Tacos Dorados are crispy, golden tortillas filled with tasty goodies like seasoned meat or beans. Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, they’re a real treat!
Serve these delights with fresh toppings like lettuce, cheese, and salsa, and watch them disappear. Trust me, they make a fantastic meal that everyone will love! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn Tortillas: Corn tortillas are essential for that authentic taco taste and texture. If you can’t find them, flour tortillas can work in a pinch, but they’ll give a different flavor and texture.
Cooked Shredded Chicken: Feel free to use cooked shredded beef or even pulled pork if you prefer. For a vegetarian option, try beans or sautéed veggies instead.
Queso Fresco: This cheese adds a lovely creaminess and a bit of tang. If you can’t find it, cotija is a great substitute. Feta can also work but will be saltier, so adjust accordingly.
Salsa: Low on salsa? You can use store-bought, or even homemade pico de gallo for freshness. For some heat, try adding diced jalapeños or hot sauce instead.
How Do I Fry Tacos Dorados to Perfection?
Frying tacos can be a bit tricky, but don’t worry! The key is in managing your oil temperature. Too hot, and your tacos will burn; too cool, and they’ll get greasy.
- Start by heating the oil over medium heat until it shimmers. A small piece of tortilla should sizzle when you drop it in.
- Carefully add the folded tortillas one at a time—don’t crowd the pan!
- Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Turn them gently with tongs to prevent tearing.
- Once cooked, place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil. This keeps them crispy!
How to Make Tacos Dorados
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 corn tortillas
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (or beef)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup crumbled queso fresco (or cotija cheese)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup salsa (red or green)
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes getting everything ready and about 20 minutes frying the tacos and putting them together. A short and fun cooking adventure!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by pouring vegetable oil into a large pan, about an inch deep. Turn the heat to medium and let the oil heat up. It’s ready when a small piece of tortilla sizzles when you drop it in.
2. Fill and Fold the Tacos:
While the oil is heating, take a corn tortilla and add a small amount of your cooked shredded chicken (or beef) to the center. Fold the tortilla in half to create a taco shape. Don’t overfill, or they might burst while frying!
3. Fry the Tacos:
Carefully place the folded tacos into the hot oil, one or two at a time, depending on the size of your pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on one side until they turn golden and crispy, then flip and fry the other side for another 3-4 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
4. Drain the Tacos:
Once crispy and golden, use a slotted spatula to remove the tacos from the oil. Let them drain on paper towels to get rid of any excess oil. This step helps keep your tacos crispy and not greasy.
5. Assemble Your Tacos:
On a large plate, arrange the crispy tacos dorados. Top each one with shredded lettuce, crumbled queso fresco, and a drizzle of sour cream for that creamy goodness.
6. Add Some Flavor:
Now, add salsa on top to taste. You can use red or green salsa, depending on your preference. Finish off your tacos with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious tacos dorados hot and enjoy every bite! They make a great meal or snack for any time of the day.
Can I Use Store-Bought Tortillas for Tacos Dorados?
Absolutely! Store-bought corn tortillas work perfectly in this recipe, but for the best results, look for ones that are labeled as “soft” or “fresh.” Warm them slightly in a pan before filling to make them easier to fold without tearing.
What If I Don’t Have Queso Fresco?
If you can’t find queso fresco, cotija cheese is a great substitute! Alternatively, you can use feta cheese for a similar crumbly texture. Just keep in mind that feta is saltier, so adjust the salt in the recipe accordingly.
How to Store Leftover Tacos Dorados?
To store leftovers, place any uneaten tacos in an airtight container in the fridge. They can be kept for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a hot, dry skillet or oven to help them regain their crispiness instead of using a microwave, which can make them soggy.
Can I Make Tacos Dorados Vegetarian?
Definitely! You can fill the tacos with sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms, along with some black beans for added protein. Just be sure to season the veggies well for flavor!
