Tired of Taco Tuesday’s same tacos? How about deep-fried tacos? This crunchy and tasty take on a Mexican classic will delight your taste senses.
In this article, we’ll share our favorite deep fried taco recipe and some suggestions to make them perfect every time.
We’ll also discuss deep-fried taco history, varieties, and amusing tidbits. Start cooking!
How to Make Deep Fried Tacos
Let’s define deep-fried tacos before starting the recipe.
Deep-fried tacos, often called “taco dorados” or “flautas,” are rolled tacos cooked in hot oil till golden brown.
You can fill it with steak, chicken, cheese, beans, or veggies.
After cooking, the filling is folded in a tortilla and sealed with toothpicks or string, then deep fried until crispy on the outside and hot and tasty on the inside.
Ingredients For Deep Fried Tacos
- 10-12 corn tortillas
- 1 pound of ground beef or chicken (or a combination of both)
- 1 diced onion
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder
- 1 tablespoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of shredded cheese
- Oil for frying
- Toothpicks or kitchen string
Step-by-step Guide to Make Deep Fried Tacos
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to start cooking! Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the perfect deep fried tacos:
Brown the meat: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or chicken over medium heat until fully cooked.
Add in the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
Season the meat: Add in the chili powder, cumin, and salt, and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Prepare the tortillas: Heat the tortillas in the microwave for 30 seconds or until soft and pliable.
Place a spoonful of the meat mixture in the center of each tortilla, along with a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
Roll up the tortillas: Roll up the tortillas tightly around the filling, making sure to tuck in the sides as you go. Secure each taco with a toothpick or tie it with kitchen string.
Fry the tacos: Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the tacos to the skillet, making sure they’re not touching each other.
Fry the tacos for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
Deep Frying Tacos FAQs
Can I make deep fried tacos ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the tacos ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Flour tortillas can be used for deep-fried tacos, although corn tortillas are customary. Flour tortillas taste and feel differently than corn tortillas, so it’s up to you.
Fun facts about deep fried tacos:
- Deep fried tacos are believed to have originated in Sinaloa, a state in northwestern Mexico.
- In Sinaloa, deep fried tacos are traditionally made with shredded beef and served with a side of avocado sauce.
- In other parts of Mexico, deep fried tacos are sometimes called “taquitos” or “rolled tacos.”
- Deep fried tacos are a popular street food in many parts of the United States, especially in California and Texas.
- In some variations of deep fried tacos, the tortillas are dipped in a flavorful sauce before being rolled up and fried, giving them an extra kick of flavor.
Deep-fried tacos are easy to make and taste great.
They’ll become a new recipe favorite with their crispy, golden-brown surface and tasty filling.
These tacos are a hit whether you use meat and cheese or a different filling. Try them—your tastebuds will thank you!
Deep Fried Tacos Recipe
Ingredients
- 10-12 corn tortillas
- 1 pound of ground beef or chicken or a combination of both
- 1 diced onion
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder
- 1 tablespoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of shredded cheese
- Oil for frying
- Toothpicks or kitchen string
Instructions
Brown the meat
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or chicken over medium heat until fully cooked. Add in the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
Season the meat
- Add in the chili powder, cumin, and salt, and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Prepare the tortillas
- Heat the tortillas in the microwave for 30 seconds or until soft and pliable. Place a spoonful of the meat mixture in the center of each tortilla, along with a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
Roll up the tortillas
- Roll up the tortillas tightly around the filling, making sure to tuck in the sides as you go. Secure each taco with a toothpick or tie with kitchen string.
Fry the tacos
- Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the tacos to the skillet, making sure they're not touching each other. Fry the tacos for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.