Taquitos Vs. Flautas: What's the Difference?

Corn is a native crop of Mexico produced for over 7000 years. Here, more than 60 distinct types of maize are produced. Corn is utilized as an ingredient in over 4000 items, one of which is tortillas. Mexicans now make various tortilla dishes, such as flautas and taquitos.

So, what exactly is the distinction between flautas and taquitos?

The primary distinction between flautas and taquitos is that taquitos are prepared from corn tortillas, while flautas are made from flour tortillas. Flautas are long and thin in size and shape, whereas taquitos are little and circular fried crisp tacos. Continue reading to learn more about the distinctions between them!

What is Flautas?

Flautas are a Mexican meal produced by stuffing a tortilla with various toppings and then deep-frying the resulting roll. The stuffing is usually composed of chicken or beef and is flavored with chiles and tomatoes. They’re famous in Mexico and the American Southwest, and South America. Flautas are named from the Spanish word for flutes. As a result, you’re expected to eat them with your hands, just like you’d play the flute. So there’s no need for forks when eating Flautas.

What is Taquito?

Taquitos, often known as mini tacos, are little folded tortillas filled with beef or chicken and deep-fried till crisp. They are served with grated cheese sprinkled on top. Taquitos are often made using maize tortillas and served with guacamole or sour cream. They are more characteristic in central Mexico, where corn is grown and consumed.

Flautas vs Taquitos: Key Differences

Flautas and taquitos might be difficult to distinguish. They have a similar appearance and are frequently used interchangeably.

• Size

The size difference between the two is significant. Flautas are typically long, thin, and fashioned from a flour tortilla’s size of a burrito. On the other hand, Taquitos are maize tortillas that are short and rolled.

• Tortilla shape and kind

The form of the tortilla is one of the most essential aspects in distinguishing between flautas and taquitos. Flautas are rolled into circular shapes and cooked in a lot of oil to help them keep their form. They can be rolled such that one end is thinner than the other, creating a tapered cone form. Taquitos are made with a twice-folded tortilla rather than a rolled one. As a result, they are considerably flattened. As a result, they absorb less oil when fried.

• Presentation

Flautas are frequently served on crisp lettuce leaves with various toppings such as sour cream, avocado, Salsa (similar to pico de gallo), guacamole, and so on. Taquitos can be baked or fried, depending on your preference. They’re filled with shredded chicken and cheese. They are then fried or baked till crispy. Taquitos are typically served with cabbage and various sauces, such as Salsa, creamy avocado, or pico de gallo dip.

• Health factor

Flautas are long and thin rolls that absorb a lot of oil when cooked to become crispy. On the other hand, Taquitos are smaller in size and require less oil to crisp up. Baked taquitos are also available on the market. Taquitos are a healthier option because they are made using maize tortillas.

Can You Substitute Flautas for Taquitos?

Yes, flautas may be substituted for taquitos and vice versa. In reality, both of these terms are used interchangeably in the United States. They have a similar appearance and are essentially rolled and filled tortillas. Then they’re fried till they’re crispy. In addition, most people serve them with toppings such as guacamole and sour cream. They are also frequently topped with grated or crumbled cheese and various sauces. Taquitos are available in healthier varieties, so choose them.

Related Issues

Are flautas considered traditional Mexican cuisine?

Yes! Sinaloa, a state in northern Mexico, is where flautas originated. They offer a variety of sizes and forms and may be found across Mexico.

What do taquitos go by in Mexico?

Taquitos are commonly referred to as tacos dorados in Mexico. Taquitos are little tacos famous in the Mexican border towns of Tijuana and Mexicali.

Are flautas and dorado tacos the same thing?

Taco dorados and flautas are Mexican treats packed with wrapped tortillas then fried till brown and crispy. Some people believe that the distinction is because Tacos Dorados are prepared using corn tortillas, while flautas are made with flour tortillas. In Mexico, however, both are often prepared with corn tortillas.

What’s the distinction between flautas and enchiladas?

The main distinction between enchiladas and flautas is that enchiladas are cooked with sauce-soaked maize tortillas. Enchiladas are comparable to maize tortilla rolls and are eaten with various sauces, including red and green sauce. Flautas, on the other hand, are made of wheat.