Description
Indian Fry Bread, also known as Navajo Tacos, is a delightful Native American dish featuring crispy, golden-fried bread topped with seasoned ground meat and fresh, vibrant toppings. This recipe combines a simple fried dough base with classic taco ingredients for a satisfying and flavorful meal perfect for gatherings or a fun family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Fry Bread Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water
- Vegetable oil for frying
Taco Toppings
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Salsa, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Fry Bread Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the warm water while mixing to form a soft dough that comes together.
- Knead and Shape the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and flatten each into a disc shape about 1/4 inch thick.
- Fry the Bread: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat, ensuring there is enough oil for shallow frying. Fry each dough disc for approximately 2 minutes on each side or until the bread is puffed and golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Cook the Meat: In a separate skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned and fully cooked through. Add the packet of taco seasoning along with water as directed on the seasoning packet and simmer until the mixture thickens and is flavorful.
- Assemble the Navajo Tacos: Place the warm fry bread on plates and top each with generous spoonfuls of the seasoned meat. Add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced black olives, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve with salsa on the side for additional flavor.
Notes
- For crispy fry bread, maintain the oil temperature at medium heat to avoid burning or undercooking.
- You can substitute turkey with ground beef or other protein for different flavor variations.
- Salsa can be mild or spicy depending on preference.
- Leftover fry bread can be reheated in a skillet to regain crispiness.
- Optionally, garnish with chopped cilantro or jalapeños for extra zest.
