🌮 Homemade Crispy Hard Taco Shells
Recipe By: @mykycottage
🌮 Fun Fact: Hard shell tacos became an American favorite thanks to Taco Bell in the 1960s, turning crunchy tortillas into a Tex-Mex dinner staple! 🔥
🎥 WATCH THE VIDEO
🌶️ What You'll Need
The Shell Essentials
10–12 fresh corn tortillas
Neutral frying oil, enough for ½ inch in your skillet
Fine salt, to taste
The Equipment
Cast-iron skillet
Heat-resistant kitchen tongs
Cooking thermometer
Baking sheet, paper towels, and wire rack
🔥 Step By Step
1️⃣ Get That Oil Hot
Pour approximately ½ inch of oil into your cast-iron skillet. Heat over medium to medium-high until the oil reaches 350–365°F.
2️⃣ Prep Your Landing Zone
Line a baking sheet with paper towels and have your salt ready. These shells move fast!
3️⃣ Time To Fry
Using tongs, gently lower one corn tortilla into the hot oil. It should sizzle immediately. Fry for approximately 10–15 seconds.
4️⃣ Make That Signature Fold
Flip the tortilla, then gently fold it in half using your tongs. Hold its shape until the shell becomes golden and crispy, leaving room for plenty of filling.
5️⃣ Drain, Salt & Crunch
Carefully remove the shell, drain on paper towels, and sprinkle lightly with salt while still hot. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
6️⃣
🌮 Pro Tip: Keep finished shells on a wire rack in a 200°F oven until you're ready to fill them. Watch that hot oil carefully, never overcrowd the skillet, and fill your shells just before serving for maximum crunch!
🥩 Now, Let's Stuff Those Shells!
Four incredible fillings. Four completely different taco personalities. All from the Taco Tuesday kitchen archives!
Tender, juicy shredded chicken simmered with salsa verde, green chiles, and warm spices. Add shredded lettuce, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Slow-cooked beef, guajillo chiles, garlic, and warming spices. Rich, tender, and practically begging for a crunchy shell. Finish with diced onion, cilantro, and salsa verde.
Flank steak, citrus, smoky chipotle, and garlic all working their magic in your crockpot. Pile the tender beef into your homemade shells with pico de gallo and avocado.
Smoky, ancho-marinated grilled chicken with a beautiful char and serious flavor. Add cotija cheese, pickled red onions, and salsa verde for one unforgettable crunchy taco.
