What Are Red Strips at Taco Bell? Crunchy Secret Explained
Taco Bell is a popular fast food chain. They have many tasty and unique menu items, like their famous red strips. Have you ever ordered those red strips at Taco Bell? If so, you might wonder what’s in them and what makes their flavor and texture so unique.
We will delve into the details of Taco Bell’s red strips, discussing what they are made of, how they are prepared, and what menu items they can be found in.
What Are Those Red Strips at Taco Bell?
Taco Bell’s red strips are red-colored tortilla chips made from corn masa flour, spices, and tomato paste [1].
Masa flour is a traditional Mexican ingredient. It’s made from corn treated with lime. This process gives the red strips their unique texture and flavor.
The seasoning blend includes garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. These spices give the strips a bold and zesty flavor.
Tomato paste is added to the mixture, providing a sweetness and acidity that balances out the other flavors.
How Are Taco Bell’s Red Strips Prepared?
Taco Bell’s red strips are prepared by mixing the masa flour, spices, and tomato paste to form a thick dough. The dough is then pressed into thin sheets and cut into small, rectangular strips.
“My favorite thing from Taco Bell is the Doritos Locos Tacos Supreme.”
– Trippie Redd, American Rapper
These strips are then deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. Deep-frying makes the red strips crunchy. It also adds a savory flavor that goes well with the seasoning blend.
Once the red strips are fried, they are seasoned with some other spice mix before being added to the menu items they accompany. The result is a delicious, crispy, and flavorful addition to any Taco Bell meal.
| You can also check out this Taco Bell lunch menu here. |
What Menu Items Can Red Strips Be Found In?
- Nachos BellGrande: A big plate of nacho chips. It’s topped with seasoned beef, nacho cheese sauce, refried beans, diced tomatoes, and plenty of red strips.
- Crunchwrap Supreme: A flour tortilla holds seasoned beef, nacho cheese sauce, lettuce, and tomatoes. Inside, a crispy tostada adds texture, while red strips provide a tasty crunch.
- Power Menu Bowl: This bowl is full of protein. It has seasoned beef, black beans, and avocado ranch sauce. You also get guacamole, sour cream, and red strips, all served with rice.
- Mexican Pizza: A fan-favorite menu item that features seasoned beef, refried beans, red sauce, a three-cheese blend, diced tomatoes, and red strips, all baked on a crispy tortilla crust.
- Quesadilla: A grilled flour tortilla filled with seasoned beef, a three-cheese blend, and creamy jalapeno sauce. Red strips add a tasty crunch.
How Do Red Strips Add To The Flavor & Texture Of Taco Bell’s Menu Items?
Taco Bell’s red strips add a unique flavor and texture to its menu items. The strips are crispy and crunchy. They contrast nicely with the soft ingredients. This adds a fun crunch to every bite.
The seasoning blend in the red strips adds bold, zesty flavor. It complements the other ingredients, making the dish more exciting and satisfying.
Red strips also add a pop of color to the dish, making it visually appealing. Overall, the red strips enhance Taco Bell’s menu items’ texture, flavor, and appearance, making them even more enjoyable.
Can You Make Red Strips at Home?
Yes, you can make red strips at home with a few simple ingredients and steps. You will need masa flour, tomato paste, spices, and water.
First, mix the dry ingredients in a bowl and add the tomato paste and water to create a thick dough. Roll the dough into thin sheets and cut them into small, rectangular strips.
Fry the strips in vegetable oil [2] until they are crispy and golden brown. After cooking, add more spices to the strips. Serve them with your favorite Taco Bell-inspired dish.
FAQs on Red Strips at Taco Bell
Are the red strips at Taco Bell vegetarian?
Yes, the red strips at Taco Bell are vegetarian. They are made from a blend of corn masa flour, spices, and tomato paste, all plant-based ingredients. Additionally, the strips are fried in vegetable oil, making them a vegetarian-friendly option.
Is the red sauce at Taco Bell enchilada sauce?
The red sauce at Taco Bell is not technically enchilada sauce. It is a proprietary sauce that Taco Bell has created specifically for its menu items. The sauce blends tomatoes, chili peppers, onions, and spices. This mix creates a bold, zesty flavor that goes well with the dish’s other ingredients.
Key Takeaways
Taco Bell’s red strips are a unique and delicious addition to its menu items. Made from corn masa flour, spices, and tomato paste, the strips are deep-fried until crispy and golden. They add a satisfying crunch to any dish.
They can be found in various popular menu items, such as nachos, quesadillas, and Mexican pizza. They can also be added as a topping to other items for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
References:
- https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-tomato-paste-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-206853
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/vegetable-oil
