If you’ve ever strolled through a Guatemalan street fair or family gathering, you’ve probably come across tacos guatemaltecos — crispy fried corn tortillas stuffed with savory meat and topped with fresh garnishes. These aren’t your everyday tacos; they’re golden, crunchy, and packed with flavor, making them the perfect way to celebrate Taco Tuesday with a Central American twist.
What Are Tacos Guatemaltecos?
Guatemalan fried tacos are made by filling corn tortillas with shredded chicken, beef, or pork, folding them in half, and frying until crispy. Once golden, they’re served piled high with shredded cabbage or lettuce, tangy tomato salsa, cheese, and a drizzle of cream. Every bite is a combination of crunch, savory filling, and refreshing toppings.
These tacos are beloved as street food and comfort food, representing Guatemala’s vibrant culinary heritage.
Ingredients
For the Meat Filling
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken, beef, or pork
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup tomato sauce or pureed tomatoes
For the Tacos
- 10 small corn tortillas
- Oil, for frying (vegetable or canola)
- Toothpicks, to secure
For Toppings
- 2 cups finely shredded cabbage or lettuce
- 1 cup fresh tomato salsa (or pico de gallo)
- ½ cup crumbled queso fresco (or cotija)
- ½ cup crema or sour cream
- Optional: pickled jalapeños or curtido (pickled cabbage slaw)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
Stir in shredded meat, cumin, pepper, salt, and tomato sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes until flavors meld. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Tacos
Warm tortillas slightly to make them pliable.
Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling on one side of each tortilla, fold over, and secure with a toothpick.
- Fry Until Crispy
Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.
Fry tacos in batches until golden and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Dress Them Up
Remove toothpicks and place tacos on a serving platter.
Top generously with shredded cabbage or lettuce, salsa, crumbled cheese, and a drizzle of crema.
Serve hot with extra salsa or curtido on the side.
