Tacos Dorados are crispy, golden tacos that bring a tasty crunch to your meal! Stuffed with flavorful fillings like chicken or beef, they are simply irresistible.
Picture this: you take a bite, and that satisfying crunch is music to your ears! I love serving them with fresh toppings like lettuce and salsa for extra yumminess. 🌮✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn Tortillas: These are essential for tacos. They give that authentic taste and texture. If you’re out of corn tortillas, use flour tortillas, but note that they may not be as crispy when fried.
Shredded Chicken or Beef: I love shredded chicken for its tenderness and flavor. Rotisserie chicken works great, too! If you prefer beef, shredded steak or even ground beef will do. For a vegetarian option, try black beans or sautéed mushrooms.
Vegetable Oil: This is needed for frying. While vegetable oil is a clear choice, you can use canola or peanut oil. Just avoid olive oil, as it has a lower smoke point and isn’t ideal for frying at high temperatures.
Queso Fresco: This crumbly cheese adds a nice touch. If you can’t find it, feta works as a suitable substitute. Crumbled goat cheese can also give a different yet wonderful taste.
How Can I Fry Tacos Perfectly Without Them Getting Soggy?
Frying tacos can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll nail it. The key is ensuring the oil is hot enough before adding the tacos. If the oil isn’t hot, they’ll soak up too much oil and become soggy.
- Heat the oil to around 350°F (175°C). You can test it by dipping a small piece of tortilla; it should sizzle right away.
- Fry only a few tacos at a time to avoid lowering the oil temperature too much. This keeps them crispy.
- Drain fried tacos on a paper towel immediately after frying to remove excess oil. This step is crucial for keeping them crisp!
How to Make Tacos Dorados
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (or beef)
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup queso fresco (crumbled)
- ½ cup salsa (red or green)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the tacos and around 20 minutes frying them. Once everything’s cooked, you can dive right into these delicious treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by pouring the vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. You want the oil to be hot enough for frying but not so hot that it starts smoking.
2. Fill the Tortillas:
While the oil is heating, take your corn tortillas and fill each one with a few tablespoons of shredded chicken or beef. Be careful not to overfill, then fold the tortillas in half to enclose the yummy filling.
3. Fry the Tacos:
Once the oil is hot, gently add a few folded tacos to the skillet. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. They should turn golden brown and crispy. When done, use a slotted spoon to carefully remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up extra oil.
4. Repeat the Process:
Continue frying the remaining tacos in batches until they’re all crispy and golden. Make sure not to crowd the skillet to ensure even cooking!
5. Add Your Toppings:
Once your tacos are ready, place them on a serving plate. Top each taco with shredded lettuce, a dollop of sour cream, crumbled queso fresco, salsa, and sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Don’t forget to add salt to taste!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your Tacos Dorados warm, with extra salsa on the side if you like it spicy. Dive in and savor every bite!
Can I Use Flour Tortillas Instead of Corn Tortillas?
Yes, you can use flour tortillas, but keep in mind that they may not achieve the same crispy texture as corn tortillas. Additionally, since flour tortillas are larger, you may want to reduce the amount of filling to avoid overstuffing. Fry them for a slightly longer time if they don’t crisp up as desired.
Can I Use Different Proteins for the Filling?
Absolutely! You can substitute the shredded chicken with beef, pork, or even sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian option. If you’re using beef or pork, ensure they are cooked and shredded before filling the tortillas.
How to Store Leftover Tacos Dorados?
To store leftovers, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I recommend using the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to help restore their crispiness.
Can I Fry Tacos Dorados in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place a few tacos in the basket, lightly brush them with oil, and cook for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are golden and crispy. This method uses less oil and still gives a great crunch!
