These Easy Crispy Tacos Dorados are the perfect crunchy treat! Filled with tasty meat and topped with your favorite veggies, they make every bite satisfying.
Let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good crunchy taco? I can’t resist adding a little salsa on top for extra flavor—yum! These tacos are a fun way to spice up any meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn Tortillas: Small corn tortillas are traditional for Tacos Dorados. Whole wheat tortillas are a good gluten-free alternative if needed. If you want something different, try using flour tortillas for a softer texture.
Ground Beef: Ground beef is classic, but feel free to swap it with shredded chicken, turkey, or veggies like mushrooms if you want a meatless option. Refried beans also make a great filling!
Cheese: Queso fresco or cotija cheese adds that perfect flavor. If you can’t find these, use feta or even shredded cheddar. I love using cotija for its crumbly texture!
Mexican Crema: This gives a rich creaminess, but sour cream works just as well. If you’re in a pinch, plain yogurt can also work to provide that nice creamy finish.
How Can I Get My Tacos Extra Crispy?
Getting your tacos crispy is key to enjoying them to the fullest! Here are some helpful tips:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F or 175°C). If it’s too cool, the tacos can absorb oil and become greasy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry in small batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- After frying, let the tacos drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. This helps keep them crisp!
- Serve them right after frying for the best crunch, as they can get soggy if left too long.
Easy Crispy Tacos Dorados
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 1 lb ground beef (or shredded chicken or refried beans for variation)
- 1 small white onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For Frying and Topping:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 cup queso fresco or cotija cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup Mexican crema or sour cream
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Optional: salsa roja or your favorite hot sauce, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and about 15-20 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll need around 30-35 minutes to make these crispy tacos from start to finish, making it a quick and fun meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Filling:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook this mixture until the beef is browned and fully cooked, making sure to break it apart as it cooks for even texture.
2. Season the Meat:
Once the beef is cooked, sprinkle in the ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine everything well, and let it cook for an additional 2 minutes. Finally, mix in the chopped cilantro, then remove the skillet from the heat.
3. Prepare for Frying:
In a deep pan or skillet, heat vegetable oil to about 350°F (175°C). You want enough oil to submerge half of a tortilla when it’s frying. While the oil is heating, warm the tortillas slightly to make them easier to fold.
4. Fill and Fold the Tacos:
Lay a tortilla flat and spoon about 2 tablespoons of the meat filling onto one side. Carefully fold the tortilla over to make a half-moon shape, pressing it gently to seal.
5. Fry the Tacos:
Now it’s time to fry! Carefully place the folded tacos into the hot oil seam side down. Fry them in batches, turning them midway through, until both sides are golden and crispy—about 2-3 minutes per side.
6. Drain Excess Oil:
Once crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove the tacos from the oil and allow them to drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
7. Assemble and Serve:
To serve, arrange a few tacos on a plate and top with the shredded lettuce, crumbled queso fresco, and a drizzle of Mexican crema or sour cream. Don’t forget to add lime wedges for that citrusy zip!
8. Enjoy with Dips:
If you want, serve the tacos with salsa roja or your favorite hot sauce for dipping. Enjoy your crunchy, delicious Tacos Dorados fresh and hot for the best texture!
FAQ for Easy Crispy Tacos Dorados
Can I Use Flour Tortillas Instead of Corn?
Yes, you can use flour tortillas! They’ll result in a slightly different texture, being softer, but they can still be delicious. Just remember to warm them a bit beforehand to make them pliable.
What Can I Use Instead of Ground Beef?
Ground turkey, shredded chicken, or a combination of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and peppers are great alternatives! For a vegetarian option, refried beans work perfectly as a filling as well.
How Do I Make These Tacos Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to reheat it before assembling the tacos. However, it’s best to fry them fresh for that perfect crispiness!
What Are the Best Ways to Store Leftover Tacos?
If you have any leftovers, store the fillings and tortillas separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the filling on the stovetop or microwave, but assemble and fry the tacos fresh just before serving to maintain their crispiness.
