Pocket Science
Crispy Pan-Fried Tortilla Pockets Stuffed with Savory Beef and Tomato
45 minutes
Serves 4
DinnerMexican
Herb's take
Inspired by Mexican street food, these handheld wonders wrap a juicy ground beef and tomato filling in golden, pan-fried corn tortillas. You'll learn the secrets of coaxing maximum flavor from canned tomatoes and getting tortillas to fold and crisp without cracking. (Pro tip: hydration is your friend.)
Ingredients
Yield
4
Instructions
- 01Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and most moisture has evaporated, about 5-7 minutes.
- 02Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 03Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- 04Crush the whole tomatoes by hand or with a potato masher directly in the can, then add them, juice and all, to the beef mixture. Stir to combine.
- 05Add sugar, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat to low. Let the mixture gently bubble for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and most liquid has evaporated.
- 06While the filling simmers, wrap the corn tortillas in a damp kitchen towel and microwave for 45 seconds until very pliable.
- 07Taste the beef mixture and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Stir in the chopped cilantro, then remove from heat.
- 08Spoon about 1/4 cup of beef-tomato filling onto the lower half of each tortilla. Fold the tortillas over to form half-moon pockets and press gently to seal the edges.
- 09Heat remaining oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Working in batches, cook the pockets for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Drain briefly on a plate lined with paper towels.
- 10Serve hot with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.
Want your own recipe?
Toss me some ingredients in the Recipe Lab and I'll invent three recipes on the spot. Just for you.