If you’re ever in Los Angeles and craving a taco experience that’s both humble and packed with flavor, Tacos Los Cholos should be at the top of your list. Nestled in a cozy corner of this sprawling city, this vibrant taco stand has quickly become a local favorite. From its colorful murals to the mouthwatering aroma wafting through the air, it promises a meal that feels like a little slice of Mexico right here in LA.
The Scene
As I approached Tacos Los Cholos, the inviting warmth of the place was unmistakable. The neon lights glowed invitingly, and the casual vibe made it clear that this was not just about the food – it was about the whole experience. The taco stand is a blend of street food authenticity and modern charm, with a bustling crowd of locals and tourists alike. There’s an energy here that you can’t quite put into words, but it’s palpable as soon as you step up to the counter.
The Quesadilla: A Melted Dream
I had heard whispers around the city about the magic that happens in their quesadilla, and I was not disappointed. I went for the classic choice: a quesadilla loaded with asada, melted cheese, and a touch of salsa verde. From the first bite, it was clear this was no ordinary quesadilla. The tortilla was perfectly crisp on the outside, yet soft and chewy on the inside, giving it that perfect balance of textures. But it was the filling that truly stole the show. The asada was marinated and grilled to perfection, offering a smoky, juicy bite that paired beautifully with the creamy, melted cheese. The salsa verde added a tangy, zesty kick, elevating each bite to a whole new level. I couldn’t help but savor each mouthful, completely lost in the vibrant flavors of this taco stand’s signature dish.
Each bite was a balance of textures and flavors: the crunch of the tortilla, the gooey richness of the cheese, and the bold seasoning of the meat. To top it off, the quesadilla was served with a side of zesty salsa and cooling crema, which added a refreshing contrast to the heat of the spices. There’s something about the simplicity of a quesadilla when done right that makes it utterly satisfying.
The Side Delights
While the quesadilla took center stage, I couldn’t resist sampling a few other dishes from their extensive menu. The salsa bar, with its variety of fresh salsas ranging from mild to fiery, made it easy to customize each bite to my taste. The charred onions and cilantro gave the quesadilla an added depth that made it feel even more like a meal crafted with care.
One thing that stood out during my visit to Tacos Los Cholos was the quality of the ingredients. The tortillas were freshly made, and the carne asada was marinated for hours to ensure the flavors were deeply infused. The salsa was vibrant, with just the right balance of heat, and the crema added a silky touch that rounded out the dish. I also appreciated the generous portion sizes—this was no flimsy quesadilla. It was hearty, filling, and left me feeling completely content.
The Verdict: A Must-Try Spot
Tacos Los Cholos is more than just a place to grab a quick bite – it’s a destination for anyone looking to experience the flavors of authentic Mexican street food. The quesadilla was a true highlight, offering everything you’d expect from great Mexican cuisine: flavor, freshness, and a little bit of love in every bite. Whether you’re a local or just passing through Los Angeles, make sure you stop by. It’s one of those places that truly captures the essence of what street food should be – fun, flavorful, and unforgettable.
A Homemade Quesadilla Recipe to Try at Home
Inspired by the delicious quesadilla at Tacos Los Cholos, I decided to recreate the experience at home. Here’s a simple, yet flavorful recipe for a classic quesadilla, perfect for those craving the taste of authentic Mexican street food.
Customizable Quesadillas
Experience the ultimate versatility with our Customizable Quesadillas! Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe allows you to choose between savory beef, tender chicken, or fresh vegetable fillings. Layered with gooey Monterey Jack cheese and a vibrant spice mix, these quesadillas are bursting with flavor and satisfying texture. Quick to prepare and adaptable to your preferences, they make a delightful main course or a hearty snack. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, you’ll love how easy it is to create these irresistible Tex-Mex favorites. Elevate your meal repertoire with this crowd-pleasing dish that’s both delicious and customizable!
4
quesadillas10
minutes15
minutes400
kcal25
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- Quesadilla Base
4 large flour tortillas (8-inch size)
1 1/3 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese or your preferred variety
½ cup corn kernels either thawed from frozen or drained from a can
½ cup fresh cilantro roughly chopped
- Spice Blend
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp salt
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp paprika
black pepper a pinch
cayenne pepper a dash (optional for heat)
- Choose One Filling
Beef Option
½ tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic minced
½ medium onion finely chopped
½ pound ground beef
½ small red bell pepper diced
1 tbsp tomato paste
3 tbsp water
Chicken Option
1 ¼ tbsp olive oil
½ pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs
2 cloves garlic minced
½ small onion quartered and sliced
½ small red bell pepper diced
Vegetable Option
1 tbsp vegetable oil
½ medium onion diced
1 clove garlic minced
½ can black beans drained
½ cup corn
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp water
- Alternative Ingredients:
Flour Tortillas: Substitute with gluten-free tortillas or large lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
Monterey Jack Cheese: Use cheddar mozzarella, or a vegan cheese alternative for dairy-free preferences.
Ground Beef: Replace with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a leaner or vegetarian option.
Chicken Thighs: Opt for chicken breasts for a leaner choice or tofu for a vegetarian filling.
Black Beans: Substitute with pinto beans or lentils if preferred.
Tomato Paste: Use tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes as a replacement.
Cilantro: Fresh parsley can be used if cilantro is not available or to suit personal taste.
Directions
- Prepare the Spice Mix – In a small bowl, combine onion powder, dried oregano, salt, cumin powder, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful spice blend that will elevate your quesadillas.
- Beef Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 2 minutes. Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned, approximately 5-7 minutes. Stir in diced red bell pepper, tomato paste, and water. Let the mixture simmer for another 3-4 minutes until well combined and slightly thickened. Season with half of the prepared spice mix.
- Chicken Filling: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sliced onion, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes. Introduce the chicken thighs, cooking until they are no longer pink and are fully cooked through, roughly 6-8 minutes. Add diced red bell pepper and half of the spice mix, stirring to combine. Remove from heat once cooked.
- Vegetable Filling: Warm vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until tender, about 2 minutes. Incorporate black beans, diced bell pepper, corn, tomato paste, and water. Sprinkle in half of the spice mix, stirring thoroughly. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes until heated through and flavors meld.
- Assemble the Quesadillas – Lay out a flour tortilla on a clean work surface. Evenly sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese over half of the tortilla. Spoon your chosen filling onto the cheese layer, distributing it evenly. Add corn and chopped cilantro on top of the filling, followed by another sprinkle of cheese to help bind the quesadilla. Fold the tortilla in half to encase the fillings.
- Cook the Quesadillas – Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. If not using a nonstick pan, lightly grease the skillet with 2 teaspoons of oil. Place the folded quesadilla onto the skillet, pressing down gently with a spatula. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for approximately 3 minutes until the underside is golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip the quesadilla over, pressing down again, and cook for an additional 3 minutes until the other side is crispy. Remove from the skillet and transfer to a cutting board.
- Serve – Allow the quesadilla to rest for a minute before cutting it in half for easier handling. Serve immediately with your favorite sides such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. Enjoy your delicious, homemade customizable quesadillas!
Equipment
- Nonstick Pan
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- silicone spatula set
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 400kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Potassium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Vitamin A: 20IU
- Vitamin C: 15mg
- Calcium: 300mg
- Iron: 3mg
