Crispy Corn Taco Shells Food

TURNING CORN TORTILLAS INTO TACO SHELLS

Steps:

• Heat oil over medium heat in a skillet.
• Carefully add half of the tortilla (folded into a taco shape) and fry until golden (you will need to hold up the tortilla half the entire time.).
• Using tongs, carefully flip the tortilla to fry the other side until golden (continue holding the free edge to maintain the shape).
• Remove from skillet and balance the shell (Teepee style) on a paper towel until set.
• Repeat, placing each made taco shell on top of the last to drain oil and set.
• After they are all set, you can pile on the taco goods and enjoy!

CORN TORTILLAS/TACO SHELLS

Steps:

• Combine masa harina with water.
• Mix with hands until dough is moist but holds its shape.
• Add more water if needed.
• Let dough rest for 15 minutes.
• Divide dough into 12 balls.
• Dampen dough slightly with water.
• Using a tortilla press or a flat baking dish, press dough between two pieces of waxed paper to a 6 inch round.
• Carefully peel off the top sheet of paper.
• Place tortilla, paper side up, on a hot ungreased griddle or skillet.
• Gently peel off remaining paper.
• Cook for 30 seconds or until edges begin to dry.
• Turn and cook until surface appears puffy.
• Repeat with remaining dough balls.
• To make taco shells: In a heavy skillet heat 1/4 inch cooking oil.
• Fry each tortilla 10 seconds or until limp.
• With tongs, fold tortilla in half and continue frying holding edges apart.
• Cook 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 minutes more or until crisp, turning once.
• Drain on paper towels.

CRISP TACO SHELLS

Steps:

• In a heavy-bottomed, straight-sided skillet, heat 1 inch vegetable oil over medium until it registers 350 degrees on a deep-fry thermometer. Add a corn tortilla and fry 15 seconds per side.
• Fold tortilla in half, pressing one side to bottom of skillet and holding other side up with tongs. Cook until crisp and golden, 15 to 30 seconds. Flip and repeat, pressing other side into oil.
• Drain on paper towels. Repeat to make as many shells as you like; a good rule of thumb is 2 tacos per person.

HARD TACO SHELLS

Steps:

• Heat about 1 inch of oil in a heavy skillet over medium to medium-high heat to 365 degrees F (180 degrees C).
• Use tongs to place one tortilla at a time into the oil. It should start to sizzle right away. Cook for about 15 seconds, then flip over and fold the shell in half, holding in place with the tongs until crispy, about 15 seconds. You may need a little practice at first. Drain on paper towels, and sprinkle with salt while still hot. Use for tacos right away, or they may become chewy. Leftovers may be heated in the oven for crisping.