Mexican Vs Tex-Mex: How The Flavours Differ 

There is a pretty good chance that if you ever felt a craving for tacos, enchiladas, or burritos, you already come across both Mexican and Tex-Mex food. But have you ever noticed what is the difference between them? Most people use these terms interchangeably, though they are two very different cuisines with unique histories and flavours. 

Also read: Paloma: Pair Up Your Mexican Food With This Refreshing Cocktail

So let's dive into what makes Mexican and Tex-Mex food different, starting with the basics of each cuisine. 

What Is Mexican Food? 

Mexican food is deeply associated with the country's rich culinary history with influences drawn from its indigenous peoples-the Aztecs, Mayans – as well as colonisation at the hands of the Spanish. Mexican food uses corn, beans, chilli peppers, and native herbs in these dishes for authentic bold flavours. Mexican food showcases its recipes with the extensive use of corn tortillas, fresh salsas, and a whole range of spices, including cumin, oregano, and epazote. Popular dishes include tacos, tamales, enchiladas, and mole, a rich sauce made with ingredients such as chocolate and chilli. 

Mexican food makes little use of cheese, by a small flavour rather than an overwhelming one. Beans appear frequently, black beans and pinto beans are common. Much of the focus is on freshness, bright flavours, and how acidity from lime or tomatillo combines with spice. 

What Is Tex-Mex Food? 

Tex-Mex food is a combination of Mexican and American dishes. It actually originated in the Texan borderlands, which merged both cultures-Mexican and Texan-in this significant area of mixing of flavours, textures, and artistry in cooking and preparation. Thus, what makes Tex-Mex dishes hybrid are their inspirations from the Mexican flavours while using the American ingredients and the techniques used for cooking. Tex-Mex food became a staple and was popularised in the United States in the 20th century. It is now a staple in American restaurants, enjoyed especially for its heavy portions and mouth-watering flavours. 

Tex-Mex food tends to be associated with generous use of shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, ground beef, and wheat flour tortillas. Examples include nachos, chimichangas, and fajitas. Heavily dominated by cheese, beans-mostly refried-and several charred or fried meats, it feels warm and indulgent. 

Key Differences 

Ingredients 

The first point of difference between Mexican food and Tex-Mex is the ingredients used. Mexican food utilises local ingredients such as corn, fresh herbs, and spices. Tex-Mex uses American favourites like cheddar cheese, ground beef, and wheat flour tortillas. For instance, the Mexican tacos are prepared on soft corn tortillas, while Tex-Mex prepares their tacos in hard, crunchy shells. 

Cheese 

Cheese has a prominent place in Tex-Mex, where it typically covers portions of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or processed cheeses. Mexican food uses much less cheese and generally favours fresh types, like queso fresco, which is relatively mild and not so overpowering. 

Seasonings 

Although the two cuisines make liberal use of spices, Tex-Mex is famous for liberal uses of cumin, which less frequently happens in cooking traditional Mexican food. Instead, Mexican food relies more on chillies, coriander, and fresh herbs that build layers of flavour. 

Portion Sizes 

Tex-Mex dishes are typically larger and richer, requiring more cheese, meat, and fried parts to be heartier and filling. Mexican food is full of flavour but typically portion-controlled with light balance portions that put their ingredients forward instead. 

Authenticity 

Mexican food is basically abreast with the cultural and historical aspects, ensuring its real recipes. Tex-Mex, on the other hand, is the modern adaptation of the Mexican food to suit American tastes while blending the two flavours into a single creation.