Hey Foodie Fam! Let’s embark on a Tex-Mex journey with the iconic Chico’s Tacos Flautas! Crispy perfection filled with seasoned goodness awaits, topped with flavor-packed delights. Whether you’re a Chico’s veteran or new to the scene, these flautas promise a tasty adventure. Ready to roll into a world of Tex-Mex bliss?
Ingredients
- 6 plum tomatoes
- 4 jalapeños
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 jalapeño, halved
- 2 garlic cloves, diced
- reserved tomato and jalapeño mixture from taco sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- dash of chili powder
- dash of smoked paprika
- 1 cup water
- kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- bag of corn tortillas
- reserved taco filling (see above)
- vegetable oil
- 2 jalapeños
- 2 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- kosher salt, to taste
- cheddar or mexican cheese mix, for topping
- taco sauce (see above)
Instructions:
Step 1:
Notch out and slice off the stems on the tomatoes and jalapeños.
Boil both ingredients and then liquify in a blender.
Strain the contents into a bowl using a sieve.
Reserve the mixture and use to flavor the filling for the taquitos.
Step 2:
Place the strained liquid in a pot, add the same amount of water, and bring to a simmer, adjusting the salt and pepper as needed. (Keep it on a simmer so that it remains warm while you prepare the rest of the recipe).
Step 3:
In a pan, warm the oil over medium heat.
When hot, add the ground beef, sautéeing and breaking it up.
Add the sliced jalapeño, diced garlic, reserved tomato and jalapeño mixture, bay leaf, chili powder, and paprika and allow to cook for a few minutes.
Then add the water and simmer.
When the mixture has reduced, season with salt and pepper and reserve.
Step 4:
Set up a drying station for frying the tortillas and taquitos — a tray or plate lined with paper towels, for instance.
Using a home fryer (or, if you don’t have one, a vessel in which you can submerge the almost 1-inch-thick taquitos in oil) if you have one, individually submerge the corn tortillas in the heated oil (350 degrees).
You’re just trying to make the tortillas pliable here so don’t cook them too long.
Just about 30 seconds each, making sure to remove them before they get stiff.
Step 5:
When they’ve cooled enough to touch them, place about 2 tablespoons of the filling straight across the high side of the tortilla and wrap it gently but tightly into a cylinder and place the rolled taquito open lip face down.
Repeat until you have no filling left.
Step 6:
Take a toothpick and, beginning with the first taquitos you made, pierce the taquito at the farthest edge of the tortilla.
Return taquitos to the fryer in batches, frying for about 1 ½-2 minutes.
Step 7:
Halve the jalapeños and boil 3 halves in water until soft.
Finely chop both the boiled and uncooked jalapeños (to add texture) and mix with vinegar, lemon juice, and salt.
Step 8:
Place the taquitos in a bowl or, like Chico’s, a take-out boat, cover with finely shredded Cheddar or Mexican cheese mix.
Top with the sauce so that the cheese melts and the taquitos are sitting in the sauce about 2/3 of the way up, cover with a tablespoon (or more) of the jalapeño salsa, and dig in.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 2 Flautas
Calories: 380 | Total Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 460mg | Total Carbohydrates: 32g | Dietary Fiber: 4g | Sugars: 2g | Protein: 16g | Vitamin D: 0mcg | Calcium: 180mg | Iron: 3mg | Potassium: 380mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the key ingredient in Chico’s Tacos Flautas that sets them apart?
The unique flavor comes from a homemade taco sauce made with boiled tomatoes and jalapeños.
Can I adjust the spice level in the taco sauce?
Yes, you can control the spice level by adding or reducing the number of jalapeños used.
How long should I simmer the taco sauce?
Simmer the taco sauce until it reaches the desired thickness, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.
Can I substitute ground beef with another meat?
While the recipe calls for ground beef, you can experiment with ground chicken or turkey for a different taste.
Is it necessary to use a home fryer for the tortillas, or is there an alternative method?
You can use a vessel for frying if you don’t have a home fryer.
The goal is to make the tortillas pliable, not crisp.
How do I avoid overcooking the tortillas during the initial frying process?
Fry the tortillas for about 30 seconds each, ensuring they are pliable but not stiff.
What’s the purpose of using toothpicks in the taquitos?
Toothpicks help secure the taquitos during the frying process, preventing them from unraveling.
Can I prepare the taquitos in advance and fry them later?
Yes, you can assemble the taquitos ahead of time and fry them just before serving for a fresher taste.
How should I serve Chico’s Tacos Flautas for an authentic experience?
Place the taquitos in a bowl, cover them with shredded cheese, and top with the jalapeño salsa for a true Chico’s Tacos experience.
Can I customize the recipe with additional toppings or fillings?
Feel free to experiment with additional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or diced tomatoes to suit your preferences.
