Tacos Dorados are crispy, golden fried tacos that are simply delightful! Stuffed with your choice of meat, beans, or cheese, they’re a treat for your taste buds!
When I make these, I can’t help but munch on them straight out of the pan. Who can resist that crunch? Perfect for sharing—or not! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn Tortillas: These are the heart of tacos dorados. If you can’t find corn tortillas, you can use flour tortillas, but they won’t be as crispy. I stick to corn for the authentic taste and texture.
Shredded Chicken (or Beef): While shredded chicken is traditional, feel free to swap it with ground beef or even pulled pork for a different flavor. I usually cook extra chicken for meal prep, making tacos super easy any night!
Vegetable Oil: This is for frying the tacos. If you want a healthier option, you can shallow fry instead of deep-frying, or even use avocado oil, which has a higher smoke point and adds a slight buttery flavor.
Queso Fresco: This crumbly cheese gives a nice texture. If you can’t find it, feta cheese or fresh mozzarella can also work, but they’ll change the flavor slightly. I love the mild taste of queso fresco.
How Can I Fry Tacos to Get Them Extra Crispy Without Burning Them?
Frying tacos can be tricky, especially if you’re aiming for that perfect golden color. Here are some tips to help you out:
- Preheat your oil on medium-high heat, but be careful not to let it get too hot. A test is to drop a small piece of tortilla in the oil; if it bubbles, it’s ready.
- Add the tacos one by one, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. This helps each taco fry evenly.
- Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown. If they are frying too fast, lower the heat slightly.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil, and place them on paper towels right away to drain excess oil.
With these tips, your tacos should come out crispy and delicious every time!
How to Make Tacos Dorados
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 10 corn tortillas
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (or beef)
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup lettuce, finely shredded
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup crumbled queso fresco
- ¼ cup salsa (homemade or store-bought)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 15 minutes to cook, making a total of around 30 minutes. You’ll be frying up delicious tacos that are crispy and packed with flavor in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Warm the Tortillas:
Start by warming the corn tortillas in a skillet over medium heat. Heat them for about 30 seconds on each side. This makes them soft and pliable, perfect for folding!
2. Fill the Tacos:
After warming, take each tortilla and place a small amount of shredded chicken or beef on one side. Fold the tortilla in half carefully to create a taco. Repeat this for all the tortillas until you have a nice stack of filled tacos!
3. Fry the Tacos:
Next, grab a large frying pan and pour in the vegetable oil. Heat it over medium-high heat until hot. Once ready, gently add the folded tacos to the pan—but don’t overcrowd them! Fry each taco for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn golden brown and crispy.
4. Drain and Serve:
When the tacos are done frying, carefully remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess oil. Once all tacos are fried, arrange them nicely on a serving plate. Top each taco with shredded lettuce, a drizzle of sour cream, sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco, and your favorite salsa!
5. Garnish and Enjoy:
For a finishing touch, garnish your tacos with some fresh chopped cilantro. Serve your delicious tacos dorados hot and enjoy a tasty meal that’s sure to please!
Can I Use Flour Tortillas Instead of Corn Tortillas?
Yes, you can use flour tortillas, but note that they may not achieve the same crispy texture as corn tortillas. If using flour tortillas, fry them for a slightly shorter time (about 2-2.5 minutes on each side) to prevent them from becoming too crunchy.
What Other Proteins Can I Use in Tacos Dorados?
Besides chicken and beef, you can fill these tacos with shredded pork, turkey, or even a vegetarian option like sautéed mushrooms or beans. Just make sure to season them well to enhance the flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos Dorados?
Leftover tacos can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side to restore their crispiness. Alternatively, you can microwave them, but they may lose some of their crunch.
Can I Prepare the Filling in Advance?
Absolutely! You can cook and shred the chicken or beef a day in advance. Store the filling in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to make tacos, simply reheat the filling in a skillet before assembling your tacos.
