Single Crispy Taco Recipe

Name: Mariachis de Jaliscos Single Crispy Taco Recipe
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 1 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 each corn tortilla (6-inch); 1 tbs vegetable oil (for frying); 3 oz ground beef (80/20); 2 tbsp onion, finely chopped; 1 tsp garlic, minced; 1 tsp chili powder; 0.5 tsp ground cumin; 0.25 tsp smoked paprika; 0.25 tsp salt; 0.125 tsp black pepper; 0.25 cups shredded iceberg lettuce; 0.25 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 2 tbsp diced tomato; 1 tbsp diced white onion; 1 tsp fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 each lime wedge; 1 tsp hot sauce or salsa

Inspired by Mariachis de Jalisco

Time20m

Serves1

Make Single Crispy Taco Recipe in just 20m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Taco

1 each corn tortilla (6-inch)

1 tbs vegetable oil (for frying)

3 oz ground beef (80/20)

2 tbsp Onion, finely chopped

1 tsp Garlic, minced

1 tsp Chili powder

1/2 tsp Ground cumin

1/4 tsp Smoked paprika

1/4 tsp Celtic sea salt

1/8 tsp black pepper

Toppings

1/4 cups shredded iceberg lettuce

1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese

2 tbsp diced tomato

1 tbsp diced white onion

1 tsp Fresh cilantro, chopped

1 each lime wedge

1 tsp hot sauce or salsa

Method

Taco

Prepare tortilla

Heat a small sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and swirl to coat. Once oil shimmers (about 30–45 seconds), lay the 6-inch corn tortilla into the hot oil. Fry 20–30 seconds on the first side until it begins to blister and crisp, then flip with tongs.

Using tongs, fold the tortilla gently in half (to form a taco shell shape) and hold it folded in the oil for another 20–30 seconds to crisp the fold and edges. Remove and drain on paper towel. Keep warm (cover lightly with foil) while you cook the filling.

Cook beef filling

Wipe the pan clean and return to medium heat (or use the same pan if oil remains, reduce heat to medium). Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Cook 2–3 minutes until it starts to brown. Add the finely chopped onion and continue cooking 2 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to evenly coat the meat and continue cooking 1–2 minutes until beef is fully browned and any moisture has evaporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat.

Assemble & Serve

Place the warm, crispy tortilla on a plate. Spoon the cooked seasoned beef into the shell (about 3 ounces).

Top beef with shredded lettuce, shredded cheddar, diced tomato, and diced onion.

Garnish with chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime wedge, and a drizzle of hot sauce or a spoonful of salsa to taste.

Serve immediately while the shell is crispy.