Ah, Navajo Tacos—a beloved Native American dish that’s hearty, comforting, and completely different from typical tacos because the “taco shell” is Navajo fry bread instead of a tortilla. Here’s a detailed guide:
Ingredients
For Fry Bread (the base)
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tbsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
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2 tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter
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¾ cup warm water (adjust as needed)
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Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil)
For Toppings (classic taco-style)
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1 lb ground beef or bison (optional: beans for vegetarian version)
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1 small onion, chopped
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp chili powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Shredded lettuce
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Diced tomatoes
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Shredded cheddar cheese
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Sour cream
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Salsa or hot sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Fry Bread
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In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Add oil or melted butter and warm water gradually. Mix until a soft dough forms.
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Knead lightly on a floured surface for 1–2 minutes.
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Divide dough into 6–8 balls. Roll or pat into 6–8 inch discs.
Step 2: Fry the Bread
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Heat about 1 inch of oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C).
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Fry each dough disc 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown and puffed.
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Drain on paper towels.
Step 3: Prepare Toppings
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In a skillet, brown ground beef with onion, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
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Cook until fully done.
Step 4: Assemble Navajo Tacos
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Place a piece of fry bread on a plate.
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Spoon cooked meat or beans on top.
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Add lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, and salsa as desired.
Tips for the Best Navajo Tacos
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Fry bread should be soft inside and golden outside; don’t overcook.
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Fry bread can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven briefly.
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For extra flavor, sprinkle a little cayenne or smoked paprika on the meat.
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Vegetarian version: use seasoned beans, grilled vegetables, or lentils.
Navajo Tacos are crispy, fluffy, and loaded with toppings, making them a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal.
If you want, I can give a traditional Navajo version with authentic toppings and fry bread secrets that makes it taste like it came straight from the Southwest.