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Puffy Taco Shells Recipe

Recipe by: Chef John

"I just don't get to San Antonio, home of the puffy taco, as much as I'd like to. So I tried to recreate it at home and it worked out great! Be sure you have the meat and fixings ready ahead of time so all you have to do is fry and fill! These work best when served as warm as possible."

Directions
Ingredients
Nutrition

Directions

Prep15 m
Cook3 m
Ready In18 m

1Mix masa harina, salt, and 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons water together in a bowl using your fingertips until dough forms and pulls away from the sides, 2 or 3 minutes. Form into a firm, flattened ball and divide into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball. Keep dough balls covered with a damp paper towel as you fry them, one at a time.
2Place dough ball between 2 sheets of plastic or a split open zip top bag. Flatten to form a small circle about 1/8 to 3/16 inch thick.
3Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When oil is hot, slide in the first circle. Very carefully baste hot oil over the top of the shell with a spoon to keep oil circulating over the top surface. When shell has puffed (after about 15 seconds), cook another few seconds and flip it over and cook another 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Repeat for each shell.
4When shells are still warm and pliable, gently push down puffed tops to create room for the fillings and slightly crease the shells for folding.
5Fill with your favorite taco fixings and serve while shells are still warm.

Footnotes

Cook's Note:
You can also deep-fry the shells at 350 F (175 degrees C) for about 90 seconds.
For the best results, make the dough and use it right away. I've tried to make it ahead of time, but the tortillas didn't seem to puff up nearly as much.
Tip
Parchment can be used for easier cleanup/removal from the pan.

Ingredients