Taquito (from the Spanish diminutive of taco[1]) or flauta is a Mexican food dish consisting of a small rolled-up tortilla and some type of filling, usually beef or chicken. The filled tortilla is crisp-fried. Corn (maize) tortillas are generally used to make taquitos, though flour is sometimes used.
Taquitos were invented in San Diego, California, by Ralph Pesqueria, Jr., when customers at his tortilla factory began asking for prepared food items. The tortilla factory became El Indio Restaurant, where taquitos and other Mexican food are still served.[2][3][4]
There are many varieties of taquitos in different regions. Taquitos most often contain beef, chicken, and sometimes include cheese, pork, potato, or vegetables. They are generally thin and tend to be about 6 inches (15 cm) long. Potatoes are usually involved in the breakfast form of taquitos, which are thick and come with eggs. Taquitos are usually served with a type of salsa and/or guacamole.
In the United States, taquitos are very popular as a frozen food.[5][6] They are also sold by 7-Eleven[7] and QuikTrip[8] convenience stores in a variety of flavors, as well as established restaurants such as Chico's Tacos.[9] Taco Bell began to sell steak and chicken taquitos in 2006. Taco Bell's versions are wrapped in a flour tortilla and grilled, rather than fried.[10]
Crispy fried taquitos sold in Mexico are often called tacos dorados ("golden tacos") or flautas ("flutes"). Typical toppings and sides include cabbage, crema (Mexican sour cream), guacamole, green chili or red chili salsa and crumbled Mexican cheese such as queso fresco.[11]