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Fried Tacos

Fried Tacos
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Forget store-bought hard shells! These are the real deal: golden, crunchy tacos fried with a savory, cheesy beef filling sealed right inside. It’s the ultimate comfort food, ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef Filling:

  • 500g (17 oz) ground beef (80/20 blend is best)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your heat preference)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp sour cream

For Assembly & Frying:

  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
  • 12 corn tortillas
  • Neutral oil, for frying (like canola or vegetable)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add Flavor: Stir in the paprika, cayenne, cumin, salt, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 2 more minutes to deepen the flavor.
  3. Make it Creamy: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sour cream until the filling is rich and combined.
  4. Assemble Tacos: Gently warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave to make them pliable. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto one half of each tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, and fold over.
  5. Fry to Perfection: Heat about ½ inch of oil in your skillet to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Carefully place a few tacos in the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and perfectly crispy.
  6. Drain & Serve: Transfer the finished tacos to a paper towel-lined plate. Serve hot!

Notes

  • Serving Ideas: These are amazing with shredded lettuce, guacamole, extra sour cream, and fresh cilantro. Serve with a side of refried beans or rice.
  • Pro Tip: Don’t skip warming the tortillas! This simple step is the secret to preventing them from cracking when you fold them. If you’re nervous about them opening up, you can secure each taco with a toothpick before frying.
  • Storage & Reheating: Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To revive that crunch, reheat them in a 375°F (190°C) oven or an air fryer for 5-7 minutes. Whatever you do, avoid the microwave!

Find it online: https://sabormexicana.com/fried-tacos/