How to Make Restaurant Style Fried Tortilla Bowls

I had my first fried tortilla shell taco salad at a Mexican restaurant when I was a kid and I loved it. One day my mom decided to replicate it and so she cleverly used a can inside a tortilla to shape the tortilla.

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First, fill a small pot with about 3-4 inches of oil. Then take a tortilla (we used medium sized tortillas but it works even better on large sized tortillas – small sized ones will not work) and wrap it around a can. Be sure to remove all paper and labeling from the can.

Once you have the tortilla wrapped around, use the tongs (she used one but two is better) to clamp the tortilla to the can (one on each side if using two tongs).

Place the can/tortilla inside your pot and hold it there with the tongs for about 30 seconds (you may want to use gloves to ensure your hands do not get oil splatter on them).

Remove the can with the tongs. Be careful because both the can and tongs will be extremely hot. Use caution. Set aside the can.

Allow to fry for a few seconds without the can and then use the tongs to flip the shell over.

Wait about 10 seconds.

Carefully remove the shell with the tongs and set aside on a plate. If you want, you can use a paper towel underneath to drain any excess oil.

This is what the shell typically looks like.

And this is what they look like filled up…

RECIPE: Fried Shell Taco Salad

PIN FOR LATER…

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