Crispy, Airy, Delicious: Great Puffy Taco Recipe

From Masa to Masterpiece: Your Guide to Authentic Puffy Tacos

Photo byPablo Merchán MontesonUnsplash

Puffy tacos are an iconic San Antonio dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of locals and visitors alike. This Tex-Mex creation features a unique tortilla that puffs up when fried, creating a light, crispy shell that's both delicate and sturdy enough to hold a variety of fillings.

To make puffy tacos, corn tortilla dough is shaped into discs and carefully lowered into hot oil. As it fries, the tortilla bubbles and puffs up, forming a hollow pocket. The result is a golden, crispy exterior with a soft, airy interior.

Traditionally, puffy tacos are filled with seasoned ground beef, but variations include shredded chicken, beans, or even seafood. Toppings typically include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, grated cheese, and a dollop of cool sour cream or guacamole.

What sets puffy tacos apart is their texture – a satisfying crunch that gives way to a tender center, perfectly complementing the savory fillings and fresh toppings. This San Antonio staple can be found in numerous local restaurants and food trucks, each offering their own twist on this beloved dish.

Puffy tacos embody the fusion of Texan and Mexican cuisines that San Antonio is famous for, making them a must-try for anyone visiting the city.

Recipe

Here's a recipe for San Antonio-style puffy tacos:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups masa harina
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream

Instructions:

1. Mix masa harina, warm water, and salt in a bowl until a smooth dough forms. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, brown the ground beef in a skillet. Add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until fully seasoned.
3. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape into balls.
4. Press each ball between two pieces of plastic wrap or use a tortilla press to form 1/8-inch thick discs.
5. Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
6. Carefully slide a disc into the hot oil. As it fries, gently press the center with a metal spatula to create a hollow. Fry for about 30 seconds on each side until golden and puffy.
7. Drain on paper towels and shape into a taco while still hot.
8. Fill with seasoned beef and top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream.

Enjoy your homemade San Antonio puffy tacos!

Your thoughts

Do you like puffy tacos? Any recipe secrets to share?

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