Description
This Homemade Navajo Taco recipe features crispy, fried fry bread topped with flavorful chili beans, seasoned taco meat, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, creamy avocado, cheese, sour cream, and salsa. Perfect for a satisfying and authentic Southwestern meal that serves 12 in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Fry Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup hot water
- Vegetable oil (for frying, about 1-2 inches depth)
For the Toppings:
- Chili beans (prepared)
- Taco meat (ground beef or turkey, cooked and seasoned)
- Lettuce (shredded, as desired)
- Tomatoes (diced, as desired)
- Avocado (sliced or diced, as desired)
- Cheese (shredded cheddar or your choice, as desired)
- Sour cream (as desired)
- Salsa (your preferred type, as desired)
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Gradually add 3/4 cup hot water and stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth, about 5 minutes. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pan to a depth of about 1-2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C), suitable for frying.
- Shape the Dough: Divide the rested dough into 12 equal portions roughly the size of a golf ball. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a 6-7 inch diameter circle, maintaining even thickness.
- Fry the Bread: Carefully place each dough circle into the hot oil. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is puffed and golden brown. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to flip and remove the bread. Drain excess oil by placing the fried bread on paper towels.
- Assemble the Tacos: Place each piece of fry bread on a plate. Top with warm chili beans and seasoned taco meat. Add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and your favorite salsa to complete the traditional Navajo taco.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature stays around 350°F for optimal frying results to achieve crispy, golden fry bread without absorbing excess oil.
- For a leaner option, use ground turkey for the taco meat instead of beef.
- Keep the dough covered while working with individual portions to prevent drying out.
- Fry bread can be kept warm in a low oven (around 200°F) if preparing in batches.
- Customize the toppings based on preferences, adding jalapeños, onions, or other favorite ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southwestern Native American
