Fry Bread Tacos

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and Soft: Golden fried bread with a fluffy interior.

• Flavor-Packed Toppings: Loaded with seasoned meat, beans, cheese, and fresh veggies.

• Customizable: Easy to adapt toppings to your taste.

• Great for Entertaining: Perfect for family meals or casual gatherings.

• Satisfying Comfort Food: Combines hearty ingredients with fun presentation.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Fry Bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¾ cup warm water

• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Toppings:

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey

• 1 packet taco seasoning

• 1 can (15 oz) refried beans

• Shredded lettuce

• Diced tomatoes

• Chopped onions

• Shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend

• Salsa or pico de gallo

• Sour cream

• Sliced jalapeños (optional)

• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Directions

1. Make Fry Bread Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add warm water and mix until a soft dough forms. Knead lightly on a floured surface until smooth.

2. Rest Dough: Cover dough with a clean towel and let rest for 30 minutes.

3. Prepare Meat: In a skillet, cook ground meat over medium heat until browned. Drain fat, add taco seasoning and water as directed on the packet. Simmer until thickened.

4. Heat Oil: In a deep skillet or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).

5. Fry Bread: Divide dough into 6-8 equal portions. Roll each into a ball and flatten into a 6-inch round. Fry each piece until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

6. Assemble Tacos: Spread a layer of refried beans on each fry bread, add seasoned meat, then top with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese, salsa, sour cream, jalapeños, and cilantro.

7. Serve: Enjoy immediately while fry bread is warm and crispy.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus dough resting)

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: About 1 hour

Variations

• Vegetarian: Use beans, grilled vegetables, or tofu instead of meat.

• Different Proteins: Try shredded chicken,  or ground bison.

• Cheese Options: Use queso fresco, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.

• Spicy Toppings: Add hot sauce or pickled jalapeños.

• Sweet Twist: Top with fresh mango salsa for a tropical flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover fry bread separately from toppings in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: Reheat fry bread in a hot skillet or oven to regain crispiness before assembling.

• Do Not Freeze: Fry bread loses texture when frozen and reheated.

FAQs

Can I make fry bread dough ahead of time?

Yes, dough can be refrigerated overnight; bring to room temperature before frying.

What oil is best for frying?

Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are good choices with high smoke points.

How do I keep fry bread crispy?

Fry at correct oil temperature and reheat in the oven or skillet.

Can I bake instead of fry?

Frying is traditional for texture, but baked versions are possible though less crispy.

Is fry bread gluten-free?

Traditional fry bread uses wheat flour and is not gluten-free.

Can I make mini fry bread tacos?

Yes, make smaller rounds for bite-sized servings.

How do I store assembled tacos?

Assemble just before serving to prevent sogginess.

Can I freeze cooked fry bread?

Freezing is not recommended; it affects texture.

How thick should fry bread be?

About ¼ to ½ inch thick for perfect puffiness.

Can I use premade dough?

Yes, but fresh dough yields the best results.

Conclusion

Fry Bread Tacos offer a delicious and fun twist on traditional tacos, combining crispy, fluffy fried bread with savory toppings for a meal that’s both comforting and satisfying. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, these tacos bring bold flavors and fun textures to your table.

Fry Bread Tacos

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• Author: Alice
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6-8 servings
• Category: Snack, Side Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Fry Bread Tacos, also known as Navajo Tacos, are a beloved Native American dish featuring crispy, golden-fried bread topped with savory seasoned meat, beans, fresh vegetables, cheese, and tangy salsa. This hearty comfort food combines fluffy fry bread with bold, flavorful toppings for a fun and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

For the Fry Bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¾ cup warm water

• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Toppings:

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey

• 1 packet taco seasoning

• 1 can (15 oz) refried beans

• Shredded lettuce

• Diced tomatoes

• Chopped onions

• Shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend

• Salsa or pico de gallo

• Sour cream

• Sliced jalapeños (optional)

• Fresh cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

• Make Fry Bread Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add warm water and mix until a soft dough forms. Knead lightly on a floured surface until smooth.

• Rest Dough: Cover dough with a clean towel and let rest for 30 minutes.

• Prepare Meat: In a skillet, cook ground meat over medium heat until browned. Drain fat, add taco seasoning and water as directed on the packet. Simmer until thickened.

• Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).

• Fry Bread: Divide dough into 6-8 equal portions. Roll each into a ball and flatten into a 6-inch round. Fry each piece until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

• Assemble Tacos: Spread refried beans on each fry bread, add seasoned meat, then top with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese, salsa, sour cream, jalapeños, and cilantro.

• Serve: Enjoy immediately while fry bread is warm and crispy.

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Notes

Dough can be refrigerated overnight; bring to room temperature before frying.Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are ideal for frying due to high smoke points.Reheat fry bread in a skillet or oven to restore crispiness if needed.Baking fry bread is possible but frying yields the best texture.Make smaller fry breads for mini tacos or appetizers.