Indian Fry Bread Tacos offer a delicious twist on the classic taco, with soft and fluffy fry bread as the base. Topped with flavorful seasoned beans, ground beef, and your favorite taco toppings, these tacos are sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients:
For Fry Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 cup warm water
- Vegetable oil for frying
For Toppings:
- 2 cans (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (4 oz) green chiles
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black or white pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup warm water
- Taco-style toppings of choice (lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, etc.)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Fry Bread Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the warm water, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for a few minutes until smooth. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for about 10 minutes.
2. Shape and Fry the Fry Bread:
- Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten into a disk about 1/4 inch thick.
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
- Carefully place the flattened dough disks into the hot oil, frying in batches if necessary. Fry each side until golden brown and puffed, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
3. Prepare the Bean Topping:
- In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the drained pinto beans, green chiles, cumin, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through and well combined. Keep warm.
4. Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a separate skillet, cook the lean ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and warm water. Simmer for a few minutes until the mixture is thickened and flavorful.
5. Assemble the Indian Fry Bread Tacos:
- To assemble the tacos, place a spoonful of seasoned beans on each fry bread round, followed by a spoonful of the seasoned ground beef.
- Top with your favorite taco-style toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, and any other toppings you desire.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Indian Fry Bread Tacos immediately while warm, allowing everyone to customize their tacos with their favorite toppings.
Tips:
- Be careful when frying the fry bread to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause uneven cooking and soggy fry bread.
- Feel free to customize the toppings to suit your taste preferences. You can add salsa, guacamole, diced onions, jalapenos, or any other toppings you enjoy.
- Leftover fry bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature and reheated in the oven or air fryer before serving.
These Soft and Fluffy Indian Fry Bread Tacos are a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. With tender fry bread, flavorful seasoned beans, and savory ground beef, they’re sure to become a favorite on your dinner rotation. Enjoy the fun of assembling and customizing your own tacos with all your favorite toppings
Tips for Perfect Indian Fry Bread Tacos:
- Oil Temperature: Maintain a consistent oil temperature while frying the bread. If the oil is too hot, the bread will cook too quickly and may burn on the outside while remaining raw inside. If it’s not hot enough, the bread will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Fry Bread Texture: For softer fry bread, knead the dough gently and avoid overworking it. Overworking the dough can result in tough fry bread. Additionally, letting the dough rest before frying helps relax the gluten, resulting in a softer texture.
- Topping Consistency: Adjust the consistency of the bean topping and ground beef mixture to your liking. If the bean topping is too thick, you can add a splash of water or vegetable broth to thin it out. Similarly, if the ground beef mixture is too thick, you can add a bit more water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the toppings to enhance the flavor of the tacos. Freshly shredded cheese, ripe tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and homemade salsa can elevate the taste of the tacos.
Variations to Try:
- Vegetarian Option: Make vegetarian Indian Fry Bread Tacos by omitting the ground beef and using additional beans or a plant-based protein alternative such as crumbled tofu or tempeh. You can also add grilled vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini for extra flavor and texture.
- Seafood Twist: Switch up the protein by using cooked shrimp, grilled fish, or canned tuna as filling options for the tacos. Top with a squeeze of lime juice and fresh cilantro for a refreshing seafood twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add some heat to your tacos by incorporating diced jalapenos, serrano peppers, or a dash of hot sauce into the bean topping or ground beef mixture. You can also sprinkle chili powder or cayenne pepper for an extra spicy kick.
- Sweet Variation: For a unique twist, try a sweet version of Indian Fry Bread Tacos by filling the fry bread with sweetened whipped cream, sliced strawberries, and a drizzle of honey or chocolate sauce. Dust with powdered sugar for a dessert-like treat.
Serving Suggestions:
- Sides and Accompaniments: Serve your Indian Fry Bread Tacos with traditional side dishes like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a refreshing corn salad. Tortilla chips and salsa or guacamole make excellent accompaniments as well.
- Beverage Pairings: Pair your tacos with your favorite beverages such as Mexican beer, margaritas, or agua frescas (fruit-infused water). For a non-alcoholic option, try serving with horchata or refreshing iced tea.
- Family Taco Night: Turn taco night into a fun and interactive family activity by setting up a taco bar with various toppings and letting everyone assemble their own tacos according to their preferences. It’s a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen and encourage creativity.
- Party Appetizer: Serve mini Indian Fry Bread Tacos as bite-sized appetizers at your next gathering or party. Arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving, and watch them disappear quickly!
With these additional tips, variations, and serving suggestions, you can take your Indian Fry Bread Tacos to the next level and create a memorable dining experience for yourself and your loved ones. Enjoy experimenting and customizing this delicious dish to suit your taste preferences and occasion!
