These Easy Crispy Tacos Dorados are golden fried delights filled with tasty goodies like chicken or beef. They are crunchy, delicious, and perfect for taco lovers!
You can fill these tacos with almost anything you like. Just sneak in your favorite toppings like guacamole or salsa, and you’ll be the star of taco night! It’s so easy to make, even I can do it on a busy weeknight!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn Tortillas: Small corn tortillas are best for Tacos Dorados. If you’re gluten-free, opt for corn tortillas. Flour tortillas can work too, but they won’t be as crispy.
Ground Beef: Feel free to swap beef for shredded chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based alternative if you prefer a lighter option. I often use rotisserie chicken for ease!
Onion and Garlic: These add great flavor. Red or white onions can be used instead of yellow. Leeks can be a fun alternative! If you’re not a garlic fan, you can skip it.
Cheese: Queso fresco or cotija cheese makes the tacos delicious. If you can’t find these, feta cheese works as a good substitute. Just don’t skip the cheese—it’s a key flavor!
How Do I Get Tacos Extra Crispy?
Achieving that perfect crispy texture is easier than you think! The key lies in frying them just right. Here’s how:
- Use enough oil: Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in your skillet. You want the oil hot enough that it sizzles when the tacos are added.
- Don’t crowd the pan: Fry tacos in small batches to ensure they cook evenly and get that nice golden color.
- Patience is key: Let them fry undisturbed for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are crispy and golden. Resist the urge to poke at them!
- Drain well: Place them on paper towels after frying to remove excess oil.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have wonderfully crispy tacos every time!
Easy Crispy Tacos Dorados
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 1 lb ground beef (or shredded chicken)
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 cup crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese
- 1/2 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Salsa or hot sauce, for serving
- Optional: chopped cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll spend about 15 minutes getting everything ready, and then about 15 minutes cooking. In total, you can have delicious tacos dorados ready in about 30 minutes! Perfect for a quick dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef or Chicken:
In your skillet, heat it over medium heat and throw in the finely chopped onion. Cook it until it turns translucent, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute. Next, add the ground beef (or shredded chicken) to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. You’ll want it to turn browned and fully cooked, which takes about 6-8 minutes.
2. Season the Meat:
Once your meat is cooked, stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Taste it to see if it needs any more seasoning. Once it’s just right, take the skillet off the heat and set it aside for now.
3. Prepare the Tortillas:
Warm up the corn tortillas just a bit so they’re easy to fold. You don’t want them too soft, just pliable enough. This step is key to avoiding cracks when you fold them!
4. Form the Tacos:
Take each tortilla and place about 2-3 tablespoons of the meat mixture into the center. Fold it in half gently to create a taco shape. Repeat this until all the tortillas are filled.
5. Fry the Tacos:
In a large skillet, pour in vegetable oil until it’s about 1/2 inch deep. Heat it over medium-high heat until hot. Once the oil is ready, fry the tacos in batches—don’t crowd the pan! Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they’re beautifully golden and crispy. After frying, drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
6. Assemble and Serve:
Now it’s time to plate your tacos! Arrange the crispy tacos dorados on a serving plate. Top each taco with shredded lettuce, crumbled cheese, and a drizzle of Mexican crema or sour cream. If you like, add some chopped cilantro on top!
7. Add the Finishing Touch:
Serve your tacos with lime wedges and your favorite salsa or hot sauce. Remember to squeeze a little lime juice on top for an extra zesty flavor before enjoying! Yum!
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful tacos dorados! They’re sure to be a hit!
FAQ for Easy Crispy Tacos Dorados
Can I Use Different Protein for the Filling?
Absolutely! While ground beef and shredded chicken are popular choices, you can use ground turkey, pork, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian version. Just make sure to season it well!
How Do I Keep My Tacos Crispy After Frying?
To keep your tacos crispy, drain them well on paper towels right after frying to remove excess oil. Serve them immediately, as they taste best fresh. If you need to hold them for a bit, keep them on a wire rack in a warm oven rather than stacking them on a plate.
Can I Make These Tacos Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply use corn tortillas, which are naturally gluten-free. Just check the package to ensure they are made from 100% corn and don’t contain any added flour.
What Should I Serve with Tacos Dorados?
These tacos pair wonderfully with a variety of sides! Consider serving them with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple side salad. Don’t forget the salsa or hot sauce for dipping!
