Tacos Dorados—crispy, golden, and absolutely drool-worthy! I first whipped these up during a Labor Day get-together, I knew these crispy delights would steal the spotlight. Let’s just say, they became the unexpected star of the show!
What’s not to love about Tacos Dorados? A perfectly crispy shell encasing a savory, delicious filling that makes every bite a delight. They’re incredibly versatile—stuff them with anything you fancy.
As September rolls around, they’re perfect for any celebration, whether you're honoring Constitution Day, enjoying Rosh Hashanah, or sharing stories on Grandparents' Day. These Tacos Dorados are all about creating memorable moments around the table!
The Origins of Tacos Dorados and Their Unique Appeal
Tacos Dorados, meaning “golden tacos,” are a beloved Mexican dish known for their delightful crunch and savory fillings. These crispy tacos are typically made by filling a tortilla with ingredients like potatoes or shredded chicken, folding it, and frying it until it achieves a golden, crunchy exterior.
Tacos dorados de papa (potato tacos) are especially popular as a vegetarian option, offering a deliciously creamy interior against the crispy shell. For those who prefer a protein-packed version, tacos dorados de pollo (chicken tacos) bring a savory depth of flavor that's perfect for dipping in salsas and topping with fresh garnishes.
They're often served with sides of guacamole, salsa, and crema, giving each bite a flavorful contrast of crispy, creamy, and spicy elements. With endless customization options, tacos dorados can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or even a main course, making them a perfect addition to any gathering or family dinner.
Ingredients Used to Make Tacos Dorados
- Corn tortillas
- Shredded chicken or beef
- Cheese (Queso fresco or a mild cheddar)
- Oil
- Toppings (lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and salsa…)
How to Make Tacos Dorados
- Prep the filling: Start by seasoning and cooking your shredded chicken or beef. You want it flavorful and tender—none of that bland stuff here!
- Warm the tortillas: To make them pliable, warm up your corn tortillas in a skillet for a few seconds on each side. This makes them easier to fold without cracking.
- Fill and fold: Place a spoonful of your filling onto each tortilla, then fold them in half. Use a toothpick to hold them together if needed.
- Fry to golden perfection: Heat your oil in a pan until it’s nice and hot. Fry each taco until crispy and golden brown, turning once. Drain on paper towels to get rid of excess oil.
- Load up the toppings: Once fried, remove the toothpicks and go crazy with the toppings—lettuce, cheese, salsa, whatever you like!
There you have it—crispy, golden Tacos Dorados that are perfect for any September celebration. Whether you’re grilling on Labor Day or sharing stories on Grandparents' Day, these tacos are sure to bring smiles all around. Don’t forget the napkins—these can get a little messy, but that’s half the fun!
Quick Cooking Recipe
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Inactive Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Author: Jen Sharpin | So Damn Delish
- Yield: 12 tacos
Learn how to make crispy and golden Tacos Dorados with this easy recipe. Perfect for Labor Day, Grandparents' Day, or any September celebration, these tacos are a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients:
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded chicken or beef
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup oil for frying
- 1 cup lettuce, chopped
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Salsa, for serving
Instructions:
- Season and cook the shredded chicken or beef until tender and flavorful.
- Warm tortillas in a skillet until pliable.
- Fill each tortilla with meat and cheese, then fold in half.
- Fry in hot oil until golden and crispy, turning once. Drain on paper towels.
- Add lettuce, tomato, avocado, and salsa to each taco before serving.
Notes:
- These tacos can be filled with anything you like, from beans to veggies, making them versatile and perfect for any crowd.
- For a healthier version, try baking instead of frying!
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 1g
How to Perfectly Assemble Tacos Dorados at Home
Then preparing tacos dorados at home, the key is to balance the filling and maintain that perfect crunch. Start by choosing your filling: tacos dorados de papa are made by mashing potatoes with spices and herbs, while tacos de pollo dorados require shredded chicken cooked with onions, garlic, and seasonings. For the best results, avoid overstuffing the tortillas to prevent breakage when frying. Warm the tortillas briefly to make them pliable, then fold them over the filling and secure with a toothpick if needed.
Frying is best done in shallow oil at medium-high heat until the tacos turn golden and crispy. If you prefer a healthier method, consider air frying the tacos for a lighter yet equally crunchy texture. Serve your tacos dorados hot, topped with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, a drizzle of crema, and a sprinkle of queso fresco. Pair them with guacamole or salsa verde for dipping, and enjoy the flavors of an authentic Mexican street food experience in your own kitchen.
Nothing beats a plate of crispy, golden tacos dorados! Head back to So Damn Delish for more tasty recipes and inspiration to keep your kitchen adventures exciting. We’ve got all the deliciousness you crave!
Print
Tacos Dorados: Crispy Mexican Dish with Potato or Chicken Filling
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 tacos 1x
- Category: Tacos & Such
Description
Craving something crispy and delicious? Discover the irresistible flavor of Tacos Dorados at So Damn Delish! Perfectly crunchy, check out the recipe now!
Ingredients
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded chicken or beef
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup oil for frying
- 1 cup lettuce, chopped
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Salsa, for serving
Instructions
- Season and cook the shredded chicken or beef until tender and flavorful.
- Warm tortillas in a skillet until pliable.
- Fill each tortilla with meat and cheese, then fold in half.
- Fry in hot oil until golden and crispy, turning once. Drain on paper towels.
- Add lettuce, tomato, avocado, and salsa to each taco before serving.
Notes
- These tacos can be filled with anything you like, from beans to veggies, making them versatile and perfect for any crowd.
- For a healthier version, try baking instead of frying!
Nutrition
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
