Ingredients
Scale
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken or beef
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup vegetable oil for frying
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
- In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent. Add the cooked shredded chicken or beef, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until well combined and heated through. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Warm the corn tortillas to make them pliable (you can microwave them wrapped in a damp cloth for 30 seconds).
- Spoon a line of filling along the edge of each tortilla, then sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Carefully roll up each tortilla tightly to enclose the filling, securing with a toothpick if needed.
- In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot (375°F / 190°C).
- Fry the taquitos in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy about 2-3 minutes per batch.
- Drain on paper towels and remove toothpicks before serving.
Notes
- For a healthier version, bake the taquitos at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes until golden.
- Ensure the oil temperature is correct for crispy results; too cold and they will be greasy, too hot and they may burn.
- Use fresh tortillas for the best texture and flavor.
- Secure with toothpicks to keep the taquitos tightly rolled during frying.
- Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before frying or baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taquito
- Calories: 250 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg