These crispy tacos dorados are a crunchy delight filled with tasty goodness! Made with your favorite fillings and fried to perfection, they are sure to be a hit at your table.
Honestly, who can resist that crispy shell? I could eat a whole plate by myself! 😄 Pair them with some salsa or guacamole for a fun meal everyone will love!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn Tortillas: These are essential for the tacos. If you’re in a bind, flour tortillas work too, but they won’t be as crispy. You can also use store-bought taco shells for convenience!
Ground Beef: I love using ground beef for its rich flavor, but feel free to substitute with shredded chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based protein for a lighter option.
Queso Fresco or Cotija: These cheeses add a creamy touch. If you can’t find them, try feta cheese or even shredded mozzarella. It won’t be the same, but it can work in a pinch!
Mexican Crema: This adds a nice creaminess. If you don’t have it, sour cream can be a great alternative. For added flavor, mix a squeeze of lime into the sour cream!
How Do I get Perfectly Crispy Tacos?
Frying tacos to a crispy perfection requires attention to detail. Here’s how you do it:
- When frying, make sure your oil is hot enough. It should shimmer but not smoke; if it smokes, lower the heat.
- Fry the tacos in batches to avoid overcrowding. This keeps the oil temperature steady and ensures even cooking.
- Use tongs to gently turn the tacos halfway through frying. This helps them get golden on both sides without breaking.
- Drain the cooked tacos on paper towels immediately to remove excess oil, keeping them crispy!
These tips will help you serve up some delightful, crunchy tacos that everyone will love!
Easy Crispy Tacos Dorados
Ingredients:
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 1 lb ground beef (or shredded chicken, or your preferred filling)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese
- Mexican crema or sour cream, for drizzling
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Optional: sliced jalapeño or pickled jalapeños
- Salsa roja or your favorite hot sauce, for dipping or drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing these delicious crispy tacos dorados will take about 15 minutes. You’ll need an additional 15-20 minutes for frying and setting everything up, making it around 30-35 minutes total. It’s a speedy meal perfect for any day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
2. Cooking the Meat:
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook it thoroughly until it’s browned, which should take about 7-10 minutes. Once cooked, season the meat with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until everything is well combined. Remove from the heat and set aside.
3. Preparing the Tortillas:
Warm the tortillas slightly in a dry skillet or microwave just until they become pliable to prevent cracking when you fold them. This makes them much easier to work with!
4. Assembling the Tacos:
Take a few tablespoons of the meat mixture and spoon it onto one side of each tortilla. Fold the tortilla over the filling to create a half-moon shape, pressing gently to seal it.
5. Frying the Tacos:
In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat until it starts to shimmer. Carefully place the tacos in the hot oil in batches, frying them for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to gently turn them over to avoid breaking the shells.
6. Draining Excess Oil:
Once fried, transfer the tacos onto paper towels to drain any excess oil and maintain their crispiness.
7. Serving:
Arrange the crispy tacos on a serving plate. Top each taco with shredded lettuce and crumbled queso fresco. Drizzle with Mexican crema or sour cream for extra creaminess.
8. Garnishing and Enjoying:
Serve the tacos immediately with lime wedges, jalapeños (if you like a little kick!), and salsa roja or your favorite hot sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling. Enjoy your crunchy, flavorful crispy tacos dorados!
FAQ for Easy Crispy Tacos Dorados
Can I Use Store-Bought Taco Shells Instead of Tortillas?
Absolutely! Store-bought taco shells are a great time-saver and can be used if you’re looking for convenience. Just follow the package instructions for warming them before adding your filling.
What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?
If you want to change up the filling, you can use shredded chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based ground meat substitute for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to season it well to keep the flavors delicious!
How Do I Keep My Tacos Crispy After Frying?
To keep the tacos crispy, make sure to drain them on paper towels immediately after frying to remove excess oil. Also, serve them right away rather than letting them sit for too long, as the steam can make them soggy.
Can I Make the Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat filling ahead of time! Cook it, let it cool completely, then store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat it before using it to fill the tacos.
