Spicy Crispy Mexican Taco Pockets
These taco pockets combine the fun of tacos with the delightful crunch of fried dough, making them perfect for parties or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil for the dough
- 3/4 cup warm water
Filling
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup water to add to meat mixture
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 jalapeño diced (optional) for extra spice
For Frying and Serving
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Sour cream and salsa for serving
Instructions
Preparation of Dough
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Add the vegetable oil and warm water. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Preparation of Filling
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add the taco seasoning mix and 1/2 cup water to the meat. Cook for another 5 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat.
Assembly and Frying
- Preheat vegetable oil in a deep pan for frying.
- Divide the rested dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten into circles about 6 inches in diameter.
- On one half of each dough circle, place 2 tablespoons of the cooked meat mixture, some shredded cheese, onions, diced tomatoes, cilantro, and jalapeños if using.
- Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, pressing the edges with a fork to seal.
- Carefully place the taco pockets into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Notes
Serve these taco pockets hot and crispy right out of the fryer. They are delicious on their own or paired with sour cream and salsa for dipping. You could also offer some extra toppings like shredded lettuce or extra diced tomatoes for your guests to customize their own pockets. Make sure to seal the dough tightly to prevent any filling leaks when frying. You can add more spices to the meat mixture if you’d like extra heat or flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying; cook in batches to ensure even cooking.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1g
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