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You are here: Home / Food / How to Make (Easy) Authentic Taquitos Using Leftovers

How to Make (Easy) Authentic Taquitos Using Leftovers

May 13, 2016 By Robin 5 Comments

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Taquitos – Rolled corn tortillas, filled with leftover chicken, beef or pork and fried until crisp. Serve as a main dish topped with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese, etc. Can also be served as an appetizer or side dish  to compliment your favorite Mexican recipes. 

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Taquitos - Rolled corn tortillas, filled with leftover chicken, beef or pork and fried until crisp. Serve as a main dish, side dish or appetizer.

It probably goes without saying, but homemade taquitos are so much better than the frozen ones. If you’ve put off making them yourself because you thought it would be difficult, think again! They are super simple, especially if  you use your leftover meat. I purposely cook more meat than I should just so that I can use the leftovers for taquitos. 

Homemade taquitos are me secret weapon for keeping the kids home when I don’t want them to go out. Instead of arguing with them, I just tell them that I’m making taquitos and miraculously their plans change without an argument. Yes, they are that good!

Ingredients Needed:

2-3 pounds of leftover chicken, beef or pork
1 cup salsa
12 corn tortillas
Canola oil, for frying

Reduce Fluster with the Right Tools:

Saute pan
Cast Iron Skillet
Cooking Thermometer
Measuring Cups & Spoons
Toothpicks
Tongs

How to Make Easy Authentic Taquitos

Taquitos - Rolled corn tortillas, filled with leftover chicken, beef or pork and fried until crisp. Serve as a main dish, side dish or appetizer.

Step 1: In a medium saute pan, over medium heat, add the leftover meat and salsa. Saute until the meat is warmed through. Remove from heat. Shred the meat using 2 forks, let cool.

Taquitos - Rolled corn tortillas, filled with leftover chicken, beef or pork and fried until crisp. Serve as a main dish, side dish or appetizer.

Step 2: In a large cast iron skillet heat a 1/2 inch of oil to 350°F. Wrap the tortillas in damp paper towels and microwave for 1 minute to make the tortillas pliable. Place 3-4 tablespoons of the meat on 1 tortilla.

Taquitos - Rolled corn tortillas, filled with leftover chicken, beef or pork and fried until crisp. Serve as a main dish, side dish or appetizer.

Step 3: Roll tightly and secure with a toothpick. 

Taquitos - Rolled corn tortillas, filled with leftover chicken, beef or pork and fried until crisp. Serve as a main dish, side dish or appetizer.

Step 4: Cooking in batches, add the rolled tortillas to the hot oil. 

Taquitos - Rolled corn tortillas, filled with leftover chicken, beef or pork and fried until crisp. Serve as a main dish, side dish or appetizer.

Step 5: Cook until golden brown (about 2 minutes). Remove the toothpick and cook the other side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. 

Taquitos - Rolled corn tortillas, filled with leftover chicken, beef or pork and fried until crisp. Serve as a main dish, side dish or appetizer.
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5 from 3 votes

Authentic Taquitos

Rolled corn tortillas, filled with leftover chicken, beef or pork and fried until crisp. Serve as a main dish topped with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese, etc. Can also be served as an appetizer or side dish to compliment your favorite Mexican recipes.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time10 minutes mins
Total Time25 minutes mins
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Robin @ Fluster Buster

Ingredients

  • 2-3 pounds of leftover chicken beef or pork
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 12 corn tortillas
  • Canola oil for frying

Instructions

  • In a medium saute pan, over medium heat, add the leftover meat and salsa. Saute until the meat is warmed through. Remove from heat. Shred the meat using 2 forks, let cool.
  • In a large cast iron skillet heat a 1/2 inch of oil to 350°F. Wrap the tortillas in damp paper towels and microwave for 1 minute to make the tortillas pliable. Place 3-4 tablespoons of the meat on 1 tortilla.
  • Roll tightly and secure with a toothpick.
  • Cooking in batches, add the rolled tortillas to the hot oil.
  • Cook until golden brown (about 2 minutes). Remove the toothpick and cook the other side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Notes

Guacamole Recipe
Restaurant Style Salsa
Poblano Salsa

Serve with:

Guacamole
Restaurant Style Salsa or Poblano Salsa
Lettuce
Tomatoes
Onions
Olives
Cheese

Taquitos - Rolled corn tortillas, filled with leftover chicken, beef or pork and fried until crisp. Serve as a main dish, side dish or appetizer.

More Like This:

  • Pico de Gallo
  • Slow Cooker Carnitas
  • Elote
  • Nacho Potatoes

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Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a commission. I only recommend products or services that I personally believe will add value to my readers. All opinions stated are strictly my own. Red our full disclosure policy for more information. 

Filed Under: Food, Simple Recipes Tagged With: entrée, Mexican, recipe

Comments

  1. Gina says

    August 3, 2016 at 8:46 am

    5 stars
    Thank you for this tutorial. We LOVE tacquitos!!

    Reply
    • Robin says

      August 3, 2016 at 10:12 am

      Taquitos are a favorite in our house too. I’ve always had a problem getting my kids to eat leftovers, however I found if I make taquitos with the leftover meat they have no problem eating leftovers. LOL

      Reply
  2. Kate says

    August 3, 2016 at 12:00 pm

    5 stars
    This sounds like something my family will like. I especially like the part about using leftovers!
    Thanks for stopping by this week and partying with us at the Wake Up Wednesday link party!
    Hope to see you next week!
    Kate | TheOrganizedDream.com

    Reply
  3. Susan says

    August 11, 2016 at 8:32 pm

    YUM! Love me some taquitos! I will be having these for Taquito Tuesday.

    Reply
  4. Miz Helen says

    August 15, 2016 at 3:37 pm

    5 stars
    Your Taquitos look wonderful, we will love them. Your tutorial is very good. Hope you are having a fantastic day and thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday!
    Come Back Soon,
    Miz Helen

    Reply

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