Homemade Beef Flautas
How to make Homemade Beef Flautas
Ingredients :
vegetable or canola oil for frying
3 cups shredded beef or shredded cooked chicken
1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
½ cup salsa store-bought or homemade
1 (4-ounce) can diced chiles
garlic salt with parsley flakes to taste
pepper to taste
12 6-inch flour tortillas (or corn tortillas)
salt to taste
Toppings
shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, green salsa, guacamole, Cilantro Ranch dressing
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to the warm setting or about 200 degrees F.
Fill a large saucepan with about ¾ inch oil. Heat over medium heat to 375 degrees F.
In a medium bowl, combine chicken, cheese, salsa, diced chiles, garlic salt and pepper.
Working with 4 tortillas at a time, spread a heaping spoonful of chicken filling along the middle of each tortilla.
Roll the tortillas tightly around the filling and secure each one with a toothpick.
Using tongs, hold each flauta in hot oil until firm, then release to continue cooking.
Cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes, then remove to a paper towel–lined plate and immediately season with salt.
Transfer flautas to a foil-lined baking sheet and keep warm in the oven while assembling and cooking the remaining tortillas. Serve warm with toppings
Enjoy !!
Notes:
Heating Oil:
Ensure the oil reaches 375°F for crispy flautas. Use a kitchen thermometer to check the oil temperature. If the oil is too hot, the flautas may burn; if too cool, they may become greasy.
Filling:
Be careful not to overfill the tortillas. A heaping spoonful should be sufficient; too much filling can make it difficult to roll and fry.
Rolling Tortillas:
Roll the tortillas tightly to ensure they hold their shape during frying. Securing with a toothpick helps keep them together but remember to remove the toothpicks before serving.
Frying:
Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature, resulting in greasy flautas. Use tongs to carefully handle the flautas and prevent splashing.
Draining:
Place the fried flautas on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Season with salt immediately while still hot for better flavor.
Keeping Warm:
Use a foil-lined baking sheet to keep the cooked flautas warm in the oven. This method helps keep them crispy until all flautas are ready to serve.
Topping Notes:
Shredded Lettuce:
Use crisp, fresh lettuce for crunch. Romaine or iceberg are good options.
Chopped Tomatoes:
Fresh tomatoes add juiciness and freshness. For a less watery topping, remove the seeds before chopping.
Green Salsa:
Green salsa adds a tangy flavor. You can use store-bought or homemade salsa verde.
Guacamole:
Homemade guacamole can be made with avocados, lime juice, cilantro, and salt. For a twist, add diced tomatoes or onions.
Cilantro Ranch Dressing:
Mix ranch dressing with chopped fresh cilantro for a flavorful, herby topping. Adjust the amount of cilantro based on your taste preference.
Nutrition Information:
For 1 Flauta
Calories: 234 | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 6g (mostly from cheese and oil) | Cholesterol: 55mg (from cheese and meat) | Sodium: 590mg (varies based on salsa and seasoning) | Total Carbohydrates: 19g | Dietary Fiber: 1g | Sugars: 1g | Protein: 11g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, corn tortillas can be used instead of flour tortillas.
Corn tortillas will give a more traditional flavor and are slightly crispier.
Make sure to warm them slightly before filling and rolling to prevent them from cracking.
How can I make the flautas spicier?
To make the flautas spicier, add more diced chiles or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling.
You can also use a spicy salsa or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture.
Can I bake the flautas instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake the flautas for a healthier option.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the flautas on a baking sheet, brush them lightly with oil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are crispy and golden.
What type of cheese can I use if I don’t have Mexican blend cheese?
You can use other cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination of both.
Choose cheeses that melt well to ensure a gooey filling.
How do I prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy when frying?
Make sure to thoroughly drain excess filling and avoid overfilling the tortillas.
Also, ensure the oil is hot enough (375°F) before frying.
This helps the tortillas become crisp and prevents sogginess.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling up to 2 days in advance.
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
When ready to use, let it come to room temperature before filling the tortillas.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover flautas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat them in the oven or a toaster oven to restore their crispiness.
Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
Can I freeze the flautas?
Yes, you can freeze flautas.
After frying, let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze.
Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container.
Reheat from frozen in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes.
What are some good dipping sauces or toppings?
Besides the suggested toppings like guacamole and Cilantro Ranch dressing, you can use sour cream, salsa verde, or a simple sour cream and lime juice dip.
Fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños can also add flavor.
How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
To check if the oil is at the right temperature (375°F), you can use a kitchen thermometer.
If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of tortilla into the oil; if it sizzles and bubbles up quickly, the oil is ready.
Be cautious of hot oil splashes.