Crispy Beef Tacos with Garlic Lime Ailoli

I had seen a number of recipes for this type of "fried taco" on Tik Tok and IG, and I even read that these are Kate Hudson's family's favorite. So these tacos on my radar, but when my son saw them online he said he HAD to have them. That's when I knew it was time to try them in the Delaney Test Kitchen. 

These were so easy, very flavorful, and definitely came in under my 30 minute cutoff. You can control the heat with the cayenne and the jalapeno. I tend to make them hotter than I'd like for me, but that's not a high bar since the boys all have much higher heat tolerances than I do. That being said, they said these were perfect.

​This is definitely my most requested recipe of the past 12 months. I hope you enjoy them, too!

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Crispy Beef Tacos with Garlic Lime Ailoli
 
INGREDIENTS:

• 1 lb Ground Beef (80/20)
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 6 garlic cloves, Minced
• 2 Tbs Tomato Paste
• ½ Cup Beef Stock

 
HOMEMADE TACO SEASONING:

• 1 Tbsp Cumin
• 1 Tbsp Chili Powder
• 2 tsp Paprika
• 2 tsp Oregano
• 2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 2 tsp Black Pepper
• 1 tsp Cayenne (optional)

 
GARLIC LIME AIOLI: (optional)

• ½ Cup Sour Cream
• ½ Cup Mayonnaise
• 1 small Jalapeno
•  ½ Cups Cilantro (leaves and stems)
• 4 Garlic Cloves
• 1 Lime, juiced

 
For Assembly:

• 10 to 12 small or mini tortillas
• 2 Cups shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• Avocado Oil for frying

 
PREPARATION:
1.  In a small bowl, whisk together the Taco Seasoning Spices, and set aside.

2.  Heat 1 Tbsp of the Avocado Oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sautee until soft and fragrant (approx. 4 minutes). Then add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more before adding the ground beef and breaking it up.

3.  Cook the beef until it is mostly browned, then add the Taco Seasoning and the tomato paste, and mix well. Sautee for 2-3 minutes.

4.  Pour in the Beef Stock and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the liquid evaporates and the beef is fully cooked. Set it aside.

5.  Make the Aioli: Add all of the aioli ingredients to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.

6.  Make the Tacos: Lay a tortilla flat, and sprinkle with a thin layer of mozzarella. Add 2-3 Tbsp of the beef filling on top of the cheese and then top with 2-3 Tbsp more of the cheese. Fold in in half. Repeat until you have assembled all the tacos.

7.  Fry the tacos: Heat a light layer of avocado oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the taco and cook until crispy golden on both sides, adding more oil as needed. Work in batches so they have room to crisp.
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8.  Plate the tacos and serve with the aioli and any other topping you may choose. We usually use some sour cream, salsa, and cilantro. Enjoy!
 

The Homemade Taco Seasoning is so pretty before you mix it!