Description
This Homemade Navajo Taco recipe features warm, crispy fry bread topped with seasoned taco meat, chili beans, fresh vegetables, cheese, sour cream, and salsa. A beloved Native American dish that combines fluffy fried dough with classic taco toppings, perfect for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Fry Bread Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup hot water
- Vegetable oil (for frying, about 1-2 inches deep in pan)
Taco Toppings
- Chili beans (canned or homemade, warmed)
- 1 lb taco meat (ground beef or turkey, seasoned and cooked)
- Lettuce, shredded
- Tomatoes, diced
- Avocado, sliced
- Cheese, shredded (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Sour cream
- Salsa
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Gradually add 3/4 cup of hot water while stirring until a cohesive dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic. Cover it with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan to a depth of about 1-2 inches. Heat over medium-high flame until the oil reaches approximately 350°F, or hot enough for frying. You can test by dropping a small piece of dough in; it should sizzle and rise immediately.
- Shape the Dough: Divide the rested dough into golf ball-sized portions. Roll each portion on a floured surface into circles about 6 to 7 inches in diameter. Try to keep them even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Fry the Bread: Carefully place each circle of dough into the hot oil. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they puff up and turn golden brown. Remove the fry bread with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Assemble the Tacos: Place each warm fry bread on a plate. Top generously with seasoned taco meat, chili beans, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, slices of avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, and salsa as desired. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your Navajo Tacos!
Notes
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to prevent greasy bread.
- Resting the dough helps to make the fry bread soft and less chewy.
- You can customize toppings based on preference or availability.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature for best frying results.
- Leftover fry bread can be stored and reheated, but it’s best fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Native American
