How to Make Navajo Taco ?
The Navajo Taco is a beloved dish that brings the flavors of the American Southwest right to your plate. Combining a soft, fried dough known as frybread with traditional taco toppings like seasoned beef, beans, lettuce, cheese, and salsa, Navajo Tacos are the ultimate comfort food. They are often served at Native American gatherings and can be customized with your favorite toppings. This versatile dish is perfect for a family meal or a casual get-together.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make a perfect Navajo Taco at home with a step-by-step guide, plus tips for variations, cooking notes, and serving suggestions.
Recipe Preparation Equipment
To prepare your Navajo Taco, you’ll need the following tools:
- A large mixing bowl
- A rolling pin (optional)
- A frying pan or deep fryer (for frying the frybread)
- A spoon or spatula for flipping the frybread
- A large spoon or ladle for serving toppings
- A cutting board and knife for chopping vegetables and other toppings
- A skillet for cooking the taco filling
- A paper towel-lined plate to drain the frybread
What Do You Need to Prepare Navajo Tacos ?
Ingredients for the Frybread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3/4 cup warm water (or milk)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for dough)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works best)
Ingredients for the Taco Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 can of refried beans (optional)
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup salsa
- Sour cream (optional)
How to Make Easy Navajo Taco Step-by-Step?
Step 1: Prepare the Frybread Dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Mix the dry ingredients well. Add the warm water (or milk) and vegetable oil, then stir until the dough begins to form. Knead the dough for about 3-5 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
Step 2: Shape the Frybread
Divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. On a floured surface, roll each dough ball out into a flat circle about 6-8 inches wide. The dough should be slightly thick but flexible. If you prefer thicker frybread, make the dough rounds slightly smaller.
Step 3: Fry the Frybread
Heat about 2-3 inches of oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the dough rounds into the hot oil, one at a time. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a spoon to flip the frybread and cook the other side. Remove from the oil and place the frybread on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Prepare the Taco Filling
While the frybread is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef (or turkey). Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Add the chopped onion, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes. If you like, you can also add refried beans at this stage to make the filling more hearty.
Step 5: Assemble the Navajo Taco
Place a piece of frybread on a serving plate. Top with a generous portion of the seasoned ground beef, then layer on shredded lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, salsa, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Variations
Navajo Tacos are incredibly versatile, and you can customize them to suit your taste. Here are a few variations you might want to try:
- Vegetarian Navajo Taco:
Replace the ground beef with sautéed vegetables, such as peppers, onions, mushrooms, and zucchini. You can also use beans (black beans or pinto beans) as the base for the filling. - Chicken Navajo Taco:
Use cooked shredded chicken instead of ground beef. You can season the chicken with taco spices or marinate it in a zesty dressing before using it in your tacos. - Spicy Navajo Taco:
If you love spice, try adding jalapeños, hot sauce, or chili flakes to your taco filling. You can also use spicy salsa to kick up the heat. - Breakfast Navajo Taco:
For a twist, top your frybread with scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, and cheese for a savory breakfast taco. - Sweet Navajo Taco:
For a dessert version, drizzle honey or chocolate syrup over the frybread and top with fresh berries and whipped cream.
Cooking Note
Frying the perfect frybread requires a bit of attention. Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying – too cool, and the frybread will absorb too much oil, becoming greasy; too hot, and it may burn quickly. A good test is to drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the top, the oil is ready. Keep the heat at a steady medium-high temperature to avoid overcooking the frybread.
You can make the frybread ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for a few hours. However, for the best texture, fry them just before serving. If you’re short on time, consider using store-bought frybread or tortillas as a shortcut. Just be sure to heat them up and get them crispy before assembling the taco.
Serving Suggestions
Navajo Tacos are best enjoyed fresh and hot, right after assembling. Serve them with a side of Mexican rice, a refreshing salad, or some crispy tortilla chips. You can also prepare a variety of toppings for guests to customize their tacos, such as guacamole, fresh cilantro, jalapeños, or even a squeeze of lime juice.
Pair the tacos with a cool drink like iced tea, lemonade, or a cold cerveza for a true Southwestern experience. For dessert, consider serving something sweet and fruity like a fruit salad or a scoop of ice cream.
Helpful Tips
- Frybread Consistency: If your frybread is too dense, you might be adding too much flour to the dough. Be sure to knead the dough just enough to make it smooth, but don’t overdo it.
- Ground Beef Alternatives: Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat can replace the traditional ground beef. Season them well to ensure they’re flavorful.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions add crunch and freshness to your Navajo Taco. Fresh salsa can make a huge difference in flavor!
- Experiment with Toppings: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding pineapple, avocado slices, or even chili con carne for a more indulgent taco.
Tips for the Best Navajo Taco
To make the best Navajo Taco, the key is balancing the frybread and the toppings. Make sure your frybread is crispy on the outside but soft inside. It should hold the taco filling without becoming soggy. If possible, use freshly ground beef and season it well with a mix of cumin, chili powder, and garlic to create rich flavor in the filling. For the freshest toppings, use freshly chopped lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and tangy salsa.
Don’t forget about the frybread! The dough should be kneaded gently and fried at the right temperature to avoid greasy or overcooked bread.
Timing Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 450
Protein: 25g
Sodium: 800mg
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
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FAQs
Can I make Navajo Tacos in advance?
While the frybread is best served fresh, you can prepare the taco filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before serving.
Can I make the frybread in the oven?
Traditional Navajo frybread is deep-fried, but you can bake the dough at 400°F for 10-12 minutes for a lighter version.
Can I use a different type of flour?
You can experiment with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour for a healthier alternative, though it may affect the texture slightly.
Conclusion
Navajo Tacos are a delicious, customizable dish that brings a taste of the Southwest right to your home. With simple ingredients, easy-to-follow instructions, and endless topping variations, this meal is perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or serving it at a party, your guests will love the crispy frybread and hearty taco filling.
Enjoy this savory dish with your favorite sides and toppings, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family for a delightful experience!
