5best2buy
The Recipe · No.144 · Taquitos

Taquitos, and where to source it

Taquitos — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Taquitos Mexican 5best2buy.com

A taquito is mostly a vehicle for what's rolled inside, so lean on shredded braised meat and a cheese that really melts. Roll each one as tight as you can and drop it into the oil seam-side down first. That sets the seal so they don't spring open while they fry.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep25 min
Cook15 min
Makes12 taquitos
CuisineMexican
Cost$$$
Gluten-free
Contains  dairy
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 12 taquitos
Corn tortillas
Fresh masa tortillas roll tight without splitting.
12
Shredded chicken or beef
Slow-braised meat that packs into a tight roll.
1.5 cups
Oaxaca or Chihuahua cheese
A real melting cheese that binds the filling.
1 cup
Onion and cilantro
Finely chopped into the filling for lift.
1/2 onion, small handful
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● A fair little treat
A reasonable little indulgence.
EffortEasy
Cook it with
Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
The Method
  1. Warm the tortillasHeat tortillas on a comal until soft and flexible so they roll instead of crack.
  2. Fill and rollLay a line of meat and cheese along one edge and roll each one as tight as you can.
  3. Secure the seamPin each roll with a toothpick or set it seam-side down so it does not spring open.
  4. Fry crispFry seam-side down first in hot oil, turning until deep golden and crackling all over.
The Toolkit

Comal or flat pan · Toothpicks · Spider skimmer

Straight Answers
Can you make Taquitos in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert

Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.

Can you freeze Taquitos? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Taquitos ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Taquitos gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Taquitos vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

Community Notes

Cooked it? Changed something that worked? Leave a note for the next person — first-name basis, no account.

Loading notes…

Notes are public and posted as written. Be kind, no links. Spam and abuse get removed.

More Mexican recipes
TamalesArroz con PolloBeef EmpanadasSopesBirriaFlan
All Mexican recipes →  ·  Browse all 1433 →
One list, with a link to where to buy each one.

Some ingredient and tool links are affiliate links — if you buy through one, 5best2buy may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never costs the maker anything, and it never decides who we recommend. The list is the list.
© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.144

Open data. Every maker on this site is published as a free dataset under CC BY 4.0 — use it in anything, commercial or not, as long as you credit 5best2buy. Browse the datasets →