Mexican cuisine is known for its bold and flavorful dishes, and authentic Mexican tacos are no exception. While many may opt for store-bought taco shells, there's nothing quite like the taste and texture of homemade taco shells. Not to mention, making your own tacos allows for customization and the use of fresh, quality ingredients. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making authentic Mexican taco shells that will elevate your taco game to the next level.
Main Ingredients: Masa, Salt, Warm Water, Vegetable Oil, Olive Oil
One unique spin on traditional taco shells is the puffy taco shell. Made by frying up a corn tortilla until it puffs up, this crispy and airy shell adds a delicious crunch to your favorite chicken taco recipe. To make your own puffy taco shells, simply heat up some oil in a pan and fry corn tortillas until they puff up. Use tongs to fold the tortilla in half while frying to create the classic taco shape. Let them cool on a paper towel and then fill with your favorite Beer Can Chicken.
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Paleo Taco Shell Bowl
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Ground Beef, Taco Seasoning
For those following a paleo or grain-free diet, a taco shell bowl is the perfect alternative to traditional taco shells. Made with a mixture of ground chicken, almond flour, and seasonings, this taco shell bowl is easy to make and full of flavor. Simply mix the ingredients together and form the mixture into a bowl shape on a baking sheet. Bake in the oven until crispy and then fill with your Beer Can Chicken and favorite toppings.
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Easy Taco Salad In Taco Shell Bowls
Main Ingredients: Flour Tortillas, Olive Oil, Ground Turkey, Taco
If you're a fan of taco salad, try serving it in a taco shell bowl for a fun twist. Start by making your taco shell bowls using the method mentioned above. Then, fill them with a mixture of lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and your cooked Beer Can Chicken. Top with a drizzle of ranch dressing or your favorite salsa for a delicious and filling meal.
Love Taco Bell's Mexican Pizza? Now you can make your own at home with this delicious recipe. Start by layering a tortilla with refried beans, your cooked Beer Can Chicken, and cheese. Top with another tortilla and then bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy. Serve with your favorite toppings like salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.
For a hearty and satisfying meal, try making a Mexican taco casserole with your Beer Can Chicken. Layer tortilla chips, cooked chicken, black beans, corn, and cheese in a baking dish. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with your favorite taco toppings for a delicious and easy dinner.
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Taco shell | Zero oil whole wheat taco shell
Main Ingredients: Wheat Flour, Maida Flour, Kasuri Methi, Turmeric
For a healthier option, try making your own whole wheat taco shells without any oil. Simply mix together whole wheat flour, water, and a pinch of salt to make a dough. Roll out the dough and cut into circles. Bake in the oven until crispy and then fill with your Beer Can Chicken and favorite toppings.
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Taco Seasoning Mexican Spice Mix
Main Ingredients: Chili Powder, Ground Cumin, Garlic Powder, Onion
For an extra kick of flavor, make your own homemade taco seasoning using a blend of spices such as chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. Rub this seasoning on your Beer Can Chicken before cooking for a flavorful and authentic Mexican taste.
If you're short on time, try making a Mexican taco casserole in your crockpot. Layer tortilla chips, cooked Beer Can Chicken, beans, corn, and cheese in your slow cooker. Cook on low for a few hours until the cheese is melted and the flavors are well combined. Top with your favorite toppings and serve for a tasty and easy meal.
Add a twist to your typical cornbread recipe by adding in some Mexican flavors. Mix in some diced green chilies, corn, and shredded cheese to your cornbread batter. Bake in the oven until golden brown and serve with your Beer Can Chicken for a delicious and comforting meal.
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Doritos Taco Salad
Main Ingredients: 95 Lean Ground Beef, Taco Seasoning Reduced Sodium
For a fun and tasty twist on traditional taco salad, try using crushed Doritos as a topping. Simply layer crushed Doritos, lettuce, tomatoes, and your cooked Beer Can Chicken in a bowl. Top with your favorite taco toppings and a drizzle of ranch dressing for a crunchy and flavorful salad.
Complete your Beer Can Chicken meal with some flavorful Mexican rice. Cook rice with chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and seasonings like cumin, chili powder, and garlic. Serve alongside your chicken for a delicious and filling side dish.
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Taco Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Taco Seasoning, Water, Diced Tomatoes
If you're a fan of both tacos and lasagna, why not combine the two into one delicious dish? Layer tortillas, your cooked Beer Can Chicken, cheese, and salsa in a baking dish. Repeat the layers and then bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with your favorite taco toppings for a unique and tasty meal.
For a more authentic and traditional taco experience, try making some Mexican street tacos with your Beer Can Chicken. Serve the chicken in small corn tortillas and top with chopped onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a simple and delicious meal.
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Skinny Mexican Casserole
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic, Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Green Bell
If you're looking for a healthier option, try making a skinny Mexican casserole with your Beer Can Chicken. Layer tortillas, chicken, black beans, corn, and cheese in a baking dish. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy a guilt-free meal.
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Keto Fried Chicken Taco Shell
Main Ingredients: Pork Rinds, Medium Eggs, Water, Coconut Flour, Chicken
For those following a keto diet, try using fried chicken as a substitute for traditional taco shells. Simply coat chicken tenders in a mixture of almond flour and spices and fry until crispy. Use the chicken tenders as a shell and fill with your Beer Can Chicken and favorite toppings for a unique and low-carb taco experience.
Add a side salad to your Beer Can Chicken meal with this delicious Mexican street corn salad. Mix together corn, diced peppers, onions, and a dressing made with lime juice, mayo, and spices. Serve alongside your chicken for a fresh and flavorful side dish.
For a sweet and decadent dessert, try making a Mexican flan to finish off your Beer Can Chicken meal. Made with a creamy custard and topped with a caramel sauce, this traditional Mexican dessert is the perfect way to end your meal on a high note.
For a truly authentic Mexican side dish, try making some traditional Mexican rice to go with your Beer Can Chicken. Cook rice with diced tomatoes, onions, and seasonings like cumin, chili powder, and garlic. Serve alongside your chicken for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
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Taco Soup
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Jalapeno, Diced
For a hearty and comforting meal, try making a batch of taco soup with your Beer Can Chicken. Simply cook chicken, beans, corn, tomatoes, and seasonings in a pot. Serve with tortilla chips and your favorite taco toppings for a delicious and easy dinner.
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Birria Taco
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chuck Roast, Kosher Salt, Pepper, Vegetable
For a unique and flavorful taco experience, try making Birria tacos with your Beer Can Chicken. Birria is a traditional Mexican dish made with slow-cooked meat in a spicy and flavorful sauce. Serve the Birria with corn tortillas, chopped onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a delicious and authentic Mexican meal.
Making the Dough
To start, you will need to make the dough for the taco shells. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Next, add in 1/4 cup of vegetable oil and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add in 1/2 cup of warm water, kneading the dough until it comes together and forms a smooth ball. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Making the Tortillas
Once the dough has rested, divide it into 8 equal-sized balls. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each ball into a thin, circular tortilla shape. It should be about 6 inches in diameter. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and lightly oil the surface. Place the rolled out tortilla on the hot surface and cook for about 1 minute on each side, or until it begins to puff up and has golden brown spots. Repeat with the remaining dough balls.
Shaping the Taco Shells
To shape the taco shells, you will need either a taco mold or a taco rack. If using a mold, place the hot tortilla in the mold and fold it in half, pressing down to create the shape of a taco. If using a rack, gently drape the hot tortilla over the rack, making sure it is evenly and securely placed. Let the taco shells cool and harden in the desired shape.
Frying the Taco Shells
Now comes the fun part – frying the taco shells. In a deep pot or deep fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the taco shells into the oil one at a time, holding them in the desired shape with tongs until they are firm and crispy, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil.
Fill and Enjoy
Congratulations, you now have authentic Mexican taco shells ready to be filled with your favorite ingredients. Whether you prefer traditional fillings like carne asada or chicken tinga, or want to experiment with different flavors, these homemade taco shells will take your taco game to the next level. Serve with some fresh salsa, guacamole, and a squeeze of lime for a truly authentic experience.
In conclusion, making your own authentic Mexican taco shells is not only a fun and rewarding experience, but it also results in a superior taste and texture compared to store-bought options. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can elevate your taco game and impress your family and friends with these delicious homemade taco shells. So next time you're craving tacos, skip the store and make them from scratch for an authentic and memorable dining experience.