Tacos Dorados are crispy, golden-brown tacos that are filled with your choice of tasty ingredients like seasoned meat, cheese, or beans. They are fried to perfection, making every bite delicious!
These tacos are perfect for a fun meal with friends or family. I love topping them with fresh lettuce, salsa, and a bit of sour cream for extra yumminess—it’s hard to eat just one! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn Tortillas: These are essential for Tacos Dorados and give that perfect crispy texture. If you can’t find corn tortillas, you can use flour tortillas, but they won’t get as crispy. You might also try making your own if you’re up for a little cooking adventure!
Cooked Chicken: Shredded or diced chicken works best. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds flavor. Alternatively, feel free to use leftover turkey or even a plant-based protein for a vegetarian option.
Vegetable Oil: This is used for frying. While vegetable oil is a good choice, you can use canola or peanut oil if that’s what you have on hand. Just remember, using oils with a high smoke point will help get that perfect crunch.
Sour Cream: Adds a nice creaminess. If you’re dairy-free, go for a vegan sour cream or a simple avocado mash for a delicious twist. You could also use Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.
Queso Fresco: This cheese has a mild flavor and soft texture that complements the tacos wonderfully. If you can’t find it, crumbled feta or even cotija cheese will work as substitutes.
How Can I Fry Tacos to Perfection Without Making a Mess?
Frying tacos takes a bit of technique to get them crispy without the splatter! Here are some handy tips:
- Heat the oil to medium, but not too high; if it’s too hot, it can splatter and burn the tortillas.
- When placing tacos in the oil, lower them in slowly to avoid splashing.
- Fry each taco for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Keep an eye on them!
- Use a slotted spoon to carefully flip the tacos and remove them from the oil.
- Always place fried tacos on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly crispy tacos that are a delight to eat!
How to Make Tacos Dorados?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup crumbled queso fresco
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup salsa (mild or spicy, according to taste)
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and about 20 minutes frying the tacos until they’re golden and crispy. Then you can enjoy the deliciousness right away!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Begin by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want the oil nice and hot for frying the tacos, so let it warm up while you prepare the tortillas.
2. Prepare the Tacos:
Take a tortilla and place about 1-2 tablespoons of the cooked chicken in the center. Fold the tortilla in half to create a taco shape. It’s best to work with one at a time to make sure they fry up nicely!
3. Fry the Tacos:
Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping a tiny piece of tortilla in; if it sizzles, it’s ready), carefully place the folded taco in the skillet. Fry the taco for about 3-4 minutes on one side, or until it’s golden brown and crispy. Then, flip it over and fry the other side for another 3-4 minutes. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling!
4. Drain Excess Oil:
Once the tacos are nicely fried, remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. This will help soak up any excess oil, keeping your tacos deliciously crispy!
5. Add Your Toppings:
To serve, place the crispy tacos on a clean plate. Top each taco with shredded lettuce, a drizzle of sour cream, crumbled queso fresco, chopped cilantro, and a spoonful of salsa. Feel free to add salt to taste for extra flavor!
6. Enjoy!
Dig into your freshly made Tacos Dorados while they are hot and crispy. They’re perfect for a quick meal or a fun gathering with friends and family!
Can I Use Tortillas Other Than Corn?
Absolutely! While corn tortillas are traditional and provide a classic flavor, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer. Just keep in mind that they might not get as crispy as corn tortillas when fried. Adjust the frying time slightly if using thicker flour tortillas.
What If I Don’t Have Cooked Chicken?
No worries! You can use rotisserie chicken, which is convenient and tasty. Alternatively, you can quickly cook chicken breasts or thighs by boiling or sautéing them with your favorite seasonings until fully cooked, then shredding or dicing them for the tacos.
How to Make Tacos Dorados Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the filling and fry the tacos up to a few hours in advance. Keep them warm in a low oven (around 200°F or 90°C) until you’re ready to serve. Just be aware that they may lose some crispiness; re-frying for a minute or two before serving can help restore that crunch!
How to Store Leftover Tacos Dorados?
Store any leftover fried tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving them directly, as this can make them soggy.
