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Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Mexican Drowned Tacos
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Blender or food processor
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Saucepan
- Tongs
- Ladle
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Filling: In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until they’re softened. Add the shredded beef or pork, season with salt and pepper, and cook until warmed through and slightly crisp on the edges. Set aside.
- Make the Drowning Sauce: In a saucepan, bring tomatoes, onion, and garlic to a boil. If using dried chiles, rehydrate them by soaking in hot water for about 10 minutes until softened. Add the chiles, cooked tomatoes, onion, garlic, cumin, and salt to a blender. Blend until smooth, adding chicken or vegetable broth as needed to create a sauce consistency. Return the sauce to the saucepan and simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes.
- Assemble the Tacos: Spoon a bit of the meat filling onto each tortilla, fold in half, and secure with a toothpick if needed.
- Fry the Tacos: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry each taco until golden and crispy on both sides, about 1–2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Drown the Tacos: Remove the toothpicks, place the tacos in shallow bowls, and ladle the hot drowning sauce over them. Let them soak for a few moments so they absorb some of the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with chopped onions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice if desired. Serve immediately.
Tips for Perfect Mexican Drowned Tacos
- Choosing Your Meat: Shredded beef or pork works best, as it’s traditional and has a rich flavor. However, chicken or beans make great alternatives if you want a lighter option.
- Control the Spice: The type of dried chiles you use will impact the spice level of the sauce. Guajillo chiles are milder, while pasilla adds more heat. Adjust to suit your preference.
- Double-Frying Option: For extra crisp tacos, you can double-fry them – first, fry briefly, then add filling, refry until golden. This makes the tacos hold up a bit better in the sauce.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Serve Mexican Drowned Tacos with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a light green salad for a well-rounded meal. For drinks, a cold Mexican beer, a classic margarita, or a refreshing agua fresca will complement the spicy flavors beautifully.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Refrigerator: Store any leftover tacos and sauce separately in airtight containers. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezer: The sauce freezes well and can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the sauce on the stovetop over low heat. The tacos are best reheated in the oven to keep them crisp.
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