Indian Fry Bread (Navajo Tacos) Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious meal that’s both comforting and utterly satisfying, you’ll fall in love with Indian Fry Bread (Navajo Tacos). This is not just a meal, but a celebration of flavors and textures—puffy, golden fry bread is topped with hearty taco fixings and all your favorite garnishes. Whether you’re making a fun weeknight dinner or gathering friends for something special, these tacos transform simple ingredients into something magical. Indian Fry Bread (Navajo Tacos) are easy to customize, and each bite is pure joy!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Indian Fry Bread (Navajo Tacos) require just a few pantry staples, proving that incredible comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. Every ingredient plays a key role in achieving the perfect soft, pillowy bread and vibrant toppings your taste buds will crave.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, giving structure and the right chewy tenderness.
- Baking powder: Gives that irresistible fluff and lift to the bread as it fries.
- Salt: Just enough to balance the flavors and enhance the dough’s subtle taste.
- Warm water: The key to a soft, pliable dough—add a little at a time for a perfect consistency.
- Vegetable oil: For frying to all-over golden perfection with a lightly crisp exterior.
- Ground beef (optional): Adds savory richness and heartiness, turning these into classic Navajo tacos.
- Taco seasoning (optional): Packs in Southwest flavor and gives the meat that signature kick.
- Pinto or black beans (optional): Creamy beans add protein and extra texture to each bite.
- Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, salsa (optional): All your favorite toppings loaded on top for freshness, crunch, and creamy goodness.
How to Make Indian Fry Bread (Navajo Tacos)
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. This is your dry foundation. Gradually stir in the warm water until the dough starts to come together. You want it soft and just a bit sticky, not dry. Gently knead for 1 to 2 minutes, then cover the bowl with a towel and let it rest for 30 minutes—just enough time to let the baking powder work its magic for perfectly puffy fry bread.
Step 2: Shape the Bread
Divide your rested dough into six equal pieces; a bench scraper or knife works well for even portions. Roll each piece into a ball in your hands, then press and stretch (or roll) into thin rounds about 6 to 8 inches wide and a quarter-inch thick. Aim for rustic, slightly uneven shapes—that’s part of what makes Indian Fry Bread (Navajo Tacos) so charming and homemade!
Step 3: Fry the Bread
Pour about an inch of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or heavy pot and heat to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add one dough round at a time; the dough should sizzle and immediately puff up. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, until deeply golden and airy. Set each finished bread on paper towels to drain excess oil, and keep warm while you finish the rest.
Step 4: Prepare the Taco Toppings
For authentic Navajo taco toppings, brown the ground beef in a skillet on medium-high heat. Once cooked through, drain off any extra fat, sprinkle with the taco seasoning mix, and add your beans. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes so the flavors meld and the beans soften—this hearty mixture is the soul of Indian Fry Bread (Navajo Tacos).
Step 5: Assemble and Enjoy
Top each warm fry bread round with a scoop of the beef and bean mixture, then pile on shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and salsa—whatever your heart desires! Or go classic and enjoy your fry bread with just a drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar for a sweet twist.
How to Serve Indian Fry Bread (Navajo Tacos)
Garnishes
The finishing touches make all the difference! Sprinkle on extra-sharp cheddar, diced jalapeños, sliced olives, or fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of color and flavor. A dollop of tangy sour cream or a spoonful of chunky salsa brings everything together, making each Indian Fry Bread (Navajo Tacos) an irresistible work of art.
Side Dishes
Serve your Indian Fry Bread (Navajo Tacos) with crisp corn salad, cilantro lime rice, or even a simple green salad to balance the richness. For something cozy, a cup of spiced tortilla soup rounds out the meal and turns dinner into a truly satisfying feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try offering a fry bread “bar” at your next gathering, with all the toppings (both savory and sweet) set out for guests to build their own creations. Or, serve mini fry breads as appetizers with a trio of dips. However you plate them, Indian Fry Bread (Navajo Tacos) are sure to get everyone talking—and coming back for seconds!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (rare, but it can happen!), let the fry bread cool completely and then store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to one day. Just be sure to keep the toppings separate for the best results when serving again.
Freezing
Indian Fry Bread (Navajo Tacos) freeze beautifully! Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months—perfect for quick meals or late-night cravings.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy again, warm the fry bread in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until hot and crisp. You can also reheat them in a dry skillet for a couple of minutes on each side; they’ll taste almost as good as freshly made!
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Mix and knead the dough, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and frying for the best texture in your Indian Fry Bread (Navajo Tacos).
What’s the best oil for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil. This ensures the fry bread puffs up beautifully and doesn’t pick up any overwhelming flavors.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the ground beef and increase the beans, then layer on your favorite vegetarian toppings. Indian Fry Bread (Navajo Tacos) are fantastic with sautéed veggies and spicy beans, too.
Why is my fry bread tough instead of fluffy?
Over-kneading the dough or using water that’s too cool can make fry bread heavy. Aim for a barely-mixed, soft dough and give it some rest time to get that classic puffy result.
Can I serve fry bread with sweet toppings?
Definitely! Indian Fry Bread (Navajo Tacos) are delicious plain, or dusted with powdered sugar, drizzled with honey, or even topped with cinnamon sugar for a dessert treat everyone will rave about.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so delightful about making Indian Fry Bread (Navajo Tacos) at home—it’s warm, flavorful, and always brings people together around the table. I hope you give this recipe a try and find it as delicious and versatile as I do. Once you taste that first bite, you’ll understand why Indian Fry Bread (Navajo Tacos) are a treasured favorite for any occasion!
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Indian Fry Bread (Navajo Tacos) Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus rest time)
- Yield: 6 fry breads 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Indian Fry Bread, a traditional Native American bread that can be served plain or as Navajo Tacos with savory toppings.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4–1 cup warm water
- vegetable oil for frying
Navajo Taco Toppings (optional):
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can pinto or black beans
- shredded lettuce
- diced tomatoes
- shredded cheddar cheese
- sour cream
- salsa
Instructions
- Dough Preparation: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add warm water and mix until a soft dough forms. Knead gently for 1–2 minutes, cover with a towel, and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Shaping and Frying: Divide dough into 6 equal pieces, roll into balls, and flatten into rounds. Fry in hot oil until golden brown.
- Navajo Taco Toppings: Brown ground beef, add taco seasoning and beans, simmer. Top fry bread with meat, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream.
Notes
- You can make the dough ahead and refrigerate for up to a day.
- Serve fry bread fresh and warm for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course or Side
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Native American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fry bread
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
