Homemade Indian Fry Bread Tacos Recipe: A Flavorful Twist

Tucking into a crispy Indian fry bread taco brings instant comfort and cultural connection.

Generations of southwestern families have perfected this delectable street food classic.

Native american culinary traditions shine through each golden, puffy piece of dough.

Layers of seasoned ground beef, fresh tomatoes, and creamy cheese create mouthwatering magic on your plate.

Crunchy and soft textures dance together in perfect harmony.

Weeknight dinners never looked more exciting or tasted more delicious.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible southwestern feast.

What Makes Indian Fry Bread Tacos Stand Out

• Create Cultural Fusion: Blend traditional Native American fry bread with classic Mexican taco flavors for a unique and exciting culinary adventure that brings two rich food traditions together on one delicious plate.
• Master Versatile Cooking: Enjoy a flexible recipe that works perfectly for family dinners, casual gatherings, or weekend cooking experiments, with simple ingredient swaps like using beans instead of meat for different dietary preferences.
• Hands-On Cooking Experience: Engage in a fun, interactive cooking process that lets you craft each component from scratch, from stretching the dough to frying and assembling, making meal preparation an enjoyable and rewarding activity.
• Crowd-Pleasing Customization: Design personalized tacos by adding favorite toppings, allowing everyone at the table to create their ideal combination of flavors, textures, and ingredients for a truly satisfying meal.

What Goes Into Indian Fry Bread Tacos

• All-Purpose Flour: The main foundation for creating the soft and fluffy bread dough.
• Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise and creates a light, airy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread dough.
• Warm Water: Binds the ingredients together and helps form a soft dough.
• Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and helps create a tender bread texture.

• Ground Beef: The primary protein that provides a hearty and flavorful base for the tacos.
• Pinto Beans: An optional protein alternative that adds extra nutrition and texture.
• Onion, Garlic: Provide depth and aromatic flavors to the meat mixture.
• Taco Seasoning: Adds a classic Mexican-inspired spice blend to the filling.
• Tomato Paste, Water: Create a rich, slightly thick sauce for the meat mixture.

• Lettuce, Tomatoes: Fresh vegetables that add crunch and brightness to the tacos.
• Shredded Cheese: Adds creamy richness and a classic taco topping.
• Salsa, Sour Cream, Cilantro: Provide additional layers of flavor and freshness to complete the dish.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fry Bread Tacos

Step 1: Mix Dough Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they’re well blended.

Pour in warm water and oil, stirring until a soft, sticky dough emerges. Add extra water if needed to help the dough come together smoothly.

Step 2: Let Dough Rest

Cover the dough and allow it to relax for 15-20 minutes. This resting period helps develop better texture and makes the dough easier to handle.

Step 3: Prepare Frying Station

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet until it reaches 350°F. The oil should be about an inch deep and shimmering with heat.

Step 4: Shape Bread Rounds

Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, gently flatten each piece into a thin circle about 1/4-inch thick.

Step 5: Fry Bread Pieces

Carefully place each dough round into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn golden and puff up beautifully.

Use a slotted spoon to remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 6: Cook Meat Filling

In a separate skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat.

If using beans, warm them gently.

Step 7: Build Flavor Profile

• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Taco seasoning
• Tomato paste
• Water

Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes until it thickens nicely.

Step 8: Assemble Tacos

• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Shredded cheese

Finish with a drizzle of salsa and sour cream.

Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for an extra burst of flavor.

Helpful Notes for Fry Bread Tacos Success

• Use a thermometer to maintain consistent 350°F oil for perfectly crispy, golden fry bread without burning.
• Dust your hands and work surface with flour to easily handle and shape the sticky dough without frustration.
• Place fried bread on paper towels to absorb extra oil, ensuring a lighter, less greasy final texture.
• Replace ground beef with black beans or lentils for a delicious meat-free version that's equally satisfying.
• Make fry bread dough and meat filling in advance, then quickly assemble tacos when ready to serve for a stress-free meal.

Fun Twists on Fry Bread Tacos Today

• Gluten-Free Fry Bread Tacos: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend made from rice, cornmeal, and almond flour. Use tamari instead of regular taco seasoning to ensure gluten-free ingredients.
• Vegetarian Bean Variation: Swap ground beef with black beans, lentils, or crumbled tofu. Add extra spices like cumin and chili powder to boost flavor and protein content.
• Healthier Baked Version: Skip deep-frying and bake fry bread on a parchment-lined sheet at 425F for 12-15 minutes. Use lean turkey or plant-based protein for a lighter filling.

What Tastes Great with Fry Bread Tacos

Blend tequila, lime juice, and jalapeño for a zesty cocktail that complements the rich, crispy fry bread tacos and cuts through the savory meat filling.

Choose a light, crisp beer like Corona or Modelo to balance the heavy, oil-fried bread and provide a cooling contrast to the spicy taco seasoning.

Serve a cool, sweet rice drink that tempers the heat from the seasoned meat and offers a smooth, creamy texture alongside the crunchy fry bread.

Mix red wine with fresh fruits for a fruity, slightly sweet beverage that matches the robust flavors of the taco filling and provides a refreshing palate cleanser.

Best Way to Store Fry Bread Tacos

• Store leftover fry bread and filling separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Keep filling in a sealed container and bread in a zip-lock bag to maintain crispness.
• Package ground beef mixture in freezer-safe containers or bags. Properly stored, the meat filling can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm the meat mixture in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Add a splash of water if needed to restore moisture and prevent drying out.

FAQs

• What is the origin of fry bread tacos?

These tacos originate from Native American cuisine, particularly popular among Navajo people, combining traditional fry bread with Mexican-inspired taco ingredients.

• Can I make the fry bread dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to a few hours in advance. Cover it and let it rest at room temperature until you’re ready to fry.

• How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?

Use a food thermometer to check that the oil is exactly 350F. If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of dough in the oil – it should sizzle and rise immediately without burning.

• What are some alternative protein options for the filling?

You can use ground turkey, shredded chicken, or black beans as delicious alternatives to ground beef in this recipe.

Indian Fry Bread Tacos Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Southwestern charm shines through these Indian fry bread tacos, blending Native American and Mexican culinary traditions into one delightful meal. Crispy golden dough cradles savory seasoned meat, fresh toppings, and zesty salsa, inviting you to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Liquid Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (plus more for frying)

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Instructions

1. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a spacious mixing vessel, creating a uniform dry mixture.
2. Incorporate warm water and oil into the dry ingredients, kneading until a cohesive, slightly tacky dough emerges. Adjust liquid if needed to achieve proper consistency.
3. Allow dough to rest and relax for approximately 15-20 minutes, enabling gluten development and easier handling.
4. Prepare a deep skillet by heating vegetable oil to 350°F, ensuring precise temperature for optimal frying.
5. Portion the dough into six equal segments, then gently flatten each piece on a lightly dusted surface into thin, circular shapes approximately 1/4-inch thick.
6. Carefully lower dough circles into hot oil, frying each side for 2-3 minutes until achieving a golden, puffy texture. Extract with a slotted utensil and transfer to absorbent paper towels.
7. In a separate skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef thoroughly. Simultaneously warm beans if utilizing as an alternative protein.
8. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the meat, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
9. Integrate taco seasoning, tomato paste, and water into the meat mixture. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
10. Construct tacos by layering seasoned meat atop crisp fry bread.
11. Embellish with crisp lettuce, vibrant tomato chunks, and shredded cheese.
12. Enhance with a generous drizzle of salsa and sour cream, garnishing with fresh cilantro for an aromatic finish.

Notes

• Control oil temperature carefully to prevent burning and ensure crispy, golden fry bread.
• Rest dough for at least 15 minutes to allow gluten to relax, creating softer bread texture.
• Use paper towels to absorb excess oil, keeping fry bread light and not greasy.
• For vegetarian option, replace ground beef with black beans or lentils for protein-rich alternative.
• Experiment with different toppings like pickled jalapeños, avocado, or corn salsa for added flavor variety.
• Pat dough gently when shaping to maintain airy, light consistency during frying.
• Drain meat mixture thoroughly to prevent soggy fry bread when assembling tacos.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 330 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg