Welcome to the delightful world of Tacos Dorados, a culinary gem cherished in many homes for its irresistible blend of textures and flavors. These “golden tacos” are a testament to simple ingredients coming together to create something truly extraordinary. Imagine perfectly seasoned ground beef and melty cheese encased in a tortilla, then fried to a crisp, golden perfection. The result is a symphony for your taste buds: a crunchy exterior giving way to a warm, savory, and cheesy filling that’s utterly satisfying. Easy to prepare and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, Tacos Dorados are more than just a meal; they’re an experience waiting to be savored. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking for an exciting new dish, this recipe promises deliciousness with every bite.
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Often known as Tacos Dorados de Carne Molida (golden tacos with ground beef) or simply Dorado Tacos, these crispy delights are a quick and incredibly satisfying meal that everyone from kids to adults will adore. Their versatility makes them perfect for any meal, transforming a simple lunch or dinner into a festive occasion. The beauty of Tacos Dorados lies in their customizable nature; once you master the basic recipe, you can experiment with various fillings and toppings to suit any palate. Get ready to embark on a flavor journey that will make these golden tacos a staple in your culinary repertoire.
What Exactly Are Tacos Dorados? Understanding the Golden Taco
Tacos Dorados, translating literally to “golden tacos,” are a popular Mexican dish recognized by their distinct crispy texture. Unlike traditional soft tacos, Tacos Dorados are fried until the tortilla turns golden and crunchy, creating a delightful contrast with the savory filling inside. While the filling can vary widely, a common and beloved version features seasoned ground beef and cheese, as we’ll explore in this recipe. They are often folded in half before frying, resembling a crescent moon, though some variations are rolled tightly like flautas or taquitos. This frying process is what gives them their signature “dorado” quality, making them incredibly appealing and distinct from other taco varieties.
Essential Ingredients to Craft Your Perfect Tacos Dorados
Creating exceptional Tacos Dorados begins with selecting high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so special. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why:
- Lean Ground Beef: We recommend a lean ground beef, such as 80/20, for this recipe. While some fat is desirable for flavor and moisture, excessive fat can make the tacos greasy. The lean beef ensures a hearty, flavorful filling without overpowering the dish with oil.
- Baking Soda: This might seem like an unusual addition, but it’s a secret weapon for incredibly tender and juicy ground beef. Dissolved in water, it slightly raises the pH of the meat, preventing it from seizing up and becoming tough during cooking. This technique, popularized by culinary experts, ensures your beef filling is perfectly moist even after browning.
- Onion (Fresh is Best): Finely diced fresh onion adds a foundational layer of aromatic flavor to the beef filling. As it cooks, it sweetens and mellows, contributing depth that dried onion simply cannot replicate.
- Garlic (Fresh is Best): Like onion, fresh minced garlic is indispensable. Its pungent, savory notes are critical for building a rich flavor profile. Using fresh garlic elevates the entire dish, providing a vibrant, authentic taste.
- Chipotle in Adobo: For a smoky heat and complex flavor, chipotle in adobo is a must. These smoked and dried jalapeños, packed in a tangy, spicy tomato sauce, impart a unique depth. Remember, a little goes a long way, and you can easily freeze any unused chipotles for future recipes.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully into the hot beef, adding a creamy texture and a tangy, savory counterpoint. Its robust flavor stands up well to the other ingredients, creating a balanced and rich filling. Feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend.
- Taco Seasoning: A good quality taco seasoning blend is key for authentic flavor. It typically contains a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and other spices. You can use your favorite store-bought brand or even make your own for a customized touch. I personally love using this Fiesta Taco Seasoning for an extra kick!
- Flour or Corn Tortillas: The choice between flour and corn tortillas is largely personal preference. Corn tortillas are traditionally used for Tacos Dorados and offer a distinct flavor and crispier texture when fried. Flour tortillas will result in a softer, chewier taco with a slightly different crisp. Both are delicious!
- Oil for Frying: A neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point is essential for shallow frying. Vegetable oil is my top recommendation for this recipe, providing even browning without imparting unwanted flavors. Canola oil or grapeseed oil are also excellent choices.
Mastering the Art of Perfectly Browned and Tender Ground Beef
One of the secrets to truly outstanding Tacos Dorados is the quality of the beef filling. While browning ground beef seems straightforward, a clever trick can elevate it from good to absolutely fantastic. Cooks Illustrated revolutionized home cooking a few years back by demonstrating how a simple addition of baking soda can significantly enhance the texture of ground beef, keeping it moist and tender while still allowing for that desirable deep browning.
Here’s how this culinary hack works: baking soda is an alkaline agent. When mixed with ground meat, it raises the pH on the surface of the meat. This slightly alkaline environment helps to retain moisture and prevents the proteins from tightening up too quickly when exposed to heat. The result? Beef that stays remarkably juicy and tender, even after being cooked until beautifully browned. To implement this technique, simply dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 2 tablespoons of water. Mix this solution thoroughly into your ground beef and let it rest for about 20-30 minutes before you begin browning. As the meat cooks, the water will evaporate, leaving you with perfectly tender, flavorful, and richly browned ground beef – the ideal foundation for your Tacos Dorados filling.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Irresistible Tacos Dorados
Follow these detailed instructions to create Tacos Dorados that are crispy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying:
- Prepare the Beef: In a small bowl, dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 2 tablespoons of water. Add this mixture to your lean ground beef, mixing it thoroughly with your hands. Allow the beef to rest for at least 20-30 minutes. This crucial step will ensure your beef filling remains tender and juicy.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large, sturdy skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the treated ground beef to the pan. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, break up the beef into small crumbles. Brown the meat thoroughly, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely caramelized. All the water from the baking soda mixture should evaporate. It’s important NOT to discard any rendered fat at this stage, as it contributes significantly to the flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes soft and translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This step deepens the flavor profile of your filling.
- Season the Beef: Pour in 1 cup of water and stir in about 3 tablespoons of your preferred taco seasoning. Continue cooking over medium heat, allowing the water to simmer and reduce. Cook until the water has almost completely evaporated, and the seasoning has coated the beef beautifully. Again, ensure any remaining fat stays in the pan for flavor.
- Finish the Filling: Remove the skillet from the heat. Finely chop one chipotle from the adobo sauce, along with any clinging sauce, and mix it thoroughly into the beef. Let the beef cool slightly for a few minutes. Then, incorporate the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. The residual heat from the beef will gently melt the cheese, creating a cohesive and gooey filling. Taste and add salt if necessary, keeping in mind that taco seasoning and cheese already contribute a significant amount of sodium.
- Assemble and Fry: In a separate large skillet, heat approximately 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Place a tortilla flat in the skillet. Spoon about 1/3 cup of the beef and cheese filling onto one half of the tortilla. Carefully fold the empty half of the tortilla over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Shallow fry the taco in the hot oil until it’s golden brown and delightfully crispy on one side.
- Flip and Continue Frying: Gently flip the taco over to the other side and continue frying until that side is also golden brown and crispy. The goal is a uniform golden crust that signifies a perfectly cooked Dorado.
- Repeat and Serve: Remove the finished taco from the skillet and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Repeat steps 6 and 7 with the remaining tortillas and filling, adding more oil to the skillet as needed. Serve these golden masterpieces piping hot with an array of your favorite taco toppings, such as fresh Tomatillo Pico de Gallo, sour cream, or guacamole!
Making Tacos Dorados on a Blackstone Griddle: A Flat-Top Approach
For those who love the versatility of a Blackstone griddle, making Tacos Dorados on a flat-top surface is an excellent alternative that often yields incredibly consistent results and allows for cooking a larger batch simultaneously. The griddle’s expansive, even heating surface is perfect for achieving that signature golden crisp. The primary adjustment comes when adding liquid to the beef mixture.
Instead of adding the full cup of water and taco seasoning at once, as you would in a skillet, you’ll want a more controlled approach on the griddle to prevent it from becoming too soupy. First, thoroughly mix the taco spice directly into your browned ground beef on the griddle. Then, using a squirt bottle (a common griddle accessory), add about 1/4 cup of water at a time. After each addition, pop a lid over the beef mixture for a minute or so to allow the steam to infuse the flavors and tenderize the meat. Stir well, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed and the water is absorbed, then add another 1/4 cup. Repeat this process until the full cup of water has been incorporated, and the meat is perfectly seasoned and combined.
Once your beef filling is prepared, turn the griddle heat down to medium. Drizzle a generous amount of cooking oil across the cooking surface. Assemble your Tacos Dorados by spooning the filling onto half of each tortilla and folding them. Carefully place the folded tacos onto the oiled griddle. Grill them on each side until they achieve a beautiful, uniform golden brown color and a satisfying crispness. This method ensures all your tacos are ready around the same time, making it perfect for feeding a crowd.
Chef Jenn’s Expert Tips for Tacos Dorados Perfection
To ensure your Tacos Dorados are nothing short of spectacular, consider these pro tips:
- Prep Ahead for Convenience: The ground beef filling can be prepared ahead of time, cooled, and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. This makes assembly and frying on the day of serving quick and easy. However, Tacos Dorados are best enjoyed immediately after frying when they are hot and crispy. They don’t retain their crispiness well after cooling, so plan to serve them fresh!
- Tortilla Choice Matters: While corn tortillas are traditional for their superior crisping ability, flour tortillas offer a softer, chewier texture with a slight crisp when fried. Feel free to use whichever you prefer. For corn tortillas, warming them slightly before filling can make them more pliable and prevent cracking when folded.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you love a little extra heat, don’t hesitate to double the amount of chipotle in adobo. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the beef filling for an added kick. For a milder version, reduce the chipotle or omit it entirely.
- Creative Filling Variations: While Tacos Dorados de carne molida (with ground beef) are classic, the possibilities for fillings are endless! Experiment with shredded chicken, tender carnitas, spicy chorizo, or even a vegetarian potato and cheese mixture. These tacos are incredibly adaptable to various protein and veggie combinations.
- Feeding a Crowd?: This recipe scales beautifully. Easily double or triple the ingredients to accommodate larger gatherings or to have plenty of delicious leftovers (just remember to fry them fresh!).
- Optimal Frying Temperature: Maintain a consistent medium heat for frying. If the oil is too hot, the tortillas will brown too quickly on the outside, leaving the inside potentially not as warm or the cheese not perfectly melted. If the oil is too cool, the tacos will absorb too much oil and become greasy. A good sizzle when the taco hits the pan indicates the right temperature.
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Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Dorado Tacos
Elevate your Tacos Dorados experience by serving them with a vibrant array of traditional and contemporary toppings and sides. These crunchy tacos are perfect for building a full Mexican-inspired feast, allowing everyone to customize their meal. Here are some fantastic suggestions to complete your spread:
Now’s the perfect time to pull out all your favorite taco toppings and make a fiesta of it! For rich, creamy additions, consider pairing your Dorado Tacos with Smoked Queso, a decadent cheese dip with a smoky twist, and a side of cheesy baked Spanish rice for a hearty and comforting accompaniment.
- Salsas Galore: No taco is complete without a delicious salsa.
- Try this delish Smoked Salsa for a rich, deep flavor.
- For a tropical, spicy kick, our Mango Habanero Salsa is a fantastic choice.
- And don’t forget the classic fresh, vibrant Pico de Gallo or a tangy Tomatillo Pico de Gallo.
- Crisp Lettuce: Shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce adds a refreshing crunch and coolness, providing a nice textural contrast to the crispy taco shell and rich filling.
- Shredded Cheese: While there’s cheese in the filling, an extra sprinkle of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend on top adds another layer of cheesy goodness as the taco cools.
- Pickled Onion: The tangy, slightly sweet bite of pickled red onions cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese, adding a burst of bright flavor.
- Cool Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema provides a creamy, cooling element that balances the spice and richness of the tacos.
- Creamy Guacamole: Homemade guacamole, with its rich avocado flavor and zesty lime, is an absolute must-have topping.
- Diced Tomatoes: Freshly diced tomatoes offer a burst of juicy freshness and a mild sweetness that complements the savory filling.
- Hot Sauce: For those who crave an extra fiery kick, a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce, like a chile de árbol salsa, is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tacos Dorados
Let’s address some common questions about these beloved golden tacos:
While Tacos Dorados offer a good source of protein from the ground beef, and corn tortillas provide some fiber, they are traditionally fried in oil and feature a cheesy, savory filling. This makes them more of an indulgent comfort food rather than a strict health food. However, they are incredibly satisfying and delicious, making them a perfect treat to enjoy occasionally. If you’re looking to lighten them up, you could consider baking them instead of frying (though they won’t be quite as “dorado”), using extra lean ground beef, or loading them with fresh vegetable toppings to boost nutrient content. Ultimately, enjoying these tasty tacos in moderation is perfectly fine!
Although both are Mexican-inspired dishes involving tortillas and fillings, Tacos Dorados and quesadillas have distinct characteristics. Primarily, Tacos Dorados are traditionally made with corn tortillas and are fried until crispy, often folded into a half-moon shape. Their cheese component is usually mixed within the meat filling, melting gently to bind it. Quesadillas, on the other hand, are typically made with flour tortillas (though corn variations exist) and are griddled or fried until the tortilla is soft and slightly browned, with the defining feature being a generous amount of melted, gooey cheese that often stretches between two tortillas or within a folded single one. Tacos Dorados are designed to be picked up and eaten, celebrating a crunchy texture, whereas quesadillas are often cut into wedges and prized for their abundant, melty cheese.
Yes, Tacos Dorados can certainly be made keto-friendly with a simple modification to the tortilla. By substituting traditional corn or flour tortillas with low-carb tortillas, you can significantly reduce the carbohydrate count. Many brands now offer excellent low-carb tortilla options that are suitable for frying. While some low-carb tortillas may contain ingredients that aren’t strictly “clean keto,” they are generally a good choice for those following a low-carb diet or looking for a delicious indulgence within their dietary parameters. The beef and cheese filling itself is inherently low-carb, so the primary focus for keto adaptation is the tortilla.
The best way to enjoy Tacos Dorados is immediately after they’re fried, when they are at their peak crispiness. To help maintain their texture while you finish frying a batch, place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a warm oven (around 200°F or 95°C). Avoid stacking them, as this will trap steam and make them soggy. While they don’t hold their crispiness perfectly for long periods, this method will keep them warm and relatively crispy until serving time.
Yes, you can bake Tacos Dorados as a healthier alternative to frying, though the texture will be slightly different. To bake, lightly brush both sides of the filled and folded tortillas with oil. Place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until golden brown and crispy. They won’t have the same deep-fried crispness, but they will still be delicious and golden.
Visual Journey: Step-By-Step Process for Tacos Dorados
Sometimes, seeing is believing! Follow along with these visual steps to guide you through the process of making perfect Tacos Dorados:
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Tacos Dorados
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican, Tex-Mex
Keyword beef, beef tacos, blackstone, ground beef, tacos, tacos dorados, tortillas
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 560kcal
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 works well)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons chipotle in adobo
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 12 corn tortillas
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve the baking soda in 2 tablespoons of water, then mix it into the ground beef. Let the ground beef rest for about 20 minutes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef to the hot pan. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, break up the ground beef and brown it. Any water should evaporate, but DO NOT discard any fat in the pan.
- Add the diced onion and garlic and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes or until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add 1 cup of water and about 3 tablespoons of taco seasoning and turn the heat down to medium and cook until the water is evaporated. Leave any fat behind in the pan.
- Remove from the heat and finely chop the chipotle in adobo (about 1 chipotle and any sauce that’s stuck to it). Mix this into the beef. Let the beef cool slightly and mix in the cheddar cheese. The beef should melt the cheese slightly. Add salt if needed, but taco spices and cheese are both salty so your filling may not need much.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Lay a tortilla down flat in the skillet. Spoon about 1/3 a cup of beef filling onto half of each tortilla. Fold the tortilla in half and shallow fry it in cooking oil until golden brown, then flip it over and continue frying.
- Repeat as needed with the rest of the tortillas and beef filling.
- Serve hot with all your favorite taco fixings!
Notes
Nutrition
A Note on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.
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