Best Crispy Taco Shells Recipes

CRISPY CORN TACO SHELLS

Steps:

• To make U-shaped taco shells from 5 1/2-inch corn tortillas, a wire taco fry basket with slots that form multiple shells (anywhere from 4 to 8) at a time is the easiest way to shape and fry them. They're available at restaurant supply stores or online. Or, to create shells from 5 1/2-inch corn tortillas, or wonton skins or egg roll wrappers cut into 5 1/2-inch rounds, make a mold from a 5 1/2-inch diameter metal can lid. Remove the lid from the can (preferably with a can opener that leaves a rounded dull edge on the lid). Fold the lid over a slim dowel-like a sharpening steel for knives-creating a slightly rounded (not sharply pinched) fold and a 1 1/2-inch gap at the top.
• For frying, in a deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat about 5 inches of canola oil over medium heat until it reaches 350˚F on a deep-fat thermometer (monitor the temperature carefully; any hotter, and the shells will be too dark; any cooler, and they will be greasy).
• To fry shells using a taco basket: Place a tortilla in each slot and submerge the basket in hot oil. Fry until a light golden brown, about 2 minutes. Remove from the hot oil and transfer to paper towels to drain.
• To fry shells using a handmade mold: Wrap a taco-sized (5 1/2-inch diameter) yellow corn tortilla, wonton skin, or egg roll wrapper around the outside of the mold, hold the mold with tongs, and submerge it into the hot oil. Fry the tortilla until a light golden brown, 1 minute. Fry a wonton skin or egg roll wrapper until it puffs up and turns light golden brown, 10 to 15 seconds for wonton skins and about 15 seconds for egg roll wrappers. Remove from the hot oil and transfer to paper towels to drain.

CRISPY TACO SHELLS

Steps:

• 1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Sprinkle the tortillas with a little water and microwave for 30 seconds or so to soften.
• 2. Spray or brush lightly with oil.
• 3. Lay each tortilla over 2 oven rack bars. Bake for 9 minutes...
• 4. then remove tortillas from bars and set upright on a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet back in the oven and turn oven OFF while you make the filling.

CRISPY ALL-CHEESE TACO SHELLS

Steps:

• 1. Using a paper towel, spread a thin layer of vegetable oil on the inside of the ring mold. Wipe a thin layer of oil into a small cast iron or non-stick skillet and place over medium-low heat for 2 minutes. Place ring mold in center of skillet and sprinkle a very light layer of cheese inside it. It should form an even layer in which you can still see the black bottom of the pan poking through in spots. Carefully remove ring mold and set aside.
• 2. Cook cheese until it stops bubbling and is an even golden brown throughout, adjusting heat so that pan is hot but not smoking (you should never take it above medium-low). Use a thin metal spatula to carefully remove cheese from pan.
• 3. Working quickly, drape the cheese over the handle of a thick wooden spoon placed over two overturned cups and form into a shell shape. It will harden within a few seconds. Transfer to a plate to cool completely. Repeat with remaining cheese to make more shells. After cooling completely, these shells can be stored in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Fill as desired (such as with soft scrambled eggs, or with charred corn), and serve.

CRISPY ALL-CHEESE TACO SHELLS RECIPE

Steps:

• Using a paper towel, spread a thin layer of vegetable oil on the inside of the ring mold. Wipe a thin layer of oil into a small cast iron or non-stick skillet and place over medium-low heat for 2 minutes. Place ring mold in center of skillet and sprinkle a very light layer of cheese inside it. It should form an even layer in which you can still see the black bottom of the pan poking through in spots. Carefully remove ring mold and set aside.
• Cook cheese until it stops bubbling and is an even golden brown throughout, adjusting heat so that pan is hot but not smoking (you should never take it above medium-low). Use a thin metal spatula to carefully remove cheese from pan.
• Working quickly, drape the cheese over the handle of a thick wooden spoon placed over two overturned cups and form into a shell shape. It will harden within a few seconds. Transfer to a plate to cool completely. Repeat with remaining cheese to make more shells. After cooling completely, these shells can be stored in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Fill as desired (such as with soft scrambled eggs, or with charred corn), and serve.