These easy crispy tacos dorados are golden little treats filled with tasty ingredients. Crunchy on the outside and soft inside, they’re simply delicious!
Who doesn’t love a good taco? I like to whip these up for a quick meal or snack. Grab your favorite toppings and enjoy the crunch—it always makes me smile! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn Tortillas: Fresh corn tortillas are best for tacos dorados because they fry up crisp and have great flavor. If you can’t find corn tortillas, you can use flour tortillas, but they won’t have the same texture. Just remember to warm them before folding!
Filling: Shredded chicken works wonderfully, but you can swap in ground beef, beans, or even mashed potatoes for a vegetarian option. I sometimes add some sautéed veggies for extra flavor and nutrition—zucchini or bell peppers are great choices!
Mexican Crema or Sour Cream: I love using Mexican crema for its richer flavor, but sour cream is a perfect substitute if you can’t find it. You can also try Greek yogurt for a healthier twist!
Queso Fresco/Cotija Cheese: Both add that delicious salty tang. If unavailable, feta cheese can do the trick, just crumble it generously over the tacos. You could also skip the cheese if you’re looking to reduce dairy.
What’s the Best Way to Fry Tacos for Perfect Crispiness?
Frying tacos to crispy perfection is easier than it seems! Here are some tips to get it just right:
- Heat your oil to the right temperature. A good test is dropping a small piece of tortilla into the oil—if it sizzles, it’s ready.
- Do not overcrowd the pan. Frying a few at a time gives each taco space and helps maintain the oil temperature, leading to better crispiness.
- Keep an eye on them. Flip the tacos carefully with tongs once the first side is golden, cooking the second side until it matches.
- Drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil. This step is key for keeping the tacos crispy!
These simple techniques will help you achieve those perfectly crispy tacos dorados every time!
Easy Crispy Tacos Dorados
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (or your choice of filling: beef, beans, potatoes)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
- 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salsa, for serving
- Salt, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and about 10 minutes for frying. In total, you’re looking at around 25-30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Warm the Tortillas:
Start by warming the corn tortillas to make them easy to fold. You can do this by wrapping them in a damp kitchen towel and microwaving for about 30 seconds. This helps prevent them from tearing as you fill them.
2. Fill the Tortillas:
Take the warmed tortilla and place about 2 tablespoons of your cooked and shredded chicken (or any filling you prefer) on one half of the tortilla. Don’t overfill, or they might burst when frying!
3. Fold and Seal:
Gently fold the tortilla in half over the filling. For better sealing, you can press the edges together. If you like, you can use a toothpick to secure the taco in place while frying.
4. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, pour in enough vegetable oil to cover about 1 inch of the bottom. Heat over medium-high until the oil is shimmering—this should be around 350°F (175°C), which you can test with a small piece of tortilla; it should sizzle when dropped in.
5. Fry the Tacos:
Carefully place the folded tacos in the hot oil. Fry each side for about 2-3 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Flip them carefully using tongs to avoid splashing hot oil.
6. Drain the Tacos:
Once crispy, remove the tacos from the oil and let them drain on paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil, keeping them deliciously crunchy!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
On a plate, serve the crispy tacos dorados over a bed of shredded lettuce. Drizzle with Mexican crema or sour cream, and sprinkle with crumbled queso fresco and fresh cilantro for added flavor. Finally, accompany with your favorite salsa on top or on the side for dipping.
Enjoy these crunchy, delicious tacos dorados warm! They make for a fantastic snack or meal that everyone will love!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Fillings for These Tacos?
Absolutely! While shredded chicken is a classic choice, you can use ground beef, shredded beef, beans, or even mashed potatoes for a vegetarian option. Just make sure your filling is fully cooked before adding it to the tortillas.
How Do I Keep Tacos from Getting Soggy After Frying?
To prevent sogginess, make sure to drain the fried tacos on paper towels right after frying to absorb excess oil. Serving immediately while they’re still warm will also keep them crispy!
Can I Make the Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to assemble the tacos, warm the filling slightly before using, so it’s easier to work with!
What Should I Do with Leftover Tacos?
If you have any leftover tacos, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until they are heated through and crispy again.
