Make Hard Shell Tacos From Corn Tortillas
Tacos are a staple of Mexican cuisine, and they have become an American favorite. One thing that sets tacos apart from other dishes is the crispy, crunchy texture of the shell. If you want to make your own hard shell tacos from scratch, it's easier than you might think. Here's a step-by-step guide to making hard shell tacos from corn tortillas.
Ingredients
Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients:
- 12-16 corn tortillas
- Cooking spray or vegetable oil
- Salt
That's it! You can customize your tacos with any fillings you like, but for now, let's focus on the shells.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make hard shell tacos:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Lightly spray or brush each tortilla with oil on both sides.
- Stack the tortillas on top of each other and wrap them in foil.
- Place the foil-wrapped tortillas in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until they are warm and pliable.
- Carefully remove the tortillas from the oven and unwrap them from the foil.
- One at a time, fold each tortilla in half, making sure the edges line up perfectly. Use a pair of tongs or a folded dish towel to hold the tortilla in place.
- Using a second pair of tongs or a spatula, carefully place the folded tortilla in hot oil. Fry for about 30 seconds on each side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the tortilla from the oil and place it on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- While the tortilla is still warm and pliable, sprinkle it with a pinch of salt and gently mold it into a taco shell shape. Hold the edges together until the shell has cooled and hardened.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
That's it! You've made your own hard shell tacos from scratch. Now all you need to do is fill them with your favorite toppings and enjoy.
Tips
Here are some tips to help you make perfect hard shell tacos:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough – around 350°F.
- Don't overcrowd the pan – fry one or two tortillas at a time.
- Use corn tortillas, not flour tortillas.
- Make sure the tortillas are warm and pliable before folding them.
- Don't overcook the tortillas – they should be golden brown, not burnt.
Follow these tips and you'll have delicious, crispy hard shell tacos every time.
Conclusion
Making hard shell tacos from corn tortillas is a simple and fun way to take your taco game to the next level. With just a few ingredients and some basic kitchen tools, you can create crispy, crunchy taco shells that are perfect for filling with your favorite toppings. So next time you're in the mood for tacos, skip the store-bought shells and make your own instead. Your taste buds will thank you.
