Tex-Mex food is a combination of traditional Mexican flavor and American cuisine with a Texas twist. However, Cal-Mex is the fusion of traditional Mexican food with a California twist. Tex-Mex is a delicious combination of cultures and its cuisines have many variations.
Foods made with Tex-Mex are used as a staple in restaurants e.g., queso. Cal-Mex is a type of Mexican-style cuisine that originated in California. The cooking methods and ingredients in Cal-Mex cuisine are the same as Californian cuisine. Cal-Mex is a blend of traditional Mexican cooking and California cuisine. It is famous for the fresh and seasonal ingredients that it contains. It is a plant-forward and lighter protein dish.
Tex-Mex is a blend of American and Mexican cuisines. Yellow cheese is an important ingredient in Tex-Mex foods. It is spicier than Mexican and Cal-Mex cuisines. Enchiladas of Tex-Mex are delicious as they contain ground beef, with yellow cheese toppings, and covered with chili con carne. Cumin is a spice that is present almost all the time in Tex-Mex. Well-known Tex-Mex dishes include chili con carne, chimichangas, and fajitas.
Most of the ingredients in Tex-Mex and Cal-Mex foods are similar but still, some ingredients are different. If you are curious to know about the difference between Tex-Mex and Cal-Mex, then here is your solution. We will compare the differences between Tex-Mex and Cal-Mex in this article.
Tex-Mex vs Cal-Mex
Comparison of Ingredients
Ingredients in Tex-Mex and Cal-Mex foods are mostly similar, except few ingredients which are more commonly present in one cooking method than another. Cal-Mex usually picks grilled fish and avocado slices. While Tex-Mex prefers poultry or red meat.
Cal-Mex recipes require lean-cut beef, and the meat should be shredded, while seasoned ground beef is preferred in Tex-Mex recipes.
In comparison to lean cuts of beef for Cal-Mex, fattier cuts are generally more suitable for Tex-Mex recipes as they contain more flavor. Black or white beans are sometimes present in Cal-Mex, while Tex-Mex recipes use refried beans.
Seafood and lighter meats are typically more preferred for Cal-Mex recipes. It uses more vegetables in comparison to Tex-Mex. Cal-Mex is less spicy and lighter, whereas Tex-Mex is spicier and bolder.
Preparation of cuisines
Tacos in Cal-Mex and Tex-Mex cuisines generally contain lettuce tomato, and cheese. Tex-Mex usually goes well with lettuce and tomato and heavy on the cheese. However, in the case of Cal-Mex, the scenario is the opposite i.e., it goes smoother with cheese and heavy with tomato and lettuce. Tex-Mex tacos are made up of soft flour tortillas, whereas Cal-Mex tacos are manufactured by crispy corn tortillas.
Culture Differences
Tex-Mex is well known for its comfort and is more familiar as a portion of party food. Californians typically go for healthier and nutritional options when it comes to their food. It is the main reason why entrees of Cal-Mex food are fresh or grilled rather than fried.
Cal-Mex entrees are mostly portable in comparison to Tex-Mex meals. Tex-Mex meals are usually full of sauce, beans, and the food is going beyond the sides of plates. Hence, it is easier to eat them when you are out of the home.
What to choose between Cal-Mex and Tex-Mex?
The choice between Cal-Mex and Tex-Mex depends on your choice of food. You have to be experimental and should explore flavors yourself. But if you are a health-conscious person then Cal-Mex is a better choice than Tex-Mex. Cal-Mex is more colorful, lighter, and healthier in comparison to Tex-Mex. In our opinion, one should go for a healthier option. However, that’s only an opinion. You can go with the one your taste buds are craving.
Concluding Thoughts
When it comes to Tex-Mex vs Cal-Mex food, both may have their own characteristics and differences as well, but there is no denying that both are super delicious kinds of foods. Some people like Tex-Mex more than Cal-Mex. Tex-Mex is cheesier.
Texans value Tex-Mex more by putting the main emphasis on cheese. Californians say that Cal-Mex is way better than Tex-Mex as its ingredients contain fish, veggies, and avocados. Which one is better is just a matter of opinion based on one’s perception. It simply depends on your choice which one to prefer over the other.