Tacos Dorados are crispy, golden-fried tacos filled with delicious ingredients like chicken or beef. They’re like little crunchy treasures that pack a ton of flavor!
Honestly, who can resist those crispy edges? I love serving them with fresh salsa and avocado—it’s a party on my plate! 🥑❤️
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: Use beef, chicken, or turkey based on your preference. For a healthier option, you could swap in lean ground turkey or even plant-based meat alternatives like tempeh or lentils for a vegetarian taco.
Cheese: Cotija is traditional for Tacos Dorados. If you can’t find it, cheddar works well too. For a lighter option, try using a reduced-fat cheese or leave it out altogether if you prefer dairy-free tacos.
Corn Tortillas: Corn tortillas give a great texture, but if you’re gluten-free, check that the tortillas are labeled as such. Flour tortillas can also work, just keep in mind they won’t be as crisp.
Sour Cream: You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangy twist and more protein. Dairy-free sour cream is another great option if you’re avoiding dairy.
How Do I Fry Tortillas Without Making Them Greasy?
Frying tortillas can be tricky, but with a few tips, you can keep them from getting too greasy. Start by using just enough oil to coat the bottom of the skillet—a shallow fry works best.
- Heat the oil over medium heat until it shimmers but isn’t smoking. This prevents the tortillas from soaking up too much oil.
- Fry the tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side, just until they are soft and pliable—not crispy yet!
- After folding and frying the filled tacos, drain them on paper towels immediately to absorb any excess oil. This helps keep them crispy!
How to Make Tacos Dorados
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground meat (beef, chicken, or turkey)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cheese (Cotija or cheddar), grated
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tacos:
- 12 corn tortillas
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For Serving:
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup salsa
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 20 minutes to cook, making a total of about 35 minutes. You’ll get to enjoy delicious crispy tacos in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Veggies:
In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle in a bit of oil. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, which should take about 3 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Cook the Meat:
Add the ground meat to the skillet. Cook it while breaking it up with a spoon until it is browned, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Season it with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Once the meat is cooked, stir in the grated cheese until it’s melted and everything is well mixed. Remove the skillet from heat.
3. Prepare the Tortillas:
In another skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Lightly fry each corn tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side, just until they become pliable. This step makes it easier to fold the tortillas without cracking.
4. Build Your Tacos:
Once the tortillas are ready, take a spoonful of the meat mixture and place it on one half of each tortilla. Fold the tortilla over to create a taco shape. If needed, you can secure it with a toothpick to hold it together.
5. Fry the Tacos:
In the same skillet, add more oil if necessary, and fry the tacos until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes total. Keep an eye on them and flip them carefully!
6. Drain and Serve:
Once crispy, place the tacos on paper towels to soak up any excess oil. To serve, arrange the tacos on a plate and top them with shredded lettuce, a drizzle of sour cream, salsa, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. Enjoy your homemade Tacos Dorados!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option. Each type of meat will give the tacos a slightly different flavor, so choose what you prefer!
What Can I Use Instead of Corn Tortillas?
If you don’t have corn tortillas, you can use flour tortillas instead. They won’t be quite the same, but they’ll still hold the filling well! Just make sure to lightly fry them as well to keep them pliable.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, let the tacos cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until crispy again, or in a skillet over medium heat.
Can I Make These Tacos Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground meat with a combination of beans, mushrooms, or lentils for a flavorful vegetarian option. Adjust the spices to your liking for extra flavor. Enjoy these as a delicious meat-free alternative!
