Differences between Burrito and Taco
Contents
Burrito vs. Taco[edit]
Burritos and tacos are dishes in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine that consist of fillings served in a tortilla.[1][2] The primary differences relate to the type of tortilla used, the method of preparation, size, and the composition of the fillings.[1] A burrito is made with a large flour tortilla that is fully wrapped into a cylinder to enclose the fillings, while a taco typically uses a smaller corn or flour tortilla that is folded around the ingredients and served open.[3][2]
Comparison Table[edit]
| Category | Burrito | Taco |
|---|---|---|
| Tortilla Type | Large (typically 10-12 inch) flour tortilla[4][5] | Small (typically 4-8 inch) corn or flour tortilla[4] |
| Preparation | Tortilla is wrapped to fully enclose fillings in a sealed cylinder[1] | Tortilla is folded in half around fillings, remaining open at the top[3] |
| Size | Large; intended as a complete meal[1] | Small; often served in multiples[1] |
| Typical Fillings | Complex mixture, often including rice, beans, meat, cheese, and vegetables all rolled together | Simpler fillings, primarily meat with toppings like cilantro, onion, and salsa added on top[1][3] |
| Serving Style | Handheld, self-contained meal | Eaten by hand, often with toppings added just before eating[3] |
Key distinctions[edit]
Tortilla[edit]
The most significant difference lies in the tortilla. Burritos exclusively use large flour tortillas, typically 10 to 12 inches in diameter.[4][5] The flour tortilla's pliability is necessary to wrap a large volume of ingredients without tearing.[1] Tacos, in contrast, can be made with a wider variety of tortillas. Traditional Mexican tacos are often served on small, soft corn tortillas.[3] Hard-shell tacos, an American innovation, use pre-fried, U-shaped corn shells.[3] Soft tacos may also be made with smaller flour tortillas.
Size and shape[edit]
A burrito is a large, hearty meal designed to be self-contained.[1] All ingredients are rolled tightly within the flour tortilla, which is folded at the ends to create a sealed, cylindrical package that can be eaten by hand. Tacos are smaller and are considered a lighter meal or snack; they are often served in orders of two or three.[1] The tortilla of a taco is simply folded in half, acting as an open pocket for the fillings.[1][3]
Ingredients and composition[edit]
Burrito fillings are varied and typically layered together inside the tortilla before it is rolled. Common ingredients include a protein (such as beef or chicken), rice, beans, cheese, lettuce, salsa, and sour cream. The goal is often to create a complete, multi-ingredient meal within the wrap.[5]
Taco fillings are generally simpler, focusing on a primary ingredient, usually a seasoned meat like carne asada, carnitas, or al pastor.[3] The toppings, such as diced onion, cilantro, and salsa, are added on top of the meat after it is placed in the folded tortilla.[3] Unlike many American-style burritos, traditional tacos do not typically contain rice or large amounts of cheese and lettuce.[1]
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 "slurrp.com". Retrieved November 21, 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "britannica.com". Retrieved November 21, 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 "wikipedia.org". Retrieved November 21, 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "kimecopak.ca". Retrieved November 21, 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "fruitnfood.com". Retrieved November 21, 2025.
