What's The Best Tex-Mex Menu Staple? A HuffPost Deathmatch

Who would win in a fight to the culinary death, a burly burrito or a spry and light taco? If you're visualizing these two foods in a boxing ring, you've got the wrong idea. We're talking about taste. Does a filling-packed burrito taste better than a taco? Do enchiladas with their over-the-top melted cheese have them both beat?

If you're a hard-core Tex-Mex fan, you've definitely got a favorite menu item. So put down your taco and fight for your preferred combination of cheese, meat and tortilla -- or just plain guacamole. (And by fight we mean cast a vote for your Tex-Mex item of choice in the deathmatch round below.)

Here's how a deathmatch works:

Starting today at 9:00am Eastern, vote for your first-round picks.

Tomorrow, August 15th at 12:00am Eastern, Round Two will begin.

Wednesday, August 16th, at 12:00am Eastern you'll be able to start voting in Round Three.

Thursday, August 17th, at 12:00am Eastern Round Three is the face-off between the top two tex-mex items.

Now let the battle begin!

Also on HuffPost:

Hungry for Tex-Mex? Check out 21 great ways to fill your tacos.

Loading Slideshow

• Chile-Spiced Skirt Steak Tacos

  <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/chile-spiced-skirt-steak-_n_1058306.html" target="_hplink">Chile-Spiced Skirt Steak Tacos recipe</a></strong> The skirt steak for these tacos has a flavorful spice rub of chile powder, paprika, cumin and coriander. Serve with pico de Gallo, salsa and shredded cabbage.

• Chipotle-Rubbed Salmon Tacos

  <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/chipotle-rubbed-salmon-ta_n_1058311.html" target="_hplink">Chipotle-Rubbed Salmon Tacos recipe</a></strong> Salmon is a great choice for tacos -- it's flavorful and healthy at the same time. Here chile powder gets rubbed on the fish before grilling. Serve with mashed avocado and salsa.

• Chipotle Pork Tacos With Grilled Tomato Salsa and Lime

  <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/chipotle-pork-tacos-with-_n_1059847.html" target="_hplink">Chipotle Pork Tacos with Grilled Tomato Salsa and Lime recipe</a></strong> Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce add earthy flavor to lean pork. Grill the tenderloin whole, basting with extra marinade. Cut the meat into slices and serve in tortillas warmed over the grill.

• Beef Tacos

  <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/tacos-bistec-beef-tacos_n_1057325.html" target="_hplink">Beef Tacos recipe</a></strong> You don't always need a grill to make great tacos. These beef tacos are made with inexpensive flank steak, which can easily be "grilled" under the broiler. Serve the tacos with quick pickled onion and guacamole.

• Grilled Fish Tacos With Pico De Gallo

  <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/grilled-fish-tacos-with-p_n_1057732.html" target="_hplink">Grilled Fish Tacos with Pico de Gallo recipe</a></strong> Fish tacos are popular in Baja California, and no wonder why, they're light and refreshing. Grill firm, white-fleshed fish, like mahi mahi, swordfish, or halibut for these fish tacos.

• Grilled Chicken Tacos

  <strong>Get the Recipe for <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/grilled-chicken-tacos_n_1058438.html" target="_hplink">Grilled Chicken Tacos</a></strong> This recipe starts with marinating chicken thighs in a tomato puree. After grilling, cut the thighs into strips and serve in warmed tortillas with the toppings of your choice.

• Barbacoa Beef Cheek Tacos

  <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/15/barbacoa-beef-cheek-tacos_n_1151655.html" target="_hplink">Barbacoa Beef Cheek Tacos recipe</a></strong> Braised in the oven, beef cheeks turn meltingly tender, so much so that the meat can easily be shredded for tacos. You can also use short ribs for this recipe if you prefer.

• Beer-Braised Turkey Tacos

  <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/beer-braised-turkey-tacos_n_1058230.html" target="_hplink">Beer-Braised Turkey Tacos recipe</a></strong> Turkey thighs and legs are packed with flavor, which makes them ideal for braising and shredding for tacos. You get all the rich flavor of braised meat but with a lot less fat.

• Beer-Battered Fish Tacos With Tomato And Avocado Salsa

  <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/beer-battered-fish-tacos-_n_1061638.html" target="_hplink">Beer-Battered Fish Tacos with Tomato and Avocado Salsa recipe</a></strong> Beer is the secret ingredient in these battered and fried fish tacos. Tilapia is a good choice because it's inexpensive and holds together well when fried.

• Crunchy Tofu Tacos

  <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/crunchy-tofu-tacos_n_1058364.html" target="_hplink">Crunchy Tofu Tacos recipe</a></strong> Don't leave your vegetarian friends without a veg-friendly filling. This recipe has cubes of firm tofu marinated in Korean flavors and stir-fried.

• Grilled Steak Tacos With Avocado Salsa

  <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/grilled-steak-tacos-with-_n_1058467.html" target="_hplink">Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa recipe</a></strong> Steak is a cornerstone of summer grilling. Why not try it in a taco? Simply slice it thin. This recipe also includes grilled chorizo, grilled cheese and avocado salsa.

• Duck Confit Tacos

  <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/duck-confit-tacos_n_1060870.html" target="_hplink">Duck Confit Tacos recipe</a></strong> These tacos feature succulent duck confit married with Mexican and Chinese flavors. You'll love the melt-in-your-mouth texture of the meaty filling.

• Mahimahi With Cumin Oil And Pineapple Salsa

  <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/mahimahi-with-cumin-oil-a_n_1056865.html" target="_hplink">Mahimahi with Cumin Oil and Pineapple Salsa recipe</a></strong> Mahimahi is both meaty and flaky, making it the perfect fish for tacos. In this recipe a cumin oil adds lots of earthy flavor. A pineapple salsa is a nice acidic contrast.

• Sauteed Sausage And Pineapple Tacos

  <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/sauteed-sausage-and-pinea_n_1060918.html" target="_hplink">Sauteed Sausage and Pineapple Tacos recipe</a></strong> Crumbled sausage and pineapple, sauteed in a skillet, make a meaty and tangy filling for tacos. Use your favorite sausage and fresh or canned pineapple.

• Fish Tacos With Creamy Lime Guacamole And Cabbage Slaw

  <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/fish-tacos-with-creamy-li_n_1058389.html" target="_hplink">Fish Tacos with Creamy Lime Guacamole and Cabbage Slaw recipe</a></strong> These tacos feature tender red snapper fillets that are grilled instead of fried for a healthier take on the classic California taco. Leave the skin on to make grilling easier. Serve with guacamole and cabbage slaw.

• Soft Tacos With Pork, Cabbage Slaw And Avocado Mash

  <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/soft-tacos-with-pork-cab_n_1056910.html" target="_hplink">Soft Tacos with Pork, Cabbage Slaw and Avocado Mash recipe</a></strong> Pork tenderloin is a great choice for a taco filling -- grilled just right it's tender and moist. Serve with mashed avocado and shredded cabbage.

• Shredded Chicken And Onion Tacos

  <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/shredded-chicken-and-onio_n_1060917.html" target="_hplink">Shredded Chicken and Onion Tacos recipe</a></strong> Simple roast chicken is a flavorful filling for tacos -- just shred it and wrap it up in soft tacos. Serve with sauteed onion and guacamole.

• Grilled Scallops With Honeydew-Avocado Salsa

  <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/grilled-scallops-with-hon_n_1058464.html" target="_hplink">Grilled Scallops with Honeydew-Avocado Salsa recipe</a></strong> Sweet grilled scallops would make a great taco filling. Paired with honeydew and avocado salsa, it's a refreshing combination that's perfect for a hot summer day.

• Pork Braised In Red Chile Sauce

  <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/pork-braised-in-red-chile_n_1056888.html" target="_hplink">Pork Braised in Red Chile Sauce recipe</a></strong> Pork shoulder turns incredibly tender from a long braise. Chile powder, tomato paste, raisins and a spoon of espresso powder create the earthy flavor. It's just right for piling into tacos.

• Grilled Shrimp Cocktail With Yellow Gazpacho Salsa

  <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/grilled-shrimp-cocktail-w_n_1049528.html" target="_hplink">Grilled Shrimp Cocktail with Yellow Gazpacho Salsa recipe</a></strong> Fill your tacos with tender grilled shrimp, flavored with garlic and thyme. A salsa of yellow tomatoes, yellow bell pepper and cucumber makes a refreshing topping.

• Beer And Tequila Carnitas

  <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/agustines-beer--tequila_n_1062164.html" target="_hplink">Beer and Tequila Carnitas recipe</a></strong> These carnitas are extra special because the pork shoulder is braised in two alcohols: tequila and dark beer. The flavor is rich and developed as if it were made by the best taco vendor.

• Quick Fish Tacos

  Curtis Stone makes a recipe for fish tacos.

Comments

[Bone Lee Tadpole]

04:18 PM on 08/17/2012

It's all about the HOT SAUCE....!!!!!!!!!

[an seanchus mor]

03:12 PM on 08/16/2012

I think its safe to predict Enchilada's are king?!

[HouseofMayhem]

11:51 AM on 08/16/2012

Tex-Mex is for p ussies and gringos who don't know any better.

All the cool kids run for the New Mexico border.

[MzTexas]

03:21 PM on 08/20/2012

I like both.

[AuntLoonie]

04:16 PM on 08/15/2012

I dunno. But something fun to make is a Mexican pizza. Just add some cornmeal to regular pizza dough and mix salsa and refried bead for the "sauce." Top with taco cheeses and traditional Tex-Mex ingredients.

[j-fin]

05:51 PM on 08/14/2012

Enchiladas! Grilled from On the Border or the Chicka Boom-boom from Chuy's.

[prettyfnliberal]

02:51 PM on 08/14/2012

mmmmm tacos

[luckylily88]

01:08 PM on 08/14/2012

Since it's August, and I can smell the roasted Hatch chiles from my office window, the only possible result to this must be green chile chicken enchiladas, casserole style, with asadero and queso fresco. No canned red mystery sauce, no puddles of greasy cheddar, no stupid sour cream, no gringo rolled tortillas, and absolutely no cilantro.

[Rebecca Orchant]

10:47 AM on 08/15/2012

You just made this New Mexican expat feel very homesick.

[luckylily88]

11:08 AM on 08/15/2012

I'm sorry. :-/ 

[c2morow]

01:40 PM on 08/16/2012

Lived in the El Paso area for most of my life. We always headed to festival (70's). Do they still have it? Miss it. If I send you a prepaid fed ex, can you send me about3 or 4 dozen? :)

[luckylily88]

01:54 PM on 08/16/2012

They do still have it, although I've never been. I'm a northern dwelling New Mexican. We have our own little chile fest here in Albuquerque, and it's pretty phenomenal! You can also order Hatch online these days, they'll pack it in ice and ship it to you. My sister does it all the time. :)

[marissa emily]

01:06 PM on 08/14/2012

Yum I'll take one of each!

[marissa emily]

01:08 PM on 08/14/2012

with a diet coke of course......LOL

[an seanchus mor]

12:51 PM on 08/14/2012

OMG I can't decide!

[abbadabba]

12:42 PM on 08/14/2012

Friend of mine was telling me all about his fav Tex-Mex joint. That is a fool's errand to a Tucsonan. I corrected him that the best Mex in America comes out of homes, but the best place for Mexican is AZ. He nodded and said, "You''re right, darlin', Texas has the best Mexican food."

Huff Po's just like him. Wrong out of the starting block and still running.

[theredpony]

12:04 PM on 08/15/2012

No one eats more burritos than Southern Californians. Best Tex Mex food I ever had was in Hawaii. Usually when I go to Mexico, I eat seafood. Strange and mixed-up world we live in :-)

[Contact1972]

12:37 PM on 08/14/2012

Now I'm hungry.

[EmilyPEarwig]

12:31 PM on 08/14/2012

The cornerstone of Tex Mex is Green Chile, and where is it?

[abbadabba]

12:35 PM on 08/14/2012

New Mex Hatch. OMG, have you ever seen a Peter Pepper? Don't show the kids!

[marissa emily]

01:18 PM on 08/14/2012

LMAO.....I just goggled it I see what you mean by "Don't show the kids" LOL

[abbadabba]

12:29 PM on 08/14/2012

Faux contest!

Tex-Mex is NOT Mexican food.

So says Sonora! Have fun tossing bad food around.

[Mavs41]

12:43 PM on 08/14/2012

No, Tex-Mex is Tex-Mex. Where did they say it was Mexican?

[Carol Stephens Briers]

12:51 PM on 08/14/2012

The article did not say Tex-Mex is Mexican food.

That is why it is call TEX-MEX.

[Lulo]

12:25 PM on 08/14/2012

This is all northern stuff.

I had dinner at a friend's house whose wife is from Veracruz and the food she prepared had ZERO to do with any of this. It was such a nice change. The fish dishes are mind blowing, makes me wonder why it has not been explored in the US more.

Still......chile of everything. LOL

[garystartswithg]

12:46 PM on 08/14/2012

Its Tex-Mex. Its vomit on a walmart tortilla.

[jf12]

12:22 PM on 08/14/2012

Quesadillas shouldn't be vs guacamole.

[TheMtyThor]

12:33 PM on 08/14/2012

I agree j, it should be like guacamole vs salsa and maybe quesadillas vs tostadas