Let's Make Chalupas Step by Step

Ingredients

For the Chalupa Shells:

• 2 cups masa harina (corn flour for tortillas)

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup warm water (or as needed)

• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup cooked chicken, beef, or pork (shredded)

• 1/2 cup refried beans

• 1 cup lettuce, shredded

• 1 medium tomato, diced

• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)

• Sour cream or Mexican crema

• Salsa (optional)

• Lime wedges for garnish (optional)

Before We Start

Use Fresh Masa Harina:
Make sure the masa harina is fresh for the best texture in the chalupa shells.

Control the Dough Consistency:
The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it’s too dry, add more water little by little.

Shape Even Shells:
Roll the dough into even balls and flatten them evenly to ensure uniform frying.

Fry at the Right Temperature:
Heat the oil to about 350°F (175°C) for crispy, golden shells. Test by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.

Don’t Overload with Toppings:
Keep the toppings balanced to avoid sogginess or the chalupa falling apart.

Instructions

Make Chalupa Shells

Step 1:
Take a large bowl, add masa harina and salt to taste. Then, gradually add warm water and knead to form a dough by hand, mixing until smooth and slightly soft. Use water as needed, more or less.

Step 2:
Divide the dough into 8-10 small balls. Flatten each ball into a round disk, about 4-5 inches in diameter. You can use a tortilla press or your palms.

Fry the Shells

Step 3:
Preheat a skillet with a bit of vegetable oil or use a deep pan over medium heat. Carefully fry each dough disk for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the shells from the oil and drain on paper towels. Let them cool slightly to crisp up further.

Prepare the Toppings

Step 4:
Heat the refried beans in a saucepan until warm. Shred the cooked meat of your choice (chicken, beef, or any meat). Use fresh vegetables: shred lettuce, dice tomatoes, chop onions, and cilantro. Set aside.

Assemble Chalupas

Step 5:

1. Spread a spoonful of refried beans onto each chalupa shell.

2. Top with your choice of shredded chicken or beef.

3. Add a handful of shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and cheese (optional).

4. Drizzle with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or Mexican crema, and top with salsa if desired.

It's done! You have a delicious chalupa.

Serve

Serve the chalupas warm with lime wedges for a burst of citrus and loaded toppings.

What Goes with Chalupas

Chalupas are great when topped with fresh salsa, sour cream, shredded lettuce, or jalapenos. Pair with side refried beans or Mexican rice for a flavorful meal.

Recipes Related to Chalupas

Chalupas With Pita Bread

Make chalupas with pita bread.
Toast pita bread slightly, whether in a toaster or tawa skillet with a very little oil, to give it a crisp texture.
Fill it with your favorite fillings like spiced chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, chalupas, and cheese.
And done!

Chalupas In the Oven

Oil your corn or flour tortillas, cover them over an oven rack, and bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden and crispy.
Fill with seasoned black pepper, salt, meat, and veggies.

Chalupas From Corn Tortillas

Heat a pan over medium with enough oil and fry corn tortillas in hot oil until crispy.
Top them with beans, shredded lettuce, salsa, and cheese to make a traditional chalupa.

Chalupas Like Taco Bell

Fry the tortilla crispy and keep it under a cloth until soft.
Fill with seasoned beef or chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, and sour cream or Greek yogurt for a fast-food-inspired treat.

Chalupas In the Air Fryer

Oil your tortillas and place them in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
When crispy, add your favorite toppings like spicy chicken or steak.

Chalupas Chicken

In the pan, cook chicken with cumin seeds. After searing, add paprika powder, garlic, and onions accordingly.
Fill chalupa shells with the crispy chicken, and top with avocado slices and sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Chalupas with Steak

Just like chicken, do thinly sliced steak. After washing, sear it in a skillet, grill, tawa, or pan with a little oil, along with garlic, cumin powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and a little lemon juice.
Add to the chalupa shell with pico de gallo and shredded cheese for an indulging option.

Chalupas with Beef

Cook ground beef with taco seasoning. Layer it with taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper (use to your liking).
Layer it in your chalupa with lettuce, salsa, and a swirl of queso sauce or any sauce you desire.

Conclusion

Take a large bowl, add masa harina and a little salt, then gradually add warm water to knead a soft, smooth dough. After kneading, divide the dough into small portions and make small balls. Flatten each ball into a round disk about 4-5 inches in diameter. You can use a tortilla press or your hands.

Fry the Shells
Take a skillet or deep pan, add a little vegetable oil over medium heat. Carefully fry each dough disk for a couple of minutes per side until golden and crispy brown. Remove shells from the oil and drain over paper towels. Let them cool slightly.

Prepare the Toppings
Heat the refried beans in a saucepan until warm and shred the cooked meat of your choice (chicken or any meat). Prepare vegetables by shredding lettuce, dicing tomatoes, and chopping onions and cilantro. Put everything aside.

Assemble the Chalupas
Spread a spoonful of refried beans onto each chalupa shell and top it with cooked chicken, meat, or any protein. Add a handful of shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and cheese (if preferred). Drizzle with sour cream or Mexican crema and top with salsa. A fantastic chalupa is ready now!

Serve with lime wedges for a burst of citrus!

For More Recipes, Check Out:

• How to Make Shawarma as Desired

• Make Alfredo Pasta at Home

• How to Make Cava Pita Chips

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