Authentic Mexican Taquitos

Ingredients

• 12 small corn tortillas 12 small corn tortillas
• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil, for frying 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil, for frying
• 1 cup (150g) cooked and shredded chicken 1 cup (150g) cooked and shredded chicken
• 1 cup (150g) cooked and seasoned ground beef 1 cup (150g) cooked and seasoned ground beef
• 1 cup (150g) cooked and seasoned black beans 1 cup (150g) cooked and seasoned black beans
• 1 cup (100g) shredded cheese (such as cheddar or Monterey Jack) 1 cup (100g) shredded cheese (such as cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• 1/2 cup (75g) diced onions 1/2 cup (75g) diced onions
• 1/2 cup (75g) diced bell peppers 1/2 cup (75g) diced bell peppers
• 1/4 cup (60g) chopped fresh cilantro 1/4 cup (60g) chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 teaspoons (10g) chili powder 2 teaspoons (10g) chili powder
• 1 teaspoon (5g) cumin 1 teaspoon (5g) cumin
• 1 teaspoon (5g) garlic powder 1 teaspoon (5g) garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. 2.
   In a separate skillet, cook the diced onions and bell peppers until they are softened and slightly caramelized.
3. 3.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken, ground beef, black beans, shredded cheese, cooked onions, bell peppers, cilantro, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. 4.
   Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds to make them pliable.
5. 5.
   Place a spoonful of the filling mixture onto each tortilla and roll them tightly.
6. 6.
   Secure the taquitos with toothpicks to prevent them from unraveling.
7. 7.
   Carefully place the taquitos in the hot oil and fry until they are golden brown and crispy, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking.
8. 8.
   Once cooked, remove the taquitos from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
9. 9.
   Serve the taquitos hot with your choice of toppings and dips.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Corn tortillas — To make them more pliable, warm them in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds before filling and rolling.
• Shredded chicken — Use cooked chicken breast or thigh meat for the best texture and flavor.
• Ground beef — Cook the ground beef with onions and seasonings for added flavor.
• Black beans — If using canned beans, rinse them thoroughly before adding to the filling mixture.
• Cheese — Opt for a melting cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack for a gooey filling.

Tips & Tricks

• For a healthier alternative, bake the taquitos in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 15-20 minutes until crispy.
• Experiment with different fillings such as shrimp, roasted vegetables, or even sweet fillings like chocolate and banana.
• Serve the taquitos with a variety of toppings such as salsa verde, pico de gallo, or chipotle mayo for added flavor.
• If you're short on time, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked ground beef to save preparation time.
• To make the taquitos extra crispy, brush them with a little oil before baking or frying.

Serving advice

Serve the taquitos as an appetizer with a side of guacamole, sour cream, and salsa for dipping. They can also be enjoyed as a main course alongside a fresh salad or Mexican rice.

Presentation advice

Arrange the taquitos on a platter, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, and serve with colorful dipping sauces to make them visually appealing.