Tacos Dorados are crispy, golden-fried tacos filled with tasty goodness! You can stuff them with beef, chicken, or your favorite veggies for a delicious meal.
These tacos are a hit at any gathering. Plus, who can resist that crunchy exterior? I like to top mine with fresh salsa and guacamole for extra flavor—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn Tortillas: These are essential for Tacos Dorados. If you can’t find corn tortillas, you could use flour tortillas, though they won’t have the same crispy texture. I personally love the authenticity of corn tortillas.
Shredded Chicken: You can easily substitute the chicken with shredded beef, pork, or even beans for a vegetarian option. My go-to is rotisserie chicken; it’s quick and flavorful!
Vegetable Oil: Any neutral oil like canola or sunflower oil works well for frying. I prefer using a good quality oil for better taste and frying efficiency.
Queso Fresco: If you can’t find queso fresco, cotija cheese is a good alternative. It’s saltier and crumbly, but adds a nice flavor. I like to mix both when I can!
Salsa: Certainly, store-bought is fine, but homemade salsa is fresher and often more flavorful. I recommend a simple tomato salsa for topping; it’s quick to whip up!
How Do I Fry Tacos to Get Them Perfectly Crispy?
Frying tacos to that crunchy, golden perfection is the key to Tacos Dorados. Follow these steps for the best results:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a spacious frying pan over medium heat. A good temperature check is when the oil shimmers but doesn’t smoke.
- Warm your corn tortillas until they’re soft and flexible. This prevents them from cracking while frying.
- Fill each tortilla with shredded chicken and fold it. Press gently, but don’t squish.
- Carefully place the tacos in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan – this helps them fry evenly.
- Fry about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to keep them submerged in the oil for even cooking.
- Once fried, drain them on paper towels to soak up excess oil.
Remember, patience is key! Don’t rush the frying process for the best crispy tacos!
Delicious Tacos Dorados Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (or beef)
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For Toppings:
- 1 cup lettuce, finely shredded
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup crumbled queso fresco (or cotija cheese)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup salsa (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and another 15-20 minutes for cooking, making the total time around 30-35 minutes. Quick and delightful!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
In a frying pan, pour in the vegetable oil and heat it over medium heat. You want it hot enough to fry the tacos but not smoking. This should take just a few minutes.
2. Prepare the Tortillas:
While the oil is heating up, warm the corn tortillas either in a skillet or in the microwave until they are soft and pliable. This step is important so they don’t crack when you fold them.
3. Fill the Tacos:
Take each tortilla and place about 2-3 tablespoons of the shredded chicken (or beef) in the center. Then fold the tortilla in half to form a taco shape. Gently press down on the sides to help it hold its shape.
4. Fry the Tacos:
Once the oil is hot, carefully place the folded tacos into the pan. Fry them in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. When done, remove them from the oil and let them drain on paper towels.
5. Assemble and Serve:
On each serving plate, place the hot, fried tacos dorados. Top them with shredded lettuce, a drizzle of sour cream, crumbled queso fresco, chopped cilantro, and a spoonful of salsa. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy these scrumptious Tacos Dorados while they’re hot!
Can I Use Different Proteins for Tacos Dorados?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for shredded chicken or beef, you can easily substitute with pulled pork, turkey, or even beans for a vegetarian option. Just make sure any meat is fully cooked and seasoned to your liking before filling the tortillas!
Can I Make These Tacos Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the filling in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the tacos, simply warm the filling and fry the tortillas fresh. This ensures you’ll have crispy tacos each time!
How to Store Leftover Tacos Dorados?
To store leftovers, allow the tacos to cool completely and then place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, it’s best to use an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to maintain the crispiness.
What Can I Use Instead of Vegetable Oil for Frying?
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use canola oil, peanut oil, or even avocado oil for frying. Each will give a slightly different flavor, but all work well for achieving that crispy texture in your tacos!
