Tacos Dorados are crispy, golden tacos filled with tasty goodness! Usually stuffed with beef or chicken, they offer a delightful crunch with every bite.
Who can resist that satisfying crunch? I love serving them with fresh toppings like avocado and salsa. Each bite is a mini party in your mouth! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Masa Harina: This corn flour is essential for the perfect taco shell. If you don’t have masa harina, you could use regular cornmeal, but the texture will be different. Look for masa harina in Latin markets or the international aisle of your grocery store.
Cooked Chicken/Beef: Shredded chicken is my favorite because it’s easy to work with and absorbs flavor well. If you prefer beef, go for shredded or ground beef. For a lighter option, consider using beans or tofu for a vegetarian version!
Queso Fresco: This crumbly cheese adds a delicious touch to your tacos. If you can’t find queso fresco, you can use feta or ricotta as a substitute, or even shredded Monterey Jack for a milder flavor.
Salsa: Choose between red or green salsa based on your heat preference. Homemade salsa is a lovely touch, but store-bought works too. You could also try pico de gallo for a fresh, chunky option.
How Do You Get the Perfectly Crispy Tacos?
Frying tacos can be tricky, but with a little care, you can achieve that delightful crispiness! Here’s how to get it right:
- Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the tacos. A small piece of dough should sizzle when placed in the oil.
- Fry one taco at a time to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy tacos.
- Flip the tacos carefully, using tongs to prevent spilling the filling. Fry until both sides are golden brown.
- Drain tacos on paper towels to remove excess oil. This keeps them crispy and not greasy.
Follow these steps, and you’ll be serving up perfectly crispy tacos every time!
How to Make Tacos Dorados
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups of corn flour (masa harina)
- 1 1/4 cups of warm water
- 1 teaspoon of salt
For the Filling:
- 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken (or beef)
For Toppings:
- 1 cup lettuce, finely shredded
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco (or other cheese)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup salsa (red or green)
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious taco recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, so in total, you’re looking at about 50 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for a family meal or a fun gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Making the Dough:
In a large bowl, mix together the corn flour, warm water, and salt. Stir until a smooth dough forms. If it’s too dry, add a little more water, or if it’s too sticky, sprinkle in some extra flour. The dough should feel moist but not stick to your hands.
2. Shaping the Dough Balls:
Once the dough is ready, divide it into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. Keep the balls covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out while you work with them.
3. Prepping to Fry:
In a large skillet, preheat the vegetable oil over medium heat. You want it hot enough for frying but not smoking!
4. Forming the Tortillas:
Take one dough ball and flatten it into a disc about 1/8 inch thick, using a tortilla press or a rolling pin. If it cracks at the edges, just press it back together gently.
5. Filling the Tacos:
Place a tablespoon of the cooked, shredded chicken (or beef) in the center of the flattened tortilla. Fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling and press the edges to seal them tightly.
6. Frying the Tacos:
Carefully slide the folded taco into the hot oil. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. When they’re done, use tongs to remove them and let them drain on a paper towel to soak up excess oil.
7. Repeat With Remaining Ingredients:
Continue forming and frying the remaining tacos until all the dough and filling are used up.
8. Time to Serve:
Arrange the crispy tacos on a plate, and top them with shredded lettuce, chopped cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, a drizzle of sour cream, and a spoonful of salsa. They’re looking great!
9. Enjoy:
Dig in while they’re warm! Feel free to serve extra salsa on the side for added flavor. Enjoy your delicious Tacos Dorados!
Can I Use Store-Bought Tortillas Instead of Making Them?
Yes, you can! If you’re short on time, using store-bought tortillas can save you a lot of effort. Just warm them in a skillet before adding the filling and frying for a crispy finish.
What Can I Substitute for Masa Harina?
If you can’t find masa harina, you can use all-purpose flour mixed with a bit of cornmeal as an alternative. For a gluten-free option, try using cornmeal alone, but keep in mind the texture may differ!
How to Store Leftover Tacos Dorados?
Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To maintain their crunchiness, reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes is best!
Can I Freeze the Dough or Tacos?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked dough balls for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using. If you’ve already cooked them, freeze cooked tacos on a baking sheet before transferring them to a bag. Reheat straight from frozen in the oven for crispy results!
