Deep-fried taco bowls have become a staple in Mexican cuisine, and for good reason. The crunchy shell, filled with savory ingredients, makes for a delicious and satisfying meal. While traditional taco bowls are fried in a pot of boiling oil, using a deep fryer can make the process safer, easier, and more efficient. In this article, we’ll explore the world of deep-fried taco bowls and provide a step-by-step guide on how to make them in a deep fryer.
History of Taco Bowls
Taco bowls have a long history, dating back to the ancient Aztecs and Mayans. These early civilizations used tortillas as a container for their meals, filling them with meats, beans, and other ingredients. The modern taco bowl, however, is believed to have originated in the United States in the 1960s and 70s, as a fusion of traditional Mexican cuisine and American style.
The deep-fried taco bowl, in particular, gained popularity in the 1980s and 90s, as a twist on the traditional taco. This innovative take on the classic dish quickly gained a following, with restaurants and food chains across the country offering their own versions of the deep-fried taco bowl.
Benefits of Using a Deep Fryer
While traditional deep-frying methods involve boiling oil in a pot, using a deep fryer offers several benefits:
Safety
Deep fryers are designed with safety in mind. They come equipped with features such as automatic shut-off, temperature control, and secure lids, which reduce the risk of accidents and burns. This makes it ideal for families with children or for those who are new to deep-frying.
Easy to Use
Deep fryers are relatively easy to use. Simply add the oil, set the temperature, and add the food. This makes it a great option for those who want to enjoy deep-fried foods without the hassle and mess of traditional methods.
Efficient
Deep fryers are designed to cook food quickly and efficiently. They come with features such as rapid heating, which allows for faster cooking times, and adjustable temperature control, which ensures that the oil is at the right temperature for optimal cooking.
Materials Needed
To make taco bowls in a deep fryer, you’ll need the following materials:
- Deep fryer
- Tortillas (preferably corn tortillas)
- Vegetable oil
- Seasonings and spices (such as cumin, oregano, and chili powder)
- Fillings (such as shredded chicken, beef, or cheese)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Taco Bowls in a Deep Fryer
Making taco bowls in a deep fryer is relatively easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Step 1: Prepare the Tortillas
To make taco bowls, you’ll need to shape the tortillas into a bowl shape. To do this, follow these steps:
Method 1: Using a Taco Bowl Mold
If you have a taco bowl mold, place a tortilla into the mold and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-10 minutes. This will help the tortilla take shape and make it easier to fry.
Method 2: Using a Muffin Tin
If you don’t have a taco bowl mold, you can use a muffin tin to shape the tortillas. Simply place a tortilla into each muffin tin cup and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Once the tortillas are shaped, it’s time to heat the oil. Fill the deep fryer with vegetable oil and set the temperature at 350°F (180°C). Allow the oil to heat up for at least 10-15 minutes.
Step 3: Fry the Tortillas
Once the oil is hot, carefully place a tortilla into the deep fryer. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
Step 4: Season the Tortillas
Once the tortillas are fried, it’s time to season them. Sprinkle the tortillas with seasonings and spices, such as cumin, oregano, and chili powder.
Step 5: Assemble the Taco Bowls
To assemble the taco bowls, follow these steps:
- Place a fried tortilla bowl on a plate or tray.
- Add your desired fillings, such as shredded chicken, beef, or cheese.
- Add any garnishes, such as sliced avocado, sour cream, and cilantro.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you take your taco bowls to the next level:
Tips for Frying the Tortillas
Make sure the oil is at the right temperature. If the oil is too hot, the tortillas will burn. If the oil is too cold, the tortillas will be greasy.
Don’t overcrowd the deep fryer. Fry the tortillas one at a time to ensure they cook evenly.
*Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature.
Variations for the Fillings
Try using different types of protein, such as carnitas, carne asada, or chorizo.
Add some heat to your taco bowls with diced jalapenos or serrano peppers.
*Experiment with different types of cheese, such as queso fresco or Oaxaca cheese.
Conclusion
Making taco bowls in a deep fryer is a fun and delicious way to enjoy Mexican cuisine. With these simple steps and tips, you can create crispy, savory taco bowls that are perfect for any occasion. So go ahead, get creative, and experiment with different fillings and garnishes to make your taco bowls truly unique.
Can I use any type of tortilla to make taco bowls in a deep fryer?
You can use various types of tortillas to make taco bowls in a deep fryer, but it’s best to use ones with a sturdy structure to hold their shape. Corn tortillas work well due to their dense and slightly rigid texture, which can withstand being molded into a bowl shape and deep-frying. However, you can also use flour tortillas if you prefer, keeping in mind they may be slightly more fragile.
While any thickness of tortilla will do, a medium or thick tortilla might produce the best results, providing the needed stability for fried taco bowls. This thickness range offers the right balance between being sturdy enough to maintain the shape and not so stiff that it doesn’t mold properly.
What temperature should the deep fryer be for making taco bowls?
For optimal results, preheat the deep fryer to around 350°F (175°C) to 375°F (190°C) for frying taco bowls. Maintaining this temperature is essential, as it will help create a crunchy texture on the outside and keep the tortilla bowl from becoming greasy.
However, if you prefer a crisper texture, you may try lowering the temperature by a few degrees to around 325°F (165°C) and frying the bowls a bit longer, ensuring not to overcook the tortilla.
What type of oil is best for frying taco bowls?
Using neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point is crucial when deep-frying taco bowls. Peanut oil is a popular choice for its mild flavor and relatively high smoke point of 450°F (232°C). Other suitable options include avocado oil and grapeseed oil, both offering a neutral taste and a high smoking point.
Make sure to choose an oil that suits your taste and dietary preferences, and also use a thermometer to ensure the ideal temperature. This will ensure that the taco bowls turn out crispy and golden.
How do I prevent taco bowls from getting greasy?
To minimize greasiness in your taco bowls, pat the fried bowls dry with a paper towel immediately after removing them from the deep fryer. This step helps remove excess oil from the surface, which can make the bowl greasy.
Additionally, you can lightly dust the fried taco bowls with a cornstarch or flour mixture to help absorb excess oil. Furthermore, make sure to not overfry the tortillas, as longer frying times may cause them to absorb more oil.
Can I make taco bowls in advance?
While it’s recommended to make taco bowls just before serving for optimal crunchiness, you can make them ahead of time. If needed, you can prepare the bowls a few hours earlier, let them cool completely, and then reheat them in the oven before filling.
To achieve the crispiest texture, reheat the fried taco bowls at a low oven temperature (200°F or 90°C) for about 5-7 minutes. However, be aware that reheating may affect the bowl’s crispiness.
What are some creative fillings for taco bowls?
Taco bowls can be filled with a wide range of ingredients, depending on personal taste preferences. Traditional fillings include seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, refried beans, salsa, avocado, sour cream, and shredded cheese. For a vegetarian option, you can choose roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
You can also try adding a global twist by incorporating unique ingredients, such as pickled jalapeños, Mexican street corn, Korean BBQ beef, or Southwestern-inspired quinoa and black bean salads. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect blend.
Are deep-fried taco bowls suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?
Deep-fried taco bowls are not ideal for a low-carb or keto diet due to the high carbohydrate content of tortillas. However, there are alternatives you can consider. Instead of traditional tortillas, look for low-carb or low-calorie alternatives such as almond flour or coconut flour tortillas, cauliflower tortillas, or collard green wraps.
Another option is to skip the deep-frying method altogether and use baked or air-fried tortillas as an alternative to achieve a crispy texture while significantly reducing the carbohydrate content and calories of the taco bowls.