Tacos Guatemaltecos: Crispy Fried Tacos
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.
Entomatadas (Enjitomatadas): A Classic Mexican Comfort Dish
At TacoTuesday.com, we celebrate all the vibrant and delicious dishes from Mexican cuisine, and today we’re bringing you a classic that’s both comforting and flavorful: Entomatadas, also known as Enjitomatadas. This traditional dish features soft corn tortillas drenched in a rich tomato sauce and stuffed with tender, shredded chicken. It’s a staple in many Mexican homes and a great choice for those looking for something hearty and satisfying on Taco Tuesday (or any day!).
Why We Love Entomatadas
Entomatadas are similar to enchiladas, but they use a tomato-based sauce instead of a chili-based one, which gives the dish a slightly tangy and refreshing flavor. These are perfect for anyone who enjoys the taste of tomatoes and loves simple, comforting Mexican meals. Best of all, they’re easy to make at home with just a few ingredients, making them a fantastic choice for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients:
For 4 servings:
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 5 large ripe tomatoes
- ½ medium white onion (chopped)
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Queso fresco or crumbled cheese for garnish
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Sliced avocado (optional, for serving)
- Sour cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce: In a large pot, boil the tomatoes for about 10 minutes or until the skins start to split.
- Once cooked, transfer the tomatoes to a blender. Add the chopped onion, garlic, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Pour in the blended tomato mixture and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Prepare the Chicken Filling: While the sauce is simmering, ensure the shredded chicken is ready. You can season it with a pinch of salt, pepper, and cumin for extra flavor, if desired.
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat each corn tortilla on a skillet over medium heat for about 20-30 seconds on each side until they’re pliable but not crispy. Alternatively, you can heat them in a microwave, wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 30 seconds.
- Assemble the Entomatadas: Dip each warmed tortilla into the tomato sauce, making sure it is fully coated.
- Place the sauce-covered tortilla on a plate and add about 2 tablespoons of the shredded chicken in the center.
- Fold the tortilla in half or roll it up (whichever you prefer). Repeat with the remaining tortillas and chicken.
- Serve and Garnish: Once all the entomatadas are assembled, drizzle more tomato sauce over the top.
- Garnish with crumbled queso fresco or any cheese of your choice, fresh cilantro, and sliced avocado. You can also add a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess if you like.
Customization Tips:
- Vegetarian option: Swap the shredded chicken for sautéed mushrooms or beans for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Spice it up: If you prefer a little heat, add a few cooked jalapeños or a pinch of chili powder to the tomato sauce.
- Extra toppings: Try adding thinly sliced red onions or pickled jalapeños for a tangy bite.
- Enjoy with Classic Mexican Sides: Pair your entomatadas with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans to complete the meal. And don’t forget a refreshing Pear Juice Margarita from our taco-inspired cocktail collection to make it a perfect Taco Tuesday feast!
Entomatadas (or Enjitomatadas) bring the warmth and comfort of traditional Mexican cuisine to your table with their simple yet rich flavors. They’re ideal for both beginners and seasoned cooks, offering a delightful meal that’s easy to prepare but feels special every time.
For more authentic Mexican recipes and exciting taco ideas, keep exploring TacoTuesday.com—the leading website for everything tacos!
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