Tijuana Flats is a popular fast-casual restaurant chain that has been serving up delicious Tex-Mex cuisine for over 25 years. One of their signature menu items is the Tijuana Flats Bowl, a mouth-watering dish that has gained a cult following. But have you ever wondered what’s in a Tijuana Flats Bowl? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the ingredients, nutritional information, and customization options that make this dish a fan favorite.
What is a Tijuana Flats Bowl?
A Tijuana Flats Bowl is a flavorful and filling meal that consists of a base, protein, toppings, and sauce. The base is typically a bed of fresh lettuce, but you can also opt for a bowl with a base of Mexican rice, black beans, or a combination of both. The protein options include seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, carnitas (slow-cooked pork), and refried beans for vegetarians.
Protein Options
The protein options at Tijuana Flats are cooked to perfection and seasoned with a blend of spices that add to the overall flavor of the dish. Here’s a brief overview of each protein option:
- Seasoned Ground Beef: Made with 100% Angus beef, this option is cooked with a blend of spices that give it a bold flavor.
- Shredded Chicken: Slow-cooked in a tomato-based sauce, the shredded chicken is tender and juicy.
- Carnitas: Slow-cooked pork that’s shredded and fried until crispy, the carnitas are a fan favorite.
- Refried Beans: A vegetarian option made with pinto beans that are cooked with onions, garlic, and spices.
Toppings and Sauces
The toppings and sauces are what make a Tijuana Flats Bowl truly customizable. You can choose from a variety of toppings, including diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, and avocado. The sauces include a spicy salsa roja, a mild salsa verde, and a creamy queso sauce.
Toppings
Here are some of the toppings you can add to your Tijuana Flats Bowl:
- Diced Tomatoes: Fresh and flavorful, the diced tomatoes add a burst of juicy sweetness to the dish.
- Shredded Cheese: A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese that’s melted to perfection.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a tangy and creamy element to the dish.
- Salsa: Choose from a variety of salsa options, including salsa roja, salsa verde, and pico de gallo.
- Avocado: Sliced or diced, the avocado adds a creamy and rich texture to the dish.
Sauces
The sauces at Tijuana Flats are made fresh in-house and are a key component of the Tijuana Flats Bowl. Here are the sauce options:
- Salsa Roja: A spicy salsa made with diced tomatoes, onions, and jalapenos.
- Salsa Verde: A mild salsa made with tomatillos, onions, and cilantro.
- Queso Sauce: A creamy sauce made with melted cheese, cream, and spices.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional information for a Tijuana Flats Bowl varies depending on the protein option, toppings, and sauce you choose. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for each protein option:
| Protein Option | Calories | Fat | Saturated Fat | Sodium | Carbohydrates | Fiber | Protein |
| — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Seasoned Ground Beef | 350 | 22g | 8g | 450mg | 20g | 5g | 25g |
| Shredded Chicken | 300 | 10g | 2.5g | 350mg | 20g | 5g | 30g |
| Carnitas | 400 | 25g | 10g | 500mg | 20g | 5g | 25g |
| Refried Beans | 250 | 10g | 2g | 300mg | 30g | 10g | 15g |
Customization Options
One of the best things about a Tijuana Flats Bowl is the ability to customize it to your liking. You can choose from a variety of protein options, toppings, and sauces to create a dish that suits your taste preferences. Here are some popular customization options:
- Protein Swap: Swap out the protein option for a different one, such as switching from seasoned ground beef to shredded chicken.
- Topping Additions: Add extra toppings, such as diced tomatoes or shredded cheese, to make the dish more flavorful.
- Sauce Swap: Swap out the sauce for a different one, such as switching from salsa roja to salsa verde.
Conclusion
A Tijuana Flats Bowl is a delicious and customizable meal that’s perfect for anyone looking for a flavorful and filling dish. With a variety of protein options, toppings, and sauces to choose from, you can create a dish that suits your taste preferences. Whether you’re a fan of spicy salsa or creamy queso sauce, there’s a Tijuana Flats Bowl that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
What is a Tijuana Flats Bowl?
A Tijuana Flats Bowl is a popular menu item offered by the fast-casual Tex-Mex restaurant chain, Tijuana Flats. It is a customizable bowl filled with a variety of ingredients, including proteins, vegetables, and sauces. The bowl is designed to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences, making it a favorite among customers.
The Tijuana Flats Bowl is a versatile meal option that can be tailored to suit individual preferences. Customers can choose from a range of proteins, including chicken, steak, carnitas, and veggies, and pair them with a variety of toppings, such as rice, beans, cheese, and salsa. The bowl is also available in different sizes, making it a great option for both small and large appetites.
What are the protein options available in a Tijuana Flats Bowl?
The protein options available in a Tijuana Flats Bowl include chicken, steak, carnitas, and veggies. The chicken is marinated in a blend of spices and grilled to perfection, while the steak is cooked to the customer’s desired level of doneness. The carnitas is slow-cooked pork that is tender and flavorful, and the veggies are a variety of sautéed vegetables for customers looking for a vegetarian option.
In addition to these protein options, Tijuana Flats also offers a variety of specialty proteins, such as grilled shrimp and chorizo. These proteins can be added to the bowl for an extra charge, allowing customers to customize their meal to their liking. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic or adventurous, Tijuana Flats has a protein option to suit your taste.
What are the topping options available in a Tijuana Flats Bowl?
The topping options available in a Tijuana Flats Bowl include a variety of ingredients, such as rice, beans, cheese, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. Customers can choose from a range of salsa options, including mild, medium, and hot, to add an extra kick to their meal. The guacamole is made fresh in-house and is a popular topping among customers.
In addition to these toppings, Tijuana Flats also offers a variety of specialty toppings, such as diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and diced avocado. These toppings can be added to the bowl for an extra charge, allowing customers to customize their meal to their liking. Whether you’re looking for something classic or adventurous, Tijuana Flats has a topping option to suit your taste.
Can I customize my Tijuana Flats Bowl?
Yes, the Tijuana Flats Bowl is highly customizable. Customers can choose from a range of proteins, toppings, and sauces to create a meal that suits their taste and dietary preferences. The bowl can be tailored to suit individual preferences, making it a great option for customers with specific dietary needs or restrictions.
In addition to customizing the protein and toppings, customers can also choose from a range of sauces to add an extra layer of flavor to their meal. The sauces include options such as salsa, guacamole, and sour cream, and can be added to the bowl for an extra charge. Whether you’re looking for something classic or adventurous, Tijuana Flats allows customers to customize their meal to their liking.
Is the Tijuana Flats Bowl a healthy option?
The Tijuana Flats Bowl can be a healthy option, depending on the ingredients chosen. The bowl is a great way to get a balanced meal, with a variety of protein, vegetables, and whole grains. Customers can choose from a range of healthy toppings, such as brown rice, black beans, and roasted vegetables, to create a nutritious meal.
However, some toppings and sauces can be high in calories and fat, so it’s essential to be mindful of the ingredients chosen. Customers can opt for healthier options, such as grilled chicken or veggies, and choose lower-calorie toppings, such as salsa or guacamole, to create a healthier meal. By making informed choices, customers can enjoy a healthy and delicious Tijuana Flats Bowl.
Can I get a vegetarian or vegan Tijuana Flats Bowl?
Yes, Tijuana Flats offers vegetarian and vegan options for the bowl. Customers can choose from a variety of vegetarian proteins, such as sautéed vegetables or black beans, and pair them with a range of toppings, such as guacamole, salsa, and roasted vegetables. The bowl can be customized to suit individual dietary preferences, making it a great option for vegetarians and vegans.
In addition to vegetarian options, Tijuana Flats also offers vegan options, such as vegan salsa and guacamole. Customers can choose from a range of vegan toppings and sauces to create a meal that is free from animal products. By offering vegetarian and vegan options, Tijuana Flats caters to a range of dietary preferences and needs.
How much does a Tijuana Flats Bowl cost?
The cost of a Tijuana Flats Bowl varies depending on the size and ingredients chosen. The bowl is available in different sizes, including a small, medium, and large, and the price increases accordingly. The cost of the bowl also depends on the protein and toppings chosen, with some options, such as grilled shrimp or chorizo, available for an extra charge.
On average, the cost of a Tijuana Flats Bowl ranges from $7 to $12, depending on the size and ingredients chosen. Customers can also add extras, such as guacamole or sour cream, for an additional charge. By offering a range of options and prices, Tijuana Flats caters to different budgets and preferences.