These Crispy Tacos Dorados are a fun and tasty way to enjoy dinner! Filled with your choice of meat or veggies, they get a delightful crunch when fried until golden brown.
Who doesn’t love that crispy bite? I always keep some salsa nearby for dipping because, let’s be honest, it makes everything better! 🌮✨
Making these tacos is a breeze! Just fill, fold, and fry. They’re perfect for a quick family meal that everyone will love. It’s hard to eat just one—trust me!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn Tortillas: These are crucial for authentic tacos. If you’re gluten-free, corn tortillas are a great choice. If you can’t find them, flour tortillas work too, but they won’t have the same crunch.
Filling: I love using shredded chicken for these tacos, but you can easily switch it up with ground beef or even refried beans for a veggie version. It’s a great way to use leftovers!
Cheese: Shredded cheddar gives a nice flavor, but a Mexican blend adds a unique touch. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try vegan cheese that melts well.
Onion and Cilantro: These add freshness! If onions aren’t your thing, try green onions or chives. If you’re not a cilantro fan, parsley is a mild substitute.
How Can You Fry Tacos Perfectly?
Frying tacos can seem tricky, but here’s how to nail it:
- Heat the oil to the right temperature. Use a thermometer for accuracy; 350°F (175°C) is ideal.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Frying in batches ensures even cooking and crispiness.
- Flip the tacos gently to avoid spilling the filling, and keep an eye on the color. You want them golden brown!
- Let them drain on paper towels after frying to remove excess oil—this keeps them crispy.
With these tips, you’ll have delicious, crispy Tacos Dorados ready for dinner in no time!
How to Make Crispy Tacos Dorados
Ingredients:
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (or ground beef, or refried beans for vegetarian option)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2-3 cups)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional garnishes: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, avocado slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of preparation and around 10-15 minutes for frying, depending on how many tacos you make at once. Overall, you can have a delicious dinner ready in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken (or your choice of filling), shredded cheese, finely chopped onion, chopped cilantro (if using), and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. This filling is bursting with flavor!
2. Prepare the Tortillas:
To make folding easier, warm the corn tortillas slightly in a dry skillet or microwave for about 15 seconds. This will make them pliable, so they won’t crack when you fold them over the filling.
3. Fill and Fold the Tacos:
Take each tortilla and place about 2 tablespoons of the filling on one side. Fold the tortilla over the filling to form a half-moon shape. If you’d like, you can roll them into a tube shape too! If they’re not holding together, use a toothpick to secure them.
4. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat enough vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). You want enough oil so that at least half of the tacos can be submerged while frying.
5. Fry the Tacos:
Carefully place a few filled tacos into the hot oil at a time. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry the tacos for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to turn them carefully.
6. Drain and Cool:
Remove the tacos from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil. This helps keep them crispy!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once drained, remove any toothpicks if used, and serve your Crispy Tacos Dorados hot! Accompany them with your favorite garnishes like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, and avocado slices for a colorful plate.
Enjoy your delicious and crispy Tacos Dorados! They’re sure to be a hit at the dinner table!
FAQ for Crispy Tacos Dorados
Can I Use Tortillas Other Than Corn?
Yes, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer! However, keep in mind that they won’t achieve the same crispiness that corn tortillas provide, which are traditionally used for Tacos Dorados.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Cooked Chicken?
No problem! You can use ground beef, pork, or even refried beans as a delicious vegetarian option. Just make sure that the meat is fully cooked before mixing it with the other ingredients.
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the filling and assemble the tacos in advance. Store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before frying. Just remember to warm the tortillas a bit before cooking to prevent cracking!
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to crisp them back up!
