Tacos Dorados are crispy, delightfully crunchy tacos filled with tasty ingredients, often meat or potatoes. They’re perfect for a satisfying meal!
Once you take a bite, you’ll love the crunch! I like to dip them in salsa for that extra kick. Trust me, they’re so good you might forget about regular tacos! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn Tortillas: Fresh corn tortillas are perfect. They give a wonderful texture to the tacos. If you have flour tortillas, they can work in a pinch, though they’re not traditional.
Cooked Chicken or Beef: Use whatever protein you prefer! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. If you’re vegetarian, you can swap in beans or grilled veggies for a delicious option.
Queso Fresco: This cheese adds a lovely creaminess. If you can’t find it, cotija or feta are nice alternatives. For a dairy-free option, try a vegan cheese that crumbles.
Sour Cream or Mexican Crema: Sour cream is a bit tangy, while crema is richer. Greek yogurt works as a healthy substitute if you’re out of the other two, giving a similar creaminess.
Salsa: Use your favorite salsa! Store-bought works, or you can make your own for extra freshness. Green salsa pairs nicely too.
How Do I Fry Tacos Without Making a Mess?
Frying tacos can be tricky, but with some tips, it can be easy! First, make sure your oil is hot enough—this prevents the tacos from absorbing too much oil. A test is to drop a small piece of tortilla in; if it sizzles right away, it’s ready.
- Heat the oil over medium heat and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Be gentle when placing the tortillas in the oil. Use tongs to avoid splashes.
- Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden. Flip carefully!
- Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil and sprinkle with salt.
Following these tips will help you get perfectly crispy tacos without the mess! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Tacos Dorados
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (or beef)
For Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup crumbled queso fresco (or cotija cheese)
- ½ cup sour cream (or Mexican crema)
- 1 cup salsa (red or green)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
For Cooking:
- Cooking oil (for frying)
- Salt, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus another 15-20 minutes for frying. Overall, you’ll be enjoying these crispy treats in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of cooking oil over medium heat. You want the oil hot enough for frying but not smoking. This usually takes around 5-7 minutes. You can check if it’s ready by dropping a small piece of tortilla in; if it sizzles, you’re good to go!
2. Prepare the Tortillas:
While the oil is heating, warm the corn tortillas slightly. You can do this on a skillet for about 30 seconds on each side or in the microwave for about 20 seconds. This will make them more pliable and easy to fold without breaking.
3. Assemble the Tacos:
Take one warmed tortilla, place a couple of tablespoons of your shredded chicken (or beef) in the center, and fold the tortilla in half to create a taco shape. If you need to, use a toothpick to secure the taco closed while frying. This will help keep the filling inside.
4. Fry the Tacos:
Once your oil is hot, carefully add the folded tacos to the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if needed!
5. Drain Excess Oil:
Remove the tacos from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil. While they are still warm, sprinkle a little salt on them for extra flavor.
6. Assemble and Serve:
Once all your tacos are fried, it’s time to put it all together. Arrange the tacos on a serving plate, and top each one with shredded lettuce, crumbled queso fresco, a drizzle of sour cream, and your choice of salsa. For a final touch, sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.
Enjoy your homemade Tacos Dorados—crunchy, tasty, and full of flavor! Perfect for any meal!
Can I Use Flour Tortillas Instead of Corn Tortillas?
Yes, you can use flour tortillas, but keep in mind they won’t be as crunchy as corn tortillas. If you choose flour, cook them for a slightly shorter time to avoid overcooking. Just ensure they are warm and pliable before folding!
What Can I Substitute for Queso Fresco?
If you can’t find queso fresco, cotija cheese is a great alternative due to its similar crumbly texture. You could also use feta cheese, but it has a stronger flavor. Just crumble it on top for the best result!
How to Store Leftover Tacos Dorados?
For leftovers, store the fried tacos in an airtight container in the fridge. They are best eaten within 1-2 days for optimal crispiness! To reheat, place them in an oven or air fryer at 350°F until heated through, which helps restore some crunch.
Can I Make These Tacos Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the shredded chicken or beef with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms or use black beans for a hearty filling. Top with your favorite veggies and cheese for a delicious vegetarian option!
