Golden Navajo Tacos (Indian Fry Bread) Recipe for Family Fun

Sizzling golden navajo tacos burst with flavor and cultural richness, weaving a delicious story of Native American culinary tradition.

Bold and crispy, this fry bread captures the essence of comfort food with its perfectly fried texture.

The golden-brown discs invite you to layer on savory toppings that dance with zesty spices and fresh ingredients.

Each bite tells a story of resilience and creativity passed down through generations of indigenous cooks.

These tacos offer more than just a meal – they’re a celebration of heritage and home-cooked goodness.

Hearty and satisfying, this recipe promises a mouthwatering journey into a beloved southwestern classic that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 535 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients for Navajo Tacos (Indian Fry Bread)

• Flour: Provides the fundamental structure for the crispy, golden fry bread with a light, airy texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps the dough rise and creates a fluffy, tender foundation for the tacos.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the dough's richness.
• Butter: Adds tender moisture and creates a rich, smooth dough consistency.
• Milk: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the dough's soft, pliable nature.

• Vegetable Oil: Essential for deep-frying the bread to achieve a perfectly crisp, golden exterior.
• Ground Beef: Protein-packed filling that brings hearty, savory flavor to the taco.
• Taco Seasoning: Infuses the meat with bold, zesty southwestern spices.

• Black Beans: Adds protein, fiber, and creamy texture to complement the crispy bread.
• Lettuce: Provides fresh, crisp crunch and light green color.
• Tomatoes: Brings juicy, bright flavor and vibrant color to the taco.
• Sour Cream: Offers cool, tangy richness that balances the spicy meat.
• Cheese: Melts slightly, adding creamy, salty dimension to the taco.
• Honey, Powdered Sugar: Create a delightful sweet variation with gentle, sugary notes.

Tools for Cooking Navajo Tacos from Scratch

• Mixing Bowl: Large, deep container for combining dry ingredients and kneading dough.
• Fork: Used for pricking dough circles to prevent excessive puffing.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for flour, baking powder, salt, and milk.
• Skillet or Deep Frying Pan: Heavy-bottomed pan for heating oil and frying bread to golden perfection.
• Rolling Pin: Helps flatten dough into thin, even circles.
• Tongs: Safely flip and maneuver fry bread in hot oil.
• Cutting Board: Provides clean surface for rolling and dividing dough.
• Paper Towels: Drain excess oil from fried bread.

Instructions to Make Indian Fry Bread Tacos

• Dough Preparation

Gather your flour, baking powder, and salt in a cozy mixing bowl. Gently work in soft butter until the mixture looks like sandy crumbs. Create a little crater in the center, pour in milk, and lovingly knead until a soft, pillowy dough emerges. Let the dough rest and relax for a few peaceful minutes.

• Dough Shaping

Transform your dough into a friendly log, then divide it into cheerful little rounds. Roll each piece into a smooth ball, then gently press and stretch into circular shapes. Give each circle a few playful fork pokes to keep them from getting too puffy during cooking.

• Frying Magic

Heat your oil until it’s dancing with energy around 350°F. Slide each dough circle into the hot oil, watching it transform into a golden, crispy wonder. Flip and fold the bread into a taco shell shape, creating a deliciously crunchy canvas.

• Taco Celebration

For savory lovers, brown some ground beef with zesty seasonings. Gather your favorite toppings like fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and creamy beans. Layer these delights onto your crispy fry bread.

• Serving Styles

Pile on the beef, sprinkle cheese, add a dollop of sour cream. For sweet souls, drizzle honey and dust with powdered sugar. Each bite is a celebration of Navajo culinary tradition.

Tips for Crisp Fry Bread and Taco Fillings

• Add a splash more milk if the dough feels too dry or a sprinkle of flour if it's too sticky. Aim for a soft, pliable texture that's easy to work with.
• Use a cooking thermometer to maintain the perfect 350°F. Too hot, and the bread burns; too cool, and it becomes greasy. Drain fried bread on paper towels to remove excess oil.
• Experiment with protein options like shredded chicken, pulled pork, or vegetarian black beans. Mix up cheese varieties from cheddar to queso fresco for different flavor profiles.
• Transform fry bread into dessert by topping with fresh berries, chocolate sauce, or caramel. For a Southwest twist, add green chiles, jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce to the savory version.
• Prepare dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Fry bread is best served immediately, but you can keep it warm in a low-temperature oven for short periods without losing crispiness.

How to Serve Navajo Tacos at Home

• Serve Fresh and Hot: Pull these crispy fry bread tacos straight from the oil and top immediately to keep them crunchy and warm.
• Create a Taco Bar Experience: Lay out all toppings in separate bowls so guests can customize their Navajo tacos with favorite ingredients.
• Pair with Complementary Sides: Serve alongside Mexican-inspired rice, refreshing corn salad, or a zesty coleslaw to balance the rich, crispy bread.
• Offer Sweet and Savory Options: Provide both ground beef and honey-sugar variations to cater to different taste preferences at your meal.

Storage Ideas for Fry Bread and Taco Fixings

• Maximize Freshness: Store fry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days, keeping it crisp and delicious.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual fry bread pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze up to 1 month for quick future meals.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated or frozen fry bread in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness and prevent sogginess.
• Smart Meal Prep: Prepare dough and toppings separately ahead of time. Keep ingredients refrigerated in sealed containers for easy assembly within 3-4 days.

Crispy Navajo Tacos Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Hearty Navajo tacos showcase traditional Native American cuisine with crispy fry bread topped with savory ground beef, beans, and fresh ingredients. Bold flavors and cultural significance make this dish a delightful culinary experience you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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• 3 cups (700 ml) all-purpose flour
• 4.5 tsps baking powder
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tbsps softened butter
• 1.25 cups (300 ml) whole milk
• 3 cups (720 ml) vegetable oil
• 2 tbsps steak fajita seasoning
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20)
• 15 oz (425 g) black beans, drained
• 2 cups (470 ml) iceberg lettuce, shredded
• 3 plum tomatoes, diced
• sour cream
• queso sauce or shredded cheese
• honey
• powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Dough Preparation: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl, then integrate softened butter using fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
2. Dough Development: Create a central crater, pour whole milk, and knead gently until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Let the dough rest, covered, for 15 minutes to enhance its texture.
3. Shaping Process: Divide the rested dough into 12 uniform segments, roll into spheres, and flatten into 6-inch circular shapes. Puncture each circle with a fork to prevent excessive puffing.
4. Frying Technique: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower dough circles, frying 30 seconds on the first side, then flip and shape into taco shells until golden and crispy.
5. Meat Preparation: Brown ground beef in a separate skillet with taco seasoning, ensuring even cooking and robust flavor.
6. Topping Assembly: Chop fresh lettuce, dice ripe tomatoes, and warm black beans for savory toppings.
7. Savory Serving: Layer crispy fry bread with seasoned ground beef, black beans, lettuce, and tomatoes. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle shredded cheese.
8. Sweet Variation: Alternatively, drizzle pure honey over the fry bread and dust generously with powdered sugar for a delightful dessert version.

Notes

• Prevent Dough Sticking: Dust work surface and rolling pin with flour to avoid adhesive challenges during preparation.
• Oil Temperature Matters: Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain precise 350°F for perfect golden-brown texture without burning.
• Resting Dough Technique: Allow dough to rest exactly 15 minutes to develop gluten and improve bread’s elasticity and texture.
• Fork Puncturing Trick: Always poke small holes before frying to prevent excessive bread inflation and ensure even cooking.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southwestern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 535
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 660 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg