Description
Mexican chalupas bring street-style comfort straight to home kitchens with crispy corn tortilla bases topped with savory shredded meat, fresh salsa, and creamy queso fresco. Spicy, hearty flavors dance across your palate, delivering an authentic taste of traditional Mexican street cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken, beef, or pork
Cheese:
- ½ cup crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheddar
Base Ingredients:
- 6 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup refried beans (homemade or canned)
Vegetable Toppings:
- ½ cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup diced onion
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Cooking and Serving Ingredients:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Salsa or hot sauce, for serving
- Sour cream or Mexican crema (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a sizzling skillet with generous oil, heating it to a vibrant medium-high temperature for transforming soft tortillas into crispy, golden platforms.
- Carefully submerge each tortilla into the bubbling oil, allowing it to dance and crisp for roughly 12 seconds on each side until achieving a beautiful, rigid texture with golden edges.
- Transfer the fried tortillas onto absorbent paper towels, letting excess oil drain and creating a perfect crisp foundation for layering.
- Gently warm refried beans in a separate pan, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating and smooth consistency.
- Season prepared meat with robust taco seasoning or zesty salsa, infusing additional layers of flavor and warmth.
- Construct each chalupa by spreading a luxurious layer of warm refried beans across the crispy tortilla base.
- Generously layer seasoned meat atop the bean foundation, creating a hearty protein-rich surface.
- Sprinkle a vibrant medley of shredded cheese, crisp lettuce, diced tomatoes, finely chopped onions, and fresh cilantro across the chalupa.
- Finalize the creation by drizzling with tangy salsa, smooth crema, or fiery hot sauce according to personal preference.
- Serve immediately, ensuring the tortillas maintain their irresistible crispness and the toppings remain fresh and vibrant.
Notes
- Choose corn tortillas with minimal moisture to prevent oil splattering during frying.
- Use a deep, heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution and consistent crispiness.
- Pat tortillas completely dry before frying to achieve a golden, crunchy texture without excess grease.
- Control oil temperature around 350-375°F for perfect tortilla crispness without burning.
- Experiment with protein variations like shredded chicken, ground beef, or vegetarian alternatives for diverse dietary preferences.
- Drain fried tortillas on a wire rack instead of paper towels to maintain maximum crunchiness.
- For gluten-free options, verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially seasonings and sauces.
- Prep toppings beforehand to streamline assembly and ensure each chalupa is served hot and fresh.
- Consider using a thermometer to monitor oil temperature for consistent frying results.
- Lighten the dish by using air-fried tortillas or baking them for a healthier alternative to deep-frying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg