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Navajo Tacos (Indian Fry Bread) Recipe

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  • Author: Susan M. Garcia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 24 minutes
  • Total Time: 44 minutes
  • Yield: 12 fry breads 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Native American, Southwestern

Description

hese Navajo Tacos (Indian Fry Bread) are a delicious and versatile dish featuring crispy, golden fry bread topped with either savory taco toppings or a sweet drizzle of honey and powdered sugar. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a fun family dinner, a comforting meal, or a delightful dessert.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Fry Bread

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons softened butter or ghee
  • 1 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 3 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Savory Toppings

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 2 tablespoons steak fajita seasoning or homemade taco seasoning
  • 15 oz black beans (drained)
  • 2 cups iceberg lettuce (shredded)
  • 3 plum tomatoes (diced)
  • Sour cream
  • Queso sauce or shredded cheese

Sweet Toppings

  • Honey
  • Powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. 1. Make the Dough
  2. In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, and butter until the butter is crumbled into the mixture.
  3. Make a well in the center and pour in the milk.
  4. Use your hands to bring everything together and knead into a soft dough.
  5. Cover with a towel and let it rest for 15 minutes.
  6. 2. Prepare the Toppings
  7. For savory tacos: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoning and ½ cup of water, stirring to combine. Cook for 10 minutes and set aside.
  8. Prep all other toppings and set them in separate bowls.
  9. 3. Shape the Fry Bread
  10. Roll the dough into a log and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
  11. Roll each piece into a ball and cover with a towel.
  12. Take each dough ball and roll it into a 6-inch circle.
  13. Prick the dough several times with a fork.
  14. 4. Fry the Bread
  15. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
  16. Carefully lower a dough circle into the hot oil, letting it drape away from you to avoid splashing. It will immediately puff up.
  17. Fry for 30 seconds on the first side.
  18. Flip the dough and gently fold it in half like a taco shell. Hold it in place while frying for another 30 seconds.
  19. Roll it over to cook the other side until golden brown.
  20. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack.
  21. Repeat with the remaining dough.
  22. 5. Assemble the Navajo Tacos
  • For Savory Tacos: Fill each taco shell with ground beef, black beans, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and cheese.
  • For Sweet Tacos: Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Notes

  • For flat fry bread: Fry the dough until golden brown on both sides and use it as a flat taco base or dessert bread.
  • Make it vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for seasoned beans, grilled veggies, or tofu.
  • Storage: Store leftover fry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for crispiness.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 fry bread
  • Calories: 210kcal
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 340mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 8g