Crispy Tacos Dorados are golden, crunchy bites filled with savory goodness. They’re perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner, bringing smiles to the whole family!
Who doesn’t love the sound of a taco crunch? I love serving them with fresh toppings like lettuce and salsa. It’s like a fiesta on a plate! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn Tortillas: These are essential because they offer that classic taco flavor and texture. If you’re gluten-free, look for corn tortillas specifically labeled as such. Flour tortillas can also work if you’re in a pinch!
Shredded Chicken: While I love using chicken, you can easily swap it for cooked beef or even sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian option. Mushrooms or potatoes can be delicious substitutes, providing a hearty filling.
Shredded Cheese: I prefer a blend for extra flavor, but feel free to use any cheese you love. Monterey Jack or even pepper jack can add a nice kick! If vegan, try dairy-free cheese or even omit cheese altogether.
Onion: This adds nice flavor. If you want a milder taste, you could use green onions instead. If you’re not a fan of raw onion, sauté them before mixing them into your filling!
How Do I Make Sure My Tacos Are Crispy?
To achieve that perfect crunch with your Tacos Dorados, there are a few important steps. First, make sure your oil is hot enough before you start frying. If the oil isn’t hot, the tacos can absorb too much oil and become soggy.
- Heat the oil until it reaches about 350°F. Use a thermometer if you have one, or drop a tiny piece of tortilla in—if it bubbles up, you’re good to go!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Frying too many tacos at once can drop the oil temperature too low. Fry them in small batches to ensure they stay crispy.
- Once they’re golden brown, carefully remove them and place on paper towels. This helps absorb any extra oil!
Getting these steps right will leave you with perfectly crispy Tacos Dorados that everyone will love! Enjoy your cooking! 🌮
Crispy Tacos Dorados Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (or beef/potato for a vegetarian option)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Grated cheese
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Sliced avocado
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the filling and assembling the tacos, and then about 20 minutes frying them to crispy perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, shredded cheese, chopped onion, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined and evenly seasoned. This savory filling is the star of your tacos!
2. Prepare the Tortillas:
To make your corn tortillas easier to handle, warm them slightly. You can do this by microwaving them for about 20 seconds or heating them on a dry skillet until they become pliable. This step helps prevent tearing when you fill and fold them.
3. Assemble the Tacos:
Take one tortilla and place about 2 tablespoons of the filling on one side. Fold the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape. If you prefer, you can also roll it tightly to enclose the filling completely. Repeat this step for the remaining tortillas.
4. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet, pour in vegetable oil to a depth of about 1 to 2 inches, making sure there’s enough for shallow frying. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F. You can check if it’s hot enough by dropping in a small piece of tortilla; if it sizzles immediately, you’re ready to fry!
5. Fry the Tacos:
Carefully place the filled tacos seam side down into the hot oil to seal them. Fry each taco for about 2-3 minutes on one side, then use tongs to gently turn them over and fry for another 2-3 minutes on the other side, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain and Serve:
Once the tacos are crispy, remove them from the oil and let them drain on paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This ensures they stay nice and crunchy!
7. Add Your Favorite Toppings:
Serve the hot tacos with your choice of toppings! Add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, more cheese, a dollop of sour cream, salsa, or sliced avocado for a delicious finish. Enjoy your homemade crispy Tacos Dorados!
Bon appétit! 🌮
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Fillings for Tacos Dorados?
Absolutely! While shredded chicken is a classic choice, feel free to get creative. You can use cooked beef, sautéed vegetables, or even a blend of beans and cheese for a delicious vegetarian option. Just ensure that your filling is well-seasoned for the best flavor!
How Can I Keep My Tacos Crispy After Frying?
To keep your tacos crispy, serve them immediately after frying. If you need to hold them for a bit, place them on a wire rack instead of paper towels to allow air circulation. Avoid stacking them, as that can create steam and make them soggy.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
You can prep the filling and assemble the tacos ahead of time, but it’s best to fry them just before serving for maximum crispiness. If you need to store them, keep the assembled tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day, and fry them fresh when ready to serve!
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftover Tacos?
If you have leftover tacos, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to help regain their crispiness. Alternatively, you could reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until they are warmed through and crispy again!
