Savory, Crunchy Lamb Taquitos: A Flavorful Twist on a Mexican Classic

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of lamb shoulder
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeno, deseeded and finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup of beef stock
  • 12 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup of shredded cheese
  • Freshly chopped cilantro for garnish
  • 1 cup of sour cream for serving
  • 1 cup of salsa for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  2. Season the lamb shoulder with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, and chili powder.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe frying pan over medium heat. Add the lamb shoulder and sear on all sides until browned.
  4. Remove the lamb from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add the chopped onions, garlic, and jalapeno. Saute until the onion is translucent.
  5. Return the lamb to the pan, add the beef stock, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  6. Cover the pan and place it in the preheated oven. Cook for about 2 hours, or until the lamb is tender and easily pulls apart.
  7. Remove the lamb from the oven and let it cool. Once cooled, shred the lamb using two forks.
  8. Warm the tortillas in a dry frying pan over medium heat until they are pliable.
  9. Lay out the warmed tortillas and distribute the shredded lamb evenly among them. Sprinkle some cheese on top of the lamb.
  10. Roll up the tortillas tightly and place them seam side down on a baking sheet.
  11. Bake the taquitos in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown.
  12. Serve the lamb taquitos with sour cream and salsa, and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - Used for preparing ingredients and cutting the cooked lamb.
  • Chef's knife - Essential for chopping onions, garlic, and jalapeno, as well as shredding the cooked lamb.
  • Large oven-safe frying pan - Used for searing the lamb shoulder before transferring it to the oven.
  • Two forks - Used for shredding the cooked lamb.
  • Baking sheet - Used for baking the assembled taquitos in the oven.
  • Dry frying pan - Used for warming the tortillas.
  • Oven - Used for cooking the lamb shoulder and for baking the taquitos.

Recipe variations

  • Use chicken or beef instead of lamb for different flavor profiles.
  • Replace corn tortillas with flour tortillas for a softer texture.
  • Add diced bell peppers or tomatoes to the filling for added freshness and crunch.
  • Include a variety of spices such as smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or chipotle powder to spice things up.
  • Experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Queso Fresco.
  • Add a layer of refried beans or guacamole before adding the shredded lamb.
  • Make it vegetarian by substituting the lamb with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free tortillas or lettuce leaves as a wrap.
  • Serve the taquitos with a side of homemade salsa verde or avocado crema.
  • Top the taquitos with pickled onions, shredded lettuce, or diced tomatoes for added freshness.

Recipe overview

Indulge in a deliciously spicy and savory meal with these homemade Lamb Taquitos. This Mexican-inspired dish brings together tender, oven-braised lamb shoulder that's been seasoned with a blend of traditional spices, rolled up in lightly toasted corn tortillas with melted cheese, and baked to a crispy perfection. Served with tangy sour cream and zesty salsa, these taquitos are not only bursting with flavor, but also provide a delightful texture from the crisp exterior to the succulent lamb filling. Perfect for a weekend dinner or a fun family cooking session, these lamb taquitos are sure to be a new favorite and a refreshing twist to your usual taco night.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different cut of lamb? Yes, you can use a different cut of lamb such as leg of lamb or lamb chops. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the cut you choose.
  2. Can I use store-bought tortillas? Yes, you can use store-bought corn tortillas for this recipe. Just make sure to warm them up before rolling the taquitos.
  3. Can I make the lamb taquitos in advance? Yes, you can prepare the lamb filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, assemble the taquitos and bake them until crispy.
  4. Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can use any type of cheese that melts well. Some popular options include cheddar, Monterrey Jack, or Mexican blend cheese.
  5. Can I make the taquitos without baking them? While baking the taquitos gives them a crispy texture, you can also fry them in oil until golden brown if you prefer a different cooking method.
  6. Can I freeze the cooked taquitos? Yes, you can freeze the cooked taquitos for later. Let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat them in the oven or microwave when ready to eat.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Taquitos, sometimes referred to as flautas, are a beloved dish hailing from Mexican cuisine. The name roughly translates to "little taco" and they're typically filled with chicken, beef, or cheese. However, the lamb variation we're exploring today is a delightful twist on tradition, introducing the robust flavors of lamb to the classic dish. One fun fact about taquitos is that they are often mistaken for their cousin, the chimichanga. The key difference? Taquitos are usually made with corn tortillas and are smaller in size, while chimichangas are typically made with flour tortillas and are quite larger, usually deep-fried. Serving taquitos for a gathering? Remember that in Mexican culture, food is often a warm expression of hospitality and kinship, so consider it an opportunity to bond with your guests over some delicious food and storytelling.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.