Tacos Dorados are crispy, golden tacos filled with tasty ingredients, perfect for a fun meal. You can stuff them with chicken, beef, or even veggies!
Who doesn’t love a crunchy bite? I like to load mine with guacamole and salsa for extra flavor. Trust me; it’s a party on your plate! 🎉
Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn Tortillas: These are essential for Tacos Dorados. They provide a great texture. If corn tortillas aren’t available, you can use flour tortillas as a substitute, but they won’t quite have the same flavor.
Shredded Chicken or Beef: Chicken is my favorite for these tacos, but leftover beef works well too. If you want a vegetarian option, try beans or grilled veggies for filling.
Vegetable Oil: You’ll need it for frying. While I usually stick with vegetable oil, canola oil or peanut oil are also good choices as they have high smoke points.
Cheese: Queso fresco is perfect for topping. If you can’t find it, Cotija cheese is a great alternative. For a non-dairy option, consider avocado or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Salsa: Choose your favorite salsa. I enjoy a mild green salsa, but if you like heat, go for a spicy red salsa. You can even make your own fresh salsa for a twist!
How Do I Fry the Tacos to Perfection?
Frying can be tricky, but with a few tips, you can achieve crispy, golden tacos. First, ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the tacos.
- Heat the oil on medium until it shimmers – this means it’s ready.
- When frying, only place a couple of tacos in the oil at a time to avoid overcrowding. This ensures even cooking.
- Flip them carefully with tongs around the 3-minute mark. Wait until they are crunchy and golden before removing them.
Remember to let them drain on paper towels to keep them crisp. This way, you’ll have perfect Tacos Dorados every time!
How to Make Tacos Dorados?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (or beef)
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco (or Cotija cheese)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup salsa (red or green, according to preference)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Salt, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 20 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll spend about 35 minutes making delicious Tacos Dorados from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heating the Oil:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want the oil to be hot enough for frying, but not smoking. This will help the tacos get nice and crispy.
2. Filling the Tortillas:
Take a corn tortilla and spoon about 2 tablespoons of your shredded chicken (or beef) into the center. Fold the tortilla in half to create a taco shape. Make sure not to overfill it, or it might burst while frying!
3. Frying the Tacos:
Carefully place the folded taco into the hot oil. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip them gently. Once they’re done, remove them from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain off excess oil.
4. Repeat and Serve:
Repeat the filling and frying process with all the remaining tortillas and filling. Once all the tacos are fried, arrange them on a serving plate. Top each taco with shredded lettuce, crumbled queso fresco, sour cream, and a generous spoonful of salsa. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro for that extra flavor!
5. Enjoy!
Serve your Tacos Dorados immediately while they’re warm and crunchy. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Store-Bought Tortillas for Tacos Dorados?
Absolutely! Store-bought corn tortillas work great for Tacos Dorados. If they are refrigerated, be sure to warm them slightly in a pan or microwave to make them pliable before filling and frying.
What Can I Substitute for Queso Fresco?
If you can’t find queso fresco, Cotija cheese is a perfect substitute due to its similar texture and flavor. You can also use feta cheese for a different twist, though it will have a saltier taste.
How Can I Make Tacos Dorados Ahead of Time?
To prepare in advance, you can fry the tacos and let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to crisp them back up!
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos Dorados?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To maintain their crispiness, you may want to reheat them in the oven instead of the microwave to avoid sogginess!
