There are numerous methods to create this well-liked Mexican delicacy. Today, we’re unveiling the most straightforward way you can craft it in your own kitchen.
Flautas (translated as “flutes” in English) are crafted from rolled tortillas that are stuffed and deep-fried, resulting in a delightful savory tube-shaped delight! The stuffing typically comprises of shredded chicken or beef, Mexican chili peppers, and cheese. When presenting this dish to guests, you can garnish it with iceberg lettuce, sliced tomatoes, sliced avocados, onions, sour cream, cotija, or queso fresco. Alternatively, you can keep it simple by pairing it with your preferred salsa choice.
Comparison Between Taquitos and Flautas
Distinguishing between the two can be tricky, particularly if it’s your maiden experience savoring the dish. Nonetheless, there exists a subtle contrast between a taquito and a flauta.
Taquitos generally have a smaller length compared to flautas, easily noticeable when aligned side by side. While they commonly share the same fillings, taquitos are flatter than flautas as they are loosely rolled. Furthermore, taquitos require less oil for frying in contrast to flautas, which necessitate a greater oil quantity to maintain their shape.
In spite of that, these terms are often used interchangeably because ultimately, once you relish the delectable taste, the name becomes insignificant.
Steps to Prepare Flautas
Now that we’ve explored what flautas are, let’s proceed to their preparation!
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time | Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 20 – 30 minutes | 30 – 40 minutes | Makes 16 flautas, Serves 8 |
Necessary Ingredients For Flautas
To prepare your initial batch of flautas, you’ll require the following components:
For the Filling
Flauta fillings usually comprise chicken or beef. If you’re unsure where to source the appropriate meat for your flauta, Crowd Cow is a good starting point for high-quality beef. In this instance, we’ll opt for chicken, given its ease and quick cooking process.
You will need:
- 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/2 medium yellow onion
- 1 medium tomato, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
Guidelines:
Step 1: Place the chicken in a pot along with the remaining filling ingredients and cover them with water, ensuring the chicken is submerged by 1 inch.
Step 2: Place the pot on the stove and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Let it cook for approximately 20 minutes before turning off the heat.
Step 3: Let the chicken cool down. Once it’s cool enough to handle, shred it using two forks on a cutting board and set aside.
For the Flautas:
- Corn tortillas
- Toothpicks
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Shredded lettuce
- Sour cream
- Sliced avocado
Instructions:
- Warm the tortillas in the oven or microwave to make them more pliable when rolling. Do this for about 10 to 15 seconds.
- Spread 1 tbsp of the shredded filling evenly on one edge of the tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly over the filling and secure it with a toothpick to prevent the filling from spilling out.
- Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven to a temperature of 375°F. Use tongs to lower the flautas into the hot oil one by one. Each flauta needs about 2 to 4 minutes to cook.
- Preheat the oven to 200°F. Line a baking sheet with paper towels.
- Place the cooked flautas carefully on the baking sheet and keep them in the oven for additional cooking.
- Serve them warm with sour cream, avocado slices, shredded lettuce, onions, or queso fresco!
Final Remarks
This isn’t the sole method to prepare flautas. There is a multitude of other resources online that offer various versions. Nonetheless, this recipe is the most straightforward you will come across.
If you feel any crucial details were omitted from this guide, let us know by commenting below. Also, make sure to share this recipe with your acquaintances to relish it at your next get-together!
