Shredded Beef Tacos

Pro tips

• Roll taquitos tightly around the shredded beef filling and place seam-side down in the oil to prevent unrolling during frying.
• Use a thermometer to maintain oil at 350°F; oil that's too cool produces greasy taquitos, while oil that's too hot burns the exterior before the interior heats through.
• Drain fried taquitos on paper towels immediately after frying to remove excess oil and keep them crispy.
• Assemble taquitos just before frying, or refrigerate uncooked ones until ready to fry—soaking in oil makes tortillas soggy.

Substitutions

• Corn tortillas → flour tortillas (larger, slightly less crispy but holds filling better)
• Cotija cheese → feta or queso fresco (sharper, tangier flavor)
• Mexican crema → sour cream thinned with a splash of milk (similar richness and tang)
• Red salsa → green salsa or pico de gallo (different flavor profile, same function)

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooled taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-8 minutes until crispy, or in an air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes.

Equipment

deep frying pan or saucepan · oil thermometer · slotted spoon or spider strainer

What's the difference between taquitos and regular tacos?

Taquitos are tightly rolled corn tortillas that are fried until crispy, while tacos are typically soft or lightly fried and more loosely assembled. The tight roll and deep frying give taquitos their signature crunch.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble and refrigerate unfried taquitos up to 4 hours ahead, then fry just before serving. You can also freeze assembled taquitos for up to 2 weeks and fry directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to frying time.

How do I keep taquitos from falling apart while frying?

Roll them tightly, seam-side down, and secure with a toothpick if needed. Fry at 350°F (175°C) so the tortilla sets quickly without the filling leaking out. Don't overcrowd the pan.

What oil temperature is best for frying?

Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). At this temperature, taquitos fry in about 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy without absorbing excess oil or burning.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes. Brush assembled taquitos lightly with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden, turning halfway through. They won't be as crispy as fried but are a lighter option.