Crispy Fried Gorditas with Carnitas

Crispy fried gorditas perfect for stuffing with carnitas and more.

A delightful recipe for making gorditas, which are thick, fried corn dough circles, perfect for stuffing with various fillings like carnitas, cheese, and vegetables. This version takes a playful twist on traditional corn tortillas and enhances them with a crispy exterior and a creamy interior.

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Full Ingredient List

  • 2 cups masa harina
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water
  • Oil for frying, such as corn or peanut
  • Cooked meat, shredded or chopped
  • Refried beans
  • Cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Lettuce
  • Tomato
  • Onion
  • Cilantro

Dough

Tools and Equipment

Ingredients

Quantity Name Preparation Notes Substitutions
2 cups masa harina 8 ounces by weight
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 1/4 cups warm water approximate
1 quart approximately Oil for frying enough to be at least 1 inch deep, like corn or peanut corn oil, peanut oil

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine masa harina, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Step 2: Add oil and about 1 cup of water. Stir to combine. Add enough water to make a dough that sticks together into a ball, but not so much that it sticks to your hands.
  3. Step 3: Divide dough into 4 pieces and pat each out to a circle about 4-5 inches across and 1/2 inch thick.
  4. Step 4: Cook on a hot, dry skillet over medium-high heat for 1 1/2 minutes on each side, or until lightly browned.
  5. Step 5: Heat the oil to 360-375 degrees and place gorditas in the hot oil. They will rise to the surface after about 2 minutes. Turn and cook for another 30 seconds. (Tips: Make sure the oil is at the right temperature to ensure crispiness.)
  6. Step 6: Allow gorditas to cool and drain on paper towels.
  7. Step 7: Split open along the side with a serrated knife. Fill with desired fillings and serve right away. (Tips: Be cautious when cutting to avoid injury.)

Fillings

Ingredients

Quantity Name Preparation Notes Substitutions
as desired Cooked meat shredded or chopped
as desired Refried beans
as desired Cheese Cotija cheese
as desired Sour cream
as desired Lettuce
as desired Tomato
as desired Onion
as desired Cilantro
to taste Salt
to taste Black pepper

Instructions

Nutritional Information

  • Calories: Not Provided
  • Protein: Not Provided
  • Fat: Not Provided
  • Carbohydrates: Not Provided
  • Fiber: Not Provided
  • Sugar: Not Provided

Additional Information

Notes: Feel free to experiment with various fillings to suit your taste. Gorditas are highly versatile and can accommodate both meat and vegetarian options.

Background: Gorditas, translating to little fatties, are a popular Mexican food often found in street markets, especially in Austin. They are thick corn tortillas split open to be stuffed with a variety of fillings.

Geographic Region: Mexico

Seasonality: All year round

Occasion: Perfect for casual gatherings or as a street food snack.

Recommended Pairings

  • Margaritas
  • Micheladas
  • Guacamole

Tags

Mexican Appetizer Snack Carnitas Taco Street Food Comfort Food Fried Stuffed Vegetarian Options Available Quick