If you’re craving something crispy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying, then look no further than these Homemade Taquitos! These delightful rolled tacos are bursting with flavor, thanks to the unique combination of jackfruit, spices, and cheese. Perfect for a snack, appetizer, or even a main course, homemade taquitos are versatile and easy to customize. Plus, they’re baked, not fried, so you can enjoy them guilt-free!
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about the satisfying crunch of a freshly baked taquito. This recipe is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor. The jackfruit mimics the texture of pulled meat, and when combined with spices, it creates a delicious filling that everyone will love. I adore how adaptable this recipe is, allowing you to swap in your favorite ingredients or toppings. Whether you’re hosting a game night or simply treating yourself to a cozy dinner, these homemade taquitos are sure to impress!
What You’ll Need
- 1 (20-ounce) can jackfruit, cored and shredded
- 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- Pinch cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles, drained
- 12 to 14 flour or flour+corn tortillas (see note)
- 1/2 cup refried beans
- 1/2 cup jack cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions
- Extra-virgin olive oil cooking spray
- Toppings: Guacamole, Pico de Gallo, cilantro, serranos
Equipment at a Glance
- Mixing bowl: For combining your filling ingredients.
- Baking sheet: To bake your taquitos to crispy perfection.
- Cooking spray: For preventing sticking and promoting crispiness.
- Fork or spoon: For shredding jackfruit and mixing the filling.
The Method for Homemade Taquitos
Step 1: Prepare the Jackfruit
Start by draining the jackfruit and rinsing it under cold water. Use your fingers or a fork to shred the jackfruit into bite-sized pieces. The texture should resemble pulled pork.
Step 2: Sauté the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded jackfruit, olive oil, grated garlic, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix well. In a skillet over medium heat, add the jackfruit mixture and diced green chiles. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and fragrant.
Step 3: Prep the Tortillas
If you’re using flour tortillas, you may want to warm them slightly to make them more pliable. This will help prevent cracking when rolling. You can do this by placing them in a dry skillet over low heat for a few seconds on each side.
Step 4: Assemble the Taquitos
Spread a thin layer of refried beans on each tortilla, followed by a generous spoonful of the jackfruit mixture, a sprinkle of jack cheese, and a few chopped scallions. Roll the tortillas tightly, starting from one end and securing the filling as you go.
Step 5: Bake the Taquitos
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil cooking spray. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Once baked, remove the taquitos from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve with your favorite toppings, such as guacamole, pico de gallo, fresh cilantro, and sliced serranos for an extra kick!
Budget & Availability Swaps
- If jackfruit is unavailable, you can substitute with shredded chicken or a plant-based alternative like tofu.
- Feel free to use any type of cheese you prefer, such as vegan cheese or mozzarella.
- For a gluten-free option, choose corn tortillas instead of flour.
- Swap out green chiles for jalapeños or bell peppers for a different flavor profile.
Pro Tips & Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the shredded jackfruit in your favorite spices for a few hours before cooking.
- Serve the taquitos with a side of salsa for dipping; it adds freshness and enhances the flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier filling, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños to the mixture.
- To keep the taquitos from unrolling, ensure they are tightly rolled and placed seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide
Store any leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. You can also freeze the assembled, unbaked taquitos for up to 2 months. Just bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Troubleshooting Q&A
Why are my taquitos not crispy?
Ensure that you are using enough cooking spray and that your oven is preheated. Baking them seam-side down helps keep them intact and ensures they get crispy all around.
Can I use other fillings besides jackfruit?
Absolutely! You can fill the taquitos with any protein or vegetable of your choice, such as beef, chicken, beans, or mixed vegetables. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly.
What if my tortillas keep breaking?
Warming the tortillas before assembly is key. If they are still cracking, try using a slightly thicker tortilla or avoid overfilling them.
How do I get my taquitos to stay rolled?
Make sure to roll them tightly and place them seam-side down on the baking sheet. You can also use a toothpick to secure them if needed.
Similar Recipes
Save & Share
If you loved making these Homemade Taquitos, don’t forget to share them with your friends and family! Tag your creations on social media to inspire others to try this delicious recipe. Enjoy the crunchy goodness and the smiles it brings to your table!
In conclusion, Homemade Taquitos are a delightful treat that can be easily tailored to suit your tastes. Whether you’re preparing them for a casual dinner or a festive gathering, these taquitos will surely become a favorite. With their crispy exterior and flavorful filling, they’re the perfect way to indulge in a comforting and delicious meal. So gather your ingredients and get rolling—your taste buds will thank you!
Homemade Taquitos
Ingredients
- 1 can jackfruit 20-ounce, cored and shredded
- 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic grated
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 can diced green chiles 4-ounce, drained
- 12 to 14 pieces flour or flour+corn tortillas (see note)
- 1/2 cup refried beans
- 1/2 cup jack cheese
- 1/4 cup scallions chopped
- Extra-virgin olive oil cooking spray
- Toppings Guacamole, Pico de Gallo, cilantro, serranos
Instructions
- Start by draining the jackfruit and rinsing it under cold water. Use your fingers or a fork to shred the jackfruit into bite-sized pieces. The texture should resemble pulled pork.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded jackfruit, olive oil, grated garlic, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix well. In a skillet over medium heat, add the jackfruit mixture and diced green chiles. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and fragrant.
- If you’re using flour tortillas, you may want to warm them slightly to make them more pliable. This will help prevent cracking when rolling. You can do this by placing them in a dry skillet over low heat for a few seconds on each side.
- Spread a thin layer of refried beans on each tortilla, followed by a generous spoonful of the jackfruit mixture, a sprinkle of jack cheese, and a few chopped scallions. Roll the tortillas tightly, starting from one end and securing the filling as you go.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil cooking spray. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy.
- Once baked, remove the taquitos from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve with your favorite toppings, such as guacamole, pico de gallo, fresh cilantro, and sliced serranos for an extra kick!
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Cooking spray
- Fork or spoon
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the shredded jackfruit in your favorite spices for a few hours before cooking.
- Serve the taquitos with a side of salsa for dipping; it adds freshness and enhances the flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier filling, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños to the mixture.
- To keep the taquitos from unrolling, ensure they are tightly rolled and placed seam-side down on the baking sheet.
