Tacos Dorados are crispy, golden tacos filled with tasty goodness! Usually packed with delicious chicken or beef, each bite is a crunchy treat that’s hard to resist.
I love serving them with fresh toppings like lettuce, tomato, and guacamole. They really make dinner feel like a fiesta! 🎉 Grab your favorite salsa for an extra kick!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn Tortillas: Small corn tortillas are perfect for tacos dorados. If you can’t find them, flour tortillas can work, though they won’t have that authentic flavor. You can also use store-bought or homemade tortillas for the best results.
Shredded Chicken or Beef: The choice of meat gives flavor to the tacos. I usually go for chicken because it’s easy to prepare and pairs well with the other ingredients. For a beef option, shredded slow-cooked beef adds richness. You can use whatever you have on hand!
Queso Fresco: This cheese adds a delightful creaminess. If you can’t find queso fresco, crumbled feta or cotija cheese are good alternatives. Both will give you a nice salty flavor that works well with the tacos.
Sour Cream: It offers a cool contrast to the crispy tacos. Greek yogurt is a healthy substitute if you’re looking for something lighter. You can also skip it if you want a dairy-free option.
How Can You Fry Tacos Without Making a Mess?
Frying is key to achieving the crispy texture of tacos dorados. To avoid a mess, follow these tips:
- Heat the oil to the right temperature (medium heat) but don’t let it smoke. Test by dropping a small piece of tortilla; it should sizzle.
- Carefully place the tacos in the oil, ensuring not to crowd the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and make them soggy.
- Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown, turning them gently with tongs.
- Let them drain on paper towels right after frying, and sprinkle them with salt while still hot for the best flavor.
These little steps keep your kitchen clean and your tacos wonderfully crispy! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Tacos Dorados
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (or beef)
For Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco (or cheese of choice)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup salsa (red or green, your preference)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the tacos and another 10 minutes frying them until they’re crispy. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by pouring about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil into a frying pan. Turn the heat to medium and let the oil heat up until it’s hot but not smoking. You can test if it’s ready by dropping a small piece of tortilla into the oil; if it sizzles, the oil is good to go!
2. Prepare the Tacos:
While the oil is heating, grab your corn tortillas. Take each tortilla and fill it with a portion of the shredded chicken. Fold the tortilla in half to form a taco shape. Make sure not to overfill them so they can fry properly!
3. Fry the Tacos:
Once the oil is hot, carefully place the folded tacos into the oil. You may have to fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip them gently when it’s time. Watch out for splattering oil!
4. Drain Excess Oil:
After frying, carefully remove the tacos from the oil and let them drain on paper towels. This helps to absorb any excess oil. While they’re hot, sprinkle a little salt on top to enhance the flavor.
5. Assemble with Toppings:
On a serving plate, arrange your crispy tacos dorados. Top each taco with a bit of shredded lettuce, a sprinkle of queso fresco, and a drizzle of sour cream for that extra creaminess.
6. Add Salsa and Cilantro:
Spoon some salsa over the tacos, then sprinkle with fresh cilantro for a pop of flavor and color.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your tacos dorados are ready to enjoy! Serve them immediately, and feel free to add extra salsa on the side if you’d like. Dive in and enjoy this delicious treat!
Can I Use Different Proteins for Tacos Dorados?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses chicken or beef, you can easily substitute with shredded pork, turkey, or even grilled veggies for a vegetarian option. Just ensure that your protein is cooked and seasoned to your liking before filling the tortillas.
What Can I Use Instead of Queso Fresco?
If you can’t find queso fresco, don’t worry! You can substitute it with other cheeses like feta, cotija, or even shredded mozzarella. Each will add a unique flavor to your tacos, so feel free to choose your favorite!
Can I Make Tacos Dorados in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, for the best texture, it’s best to fry the tacos just before serving. If you’ve already made them, just reheat them on a hot skillet for a couple of minutes to crisp them back up.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the crispy texture, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes instead of the microwave, which can make them soggy.
