist interior. He expertly catches each slice in a warm corn tortilla, topping it with freshly chopped onions and cilantro.

Crafting the Perfect Taco

Adobada may be the star, but tacos el gordo offers a wide array of meat fillings to suit any taste. Succulent carne asada, spicy chorizo, delicate chicken, and rich carnitas join the adobada on the trompo. For vegetarians, roasted cactus and fresh avocado deliver savory satisfaction.

Double handmade corn tortillas form the foundation for every taco. Two tortillas are better than one at containing the generous portions of fillings without ripping. Griddled until slightly charred, the tortillas offer a subtle smokiness and satisfying crunch.

Onions and cilantro provide a fresh contrast to the rich meats. A squeeze of lime adds brightness, while a variety of salsas bringflavors ranging from mild to spicy-hot. Each component builds layers of textures and flavors in perfect harmony.

Tacos for Every Occasion

From quick snacks to family meals, tacos el gordo satisfies cravings morning, noon, and night. Stop in for a breakfast taco to start your day strong. Grab a quick adobada taco from the walk-up window when hunger strikes. For dinner, order a platter with a combination of meats to please the whole family.

The festive atmosphere also makes Tacos El Gordo a fun spot for casual gatherings with friends. Sip on a Mexican cola or ice-cold beer while enjoying the satisfying crunch of tacos fresh from the trompo. An order of consommé-poached beef brisket tacos makes the perfect shareable appetizer for your next game day party.

Bringing the Party to You

Can’t make it to one of their restaurants? Tacos El Gordo brings the fiesta to you with catering! Planning a birthday bash, office party, or backyard barbecue? Spice up your next event with trays of all your taco favorites. Staff can help you choose the right assortment of meats, toppings, and salsas for any size of gathering.

For truly ambitious projects, go big with a taco cart rental. Let Tacos El Gordo set up a full taco stand at your next event to serve made-to-order tacos and all the fixings. Your guests will love customizing their tacos with their ideal meats and toppings. The mouthwatering aroma of meats cooking on the trompo will have everyone eager to dig in!

Bringing the Taste of Tijuana to America

The Miguél family founded their first taco stand, Tacos El Gordo, in Tijuana in 1989. Focusing on quality ingredients and authentic techniques, their tasty tacos quickly earned a devoted local following. As customers crossed the border, word spread about the incredible flavors back in Tijuana.

Diners urged the family to bring their famous tacos stateside. So in 1998, the Miguéls opened the first Tacos El Gordo location in Chula Vista, California. They chose a spot close to the border where many patrons were already familiar with their legendary tacos in Tijuana.

Staying true to their roots, the family imported key equipment and ingredients. The trompo rotisserie spit ensured meats were carved fresh to order. Fine Mexican oregano, dried chiles, and other seasonings allowed them to recreate their authentic adobada recipe and signature flavors.

Winning Over American Taste Buds

At first, the Miguéls were uncertain how American taste buds would react to the intense flavors of authentic Mexican tacos. But diners quickly fell in love with the complex marinade on the succulent adobada, the fiery heat of the salsa roja, and the overall bold flavors.

Word traveled fast, and Tacos El Gordo became a destination for taco lovers across Southern California. People didn’t mind waiting in the frequent lines out the door for a taste of authentic Mexico. The family realized they had won over American palates and soon opened additional locations.

Staying True to Their Roots

Today Tacos El Gordo has expanded to over 20 locations in California and Nevada, with new outposts constantly in the works. But each restaurant sticks closely to the original Tijuana format, right down to the open trompo spits.

Every location marinates meats in the same time-honored adobos or pastes. They grind chiles by hand every day and make salsas from scratch using fresh ingredients. Tortillas are pressed and grilled to order. Toppings are chopped on-site daily.

This devotion to hands-on, traditional techniques is why the flavors at Tacos El Gordo have remained unchanged for over 30 years. The family is proud to bring their incredible taco recipes stateside for new generations to enjoy.

Taco Trends: The Rise of Gourmet Tacos

From ubiquitous fast-food versions to Michelin-starred takes, tacos have long been an American staple. But in recent years we've seen gourmet taco shops elevating this modest street food to new heights of innovation and flair.

Foodies are flocking to these trendy taquerias for Mexican flavors wrapped up in modern fusion presentations. Offbeat fillings, artisanal tortillas, and unique salsas and toppings give these gourmet tacos an exciting culinary twist.

Pushing Boundaries on Fillings

Traditional Mexican taco fillings like al pastor and barbacoa still satisfy. But daring chefs are now stuffing tortillas with anything from Korean barbecue to pastrami. Tacos offer the perfect vehicle for blending international flavors into handheld form.

Equally inventive are fusion fillings that incorporate Mexican flavors into unexpected ingredients. Some popular mashups include shrimp pad thai tacos, Peking duck tacos with hoisin crema, and tandoori chicken tacos with mango chutney.

Tortilla Innovation

The quesabirria taco trend kicked off a wave of experimentation with tortillas. The broth-dipped birria tacos highlighted how different types of tortillas impact the eating experience.

Handmade heirloom corn tortillas offer an authentic, rustic taste. Artisanal flour tortillas bring flexibility for quesadilla-style tacos. Tepary tortillas made from an ancient grain provide nutty, gluten-free flavors. Even lotus leaf and charred cabbage tortillas are popping up on trendy taco menus.

Salsas and Toppings Get Gourmet

Beyond pico de gallo and guacamole, gourmet tacos allow for tons of innovation when it comes to toppings and sauces. Some taco chefs are whipping up craft salsa flights, letting diners sample unique blends featuring ingredients like mango, serrano, and cilantro.

Cotija cheese, pepita seeds, and microgreens also elevate tacos beyond typical toppings. Even kitchens without culinary training can spice up tacos with quick pickled veggies, flavored cremas, or homemade salsas.

Bring on the Birria Tacos!

Of all the recent taco trends, perhaps none has so thoroughly captivated America’s taste buds quite like birria tacos. The complexly spiced Mexican stew simmers for hours until beef or goat meat is fall-apart tender and full of hearty flavor.

While birria has long been a popular dish, serving it as the filling for tacos is a more recent development. The combo soared to viral fame during the pandemic as foodies sought to recreate the latest social media craze at home.

Birria Origins

Birria has its roots in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. The zesty, chile-based stew was traditionally only served for festivals and special occasions. Goat was the original meat, which gave the dish its name from the Spanish word for goat, birre.

Over time, birria evolved into a more mainstream taco filling, with beef gaining popularity for its richer taste and fall-apart texture after long cooking times. Milder chicken birria is also an option for those who find goat or beef birria too spicy.

Quesabirria Craze

While birria meat makes a tasty taco on its own, the current craze revolves around quesabirria tacos. The meat is paired with melted cheese in a crisped tortilla for extra richness.

But the real game-changer is dipping the tacos in the seasoned birria broth before eating. The melted cheese soaks up the additional savory juices, while the fried outside keeps the taco crunchy.

Birria Trend Forecast

Birria’s bold, complex flavors make it perfect for continuing taco innovation. Some popular birria mashups feature Mexican street corn, ramen noodles, or French dip-style sandwiches. Or keep it simple in the original quesabirria format.

Regardless of how it’s served up, birria’s craveworthy taste and nostalgic appeal give it serious staying power. This beefy stew is sure to continue heating up menus everywhere as more diners discover its magic.

FAQs

What are the most popular tacos at Tacos El Gordo?

The adobada tacos are the undisputed star at Tacos El Gordo. Their specialty is the tender, marinated pork sliced fresh from the trompo rotisserie spit. Other favorites include carne asada, chorizo, cactus, and avocado tacos.

Does Tacos El Gordo offer online ordering?

Yes, you can order ahead online for quick pickup at all Tacos El Gordo locations. They also offer delivery through third party services like DoorDash and Grubhub.

Can I get Tacos El Gordo catered for my event?

Absolutely! Tacos El Gordo offers full-service catering for events of all sizes. You can even rent a taco cart to get tacos made fresh on-site. It's perfect for a fiesta-style gathering.