Description
Mexican chalupas bring crispy, handmade corn tortilla shells topped with zesty salsa, tender shredded meat, and fresh garnishes. Delicious street-style treats promise authentic flavors that connect diners with traditional Mexican culinary heritage.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken, beef, or pork
- ½ cup crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheddar
- 6 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup refried beans (homemade or canned)
- ½ cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup diced onion
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Salsa or hot sauce, for serving
- Sour cream or Mexican crema (optional)
Instructions
- Oil Preparation: Heat a skillet to medium-high, generously coating the surface with oil for crispy tortilla transformation.
- Tortilla Frying: Submerge each tortilla in hot oil, frying approximately 12 seconds per side until achieving golden, rigid texture with crisp edges.
- Oil Drainage: Transfer fried tortillas onto paper towels, allowing excess oil to absorb and create a sturdy foundation.
- Bean Preparation: Warm refried beans in a separate pan, stirring to develop smooth, even consistency.
- Meat Seasoning: Enhance meat with robust taco seasoning or zesty salsa, infusing deep flavor profiles.
- Chalupa Assembly: Layer warm refried beans across crisp tortilla base, creating a creamy foundation.
- Protein Layering: Add seasoned meat over bean layer, establishing a hearty protein-rich surface.
- Topping Distribution: Generously scatter shredded cheese, crisp lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped onions, and fresh cilantro across chalupa.
- Final Garnish: Drizzle with tangy salsa, smooth crema, or fiery hot sauce to personal taste preference.
- Serving: Present immediately, preserving tortilla crispness and topping freshness.
Notes
- Oil Temperature Control: Maintain medium-high heat for perfect tortilla crispiness without burning, ensuring golden edges and a satisfying crunch.
- Drain Excess Oil: Use paper towels to remove extra grease, preventing soggy bottoms and keeping chalupas light and crispy.
- Quick Frying Technique: Limit tortilla frying to 12 seconds per side for ideal texture, avoiding overcooking that leads to tough shells.
- Layering Strategy: Build chalupas just before serving to preserve the crisp base and keep toppings fresh and vibrant.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg