It's an age-old debate that can really spice up a dinner table conversation: Mexican food versus Tex-Mex. Our restaurant proudly serves a bit of both, so we often find ourselves in the middle of this culinary crossfire. 

Want to know the difference between Tex-Mex and Mexican food? Grab one of our Houston margaritas and take a journey into this delicious dilemma with us.

What is Tex-Mex?

Tex-Mex is a blend of Mexican food, born from cultural interactions between Anglo-Americans and Mexicans who had settled in Texas. In their quest to prepare Mexican food, they ended up using available Texan ingredients – resulting in what's now known as Tex-Mex. 

Tex-Mex and Mexican cuisines have continued to evolve due to historical, cultural, and geographical factors. While they share some similarities, such as the use of similar ingredients, there are several differences between them. Here are some differences between Tex-Mex and Mexican food:

The Roots

Tex-Mex food originated in Texas as a result of influence from the Mexican immigrants who had settled in the region and emerged as a fusion of Mexican and American flavors, incorporating elements from both cultures. Mexican food is the traditional cuisine for Mexicans and varies from region to region throughout the country. Mexican food has a long history that is characterized by a wide range of traditional styles and dishes.

 Diverse Flavors and Seasonings

Tex-Mex food features bold and robust Texan flavors which include cumin, chili powder, and canned tomatoes that make rich and spicy-tasting dishes. Mexican food dishes are made with natural flavors from traditional herbs. The most popular herbs and spices include cilantro, epazote, chili peppers, and Mexican oregano.

Ingredients

Tex-Mex food uses ingredients that are readily available in the United States such as beef, chicken, yellow cheese, canned beans, flour tortillas, and sour cream. It is prepared using a blend of American ingredients like ground beef and yellow cheese sauce which make it very tasty. Mexican food relies on locally available ingredients, such as corn, beans, avocados, tomatoes, chili peppers, fresh cheese (like queso fresco), and various types of meat (e.g., pork, chicken, and seafood). A wide variety of Mexican dishes are served with corn tortillas. When it comes to tacos, Tex-Mex typically serves them in soft flour tortillas or crunchy corn shells, while a Mexican taco almost always comes in the traditional form of a soft corn tortilla.

Food Portions

Tex-Mex food is served in generous large portions of innovative combinations. A popular Tex-Mex menu boasts a variety of dishes, from sizzling fajitas to zesty enchiladas, catering to both traditional enthusiasts and those looking for all-time favorites. Mexican food is known for hearty servings that reflect the communal culture of dining and sharing meals in Mexico. In a Mexican restaurant, you can expect to be served ample servings of flavorful dishes, accompanied by side dishes like rice, beans, guacamole, salsa, and freshly made corn tortillas, a staple Mexican flavor.

Distinct Preparation Process

Tex-Mex food preparation is simple, convenient, and efficient because it uses quicker cooking methods to make delicious dishes. Preparing Mexican food involves elaborate traditional cooking techniques and investing significant time in the process to develop rich and layered flavors. It's a rich and diverse process that involves various techniques such as grinding and roasting spices, slow cooking, and the use of traditional tools like the metate (stone grinding slab).

Diversity

Across the United States, Tex-Mex food features a consistent flavor identity. Mexican food varies significantly by region, with each region having its unique dishes and flavor profiles. For example, the cuisine of Oaxaca, Yucatán, or Jalisco will differ in terms of ingredients, techniques, and flavors.

These differences will help you embark on a delightful culinary journey and explore both worlds of Tex-Mex and Mexican flavorful dishes. Treat yourself and your loved ones to the vibrant and thrilling flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine and authentic Mexican food at Alicia's Mexican Grille for an unforgettable dining adventure!

Embrace the delightful diverse flavors from these distinct offerings of both Tex-Mex and Mexican cuisines. Whether you're craving the sizzling fajitas mix of Tex-Mex or the robust authentic Mexican dishes, both culinary delights are worth experiencing.