Tacos Dorados
Tacos dorados de papa - crispy fried potato tacos! These tacos dorados are filled with creamy mashed potatoes and fried for an extra crunchy golden shell. They're especially tasty topped with sour cream queso fresco dip!
Tacos dorados recipe
Potatoes are my favorite food…Puerto Rican papas rellenas (beef stuffed mashed potato balls) are one of the absolute best potato dishes!
There are so many ways to enjoy papas, but one of my favorites are these tacos dorados de papa (crispy fried mashed potato tacos)!
Tacos dorados means "golden tacos" - a beautiful name for tacos fried until golden brown.
Tacos dorados can be filled with anything. Chicken, cheese, beans, you name it!
My grandmother was famous for her beef and potato filling for dorado tacos.
My grandfather-in-law stuffs his tacos with raw beef and then fries them.
As a potato lover, I can't get enough of the creamy mashed potato filling combined with the shatteringly crisp taco shell!
So good you don't even need meat! Plus, they're great to make for vegans or vegetarians.
After cooking you can open them up and fill them with your favorite taco toppings, or you can pile them all on top.
For me, I love these with just my homemade queso fresco dip and a few extra dashes of hot sauce.
It's a cool and creamy sour cream dip with crumbled cheese, cilantro and other spices. Delicioso!
And if fried food is not your thing, try my abuela's papas con huevos (potato and egg tacos).
How to make tacos dorados
For tacos dorados de papa, we start with the potatoes. Peel and cut into large, even chunks.
Bring to a boil in water that's been salted with about 2 tablespoons of salt.
Don't forget the salt! This is where most of the flavor gets added.
Boil until they can easily be pierced with a fork, then drain the water.
Put the potatoes back in the pan and return to the heat to "dry" them.
You want the excess water to evaporate or it will react with the oil when frying causing a mess.
Mash until smooth and season to taste with salt and pepper. Sometimes I like to add a few dashes of cumin and garlic powder as well.
Place a large spoonful of the mash (about 3-4 tablespoons) onto a tortilla and fold in half. You can also roll them up like taquitos.
To keep the filling from escaping, you may want to secure the edges with two toothpicks.
Fry these potato tacos in hot oil. It doesn't need to be very deep - just enough to completely cover the bottom of the pan.
Since these are already fully cooked, simply fry until they are golden brown, then flip and fry the other side.
I enjoy these hot, cold or room temperature, but definitely with that queso fresco dip!
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Tacos Dorados de Papa
Tacos dorados de papa - crispy fried potato tacos stuffed with mashed potatoes. Creamy, crunchy, delicioso!
Ingredients
- 1 lb russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
- 10 corn tortillas
- Salt and pepper
- Oil, for frying
- Queso Fresco Dip (optional)
- Cheese, lettuce, tomato, hot sauce or desired toppings
Instructions
- In a large pot of salted water, add the potatoes and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until fork tender.
- Drain the water and return the potatoes to the pan over medium heat to evaporate any excess water. Remove from heat and mash until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Divide the mashed potatoes among the tortillas (3-4 tablespoons) and fold in half. Secure with a toothpicks, if desired. You may also roll them up like taquitos (secure with toothpick if needed).
- Heat oil in a large frying pan. Working in batches, fry tacos until golden and crispy, about 1-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Remove toothpicks from tacos and serve with queso fresco dip, or your favorite taco accompaniments such as cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, hot sauce, sour cream, etc.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 5 Serving Size: 2 tacosAmount Per Serving: Calories: 314
Can I fry this on a charcoal BBQ?
Yes I don't see why not. As long as the oil is getting to 350-375 degrees it's fine and the smoke will add extra flavor!
I added some of the sour cream topping in with the patato and topped with the sour cream mixture lettuce and some salsa
Can we use instant mashed potatoes for a quick cheat way ?
I don't see why not! Just make sure they're not runny. They need to be thick to stay in the tortilla.
Do you think adding chicken to the potatoes will taste ok?
Yes, I think that would be delicious!
Hello! I'd love to try these but was a little unsure how to secure the tacos with the toothpicks. Can you explain that in a little more detail please? Not sure of where you actually put the toothpicks. Thanks!
I'm sorry I didn't take a picture of that! After you fold the tortilla in half, thread a toothpick near the edge. You can use one in the middle or 2 kind of on the sides. Toothpick goes in the front and then comes back from behind like a little stitch.
I make this at LEAST once a month! After frying the potato tacos, we "fill them" with:
*a drizzle of any canned tomato sauce
*dash of salt
*a drizzle of red or green salsa
*crumbled queso fresco
*shredded cabbage
If there are any leftovers, we just microwave them. They are still delicious!
Thanks for sharing, that sounds amazing!
Have you every made these in advance? In the morning for dinner time? I’m trying to plan the best way to make about 100 of these so I’m seeking advice so my tortillas don’t dry out
Hi Bridgette, these taste best when they're hot and fresh. The best option would be to fill them in advance them and then fry before serving. If that's not an option, I have eaten leftovers and I prefer them room temperature (my family just leaves them out on paper towels) or refrigerated and then reheated in the oven for optimal crispness. I don't think dryness will be a problem. Hope that helps!
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Can these be air fried for a healthier version?
I don't have an air fryer so I can't say if they work, but if you try it please let us know the results!
If I want to add meat what would be the best meat and how to cook it?
My favorite is chorizo! Cook and crumble, then stir into the potatoes.
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM MEAT
How do you make the queso fresco sauce?
Here's the recipe for the sauce! https://www.kitchengidget.com/2018/07/12/queso-fresco-dip/
Extra tip- Put the tortillas in the microwave to soften them, then fry.
Are you supposed to put milk and butter in the mashed potatoes??
No, they turn out better if the potatoes are dry - no milk or butter. But sometimes we use leftover mashed potatoes if we need to use them up!
My daughter asks for potato tacos for her birthday dinner every yeat. Easy and delicious!!
These sound really good. Must try.
They are! Let me know how you like them 🙂
Is it wrong to want these for breakfast this morning??? They look delicious and I’ve never had one! Thanks for sharing your recipe!
I love tacos for breakfast! Especially these potato ones!