Description
Homemade Navajo Tacos feature a crispy, golden fry bread topped with a delicious combination of seasoned taco meat, chili beans, fresh vegetables, cheese, and creamy toppings. This traditional Native American-inspired dish is perfect for a satisfying meal that takes just 30 minutes to prepare and serves 12 people.
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 deep)
Toppings
- Chili beans (amount to taste)
- Taco meat (ground beef or turkey, seasoned, about 2 lbs)
- Lettuce (shredded, 1 cup)
- Tomatoes (diced, 1 cup)
- Avocado (sliced or mashed, 1 medium)
- Cheese (shredded cheddar or your choice, 1 cup)
- Sour cream (1/2 cup)
- Salsa (1/2 cup)
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add 3/4 cup of hot water while stirring until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten.
- Heat the Oil: Meanwhile, pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or frying pan to a depth of 1-2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F, which is ideal for frying the dough until golden and crispy.
- Shape the Dough: Divide the rested dough into 12 equal golf ball-sized portions. On a floured surface, roll each portion into a round circle about 6 to 7 inches in diameter, slightly thinner in the center to ensure even frying and puffiness.
- Fry the Bread: Carefully place each dough circle into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the bread turns golden brown and puffs slightly. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to flip and remove the fry bread. Drain the cooked pieces on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Assemble the Tacos: Place one piece of fry bread on a serving plate. Spoon seasoned taco meat and chili beans over the bread, followed by shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, shredded cheese, sour cream, and salsa as desired. Serve warm for a hearty and flavorful Navajo taco experience.
Notes
- Use hot water to help activate the baking powder and create a lighter dough texture.
- Maintain the oil temperature around 350°F to ensure the bread cooks evenly without absorbing too much oil.
- For a spicier option, add jalapeños or hot sauce to your taco meat or salsa.
- Leftover fry bread can be reheated in a skillet or oven but is best enjoyed fresh.
- Substitute ground turkey for beef to reduce fat content.
