What To Know
- The heat from the grill crisps the shells, creating a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft fillings.
- Indirect grilling involves placing the taco shells on the cooler side of the grill, away from the direct heat source.
- Keep a close eye on your taco shells while they’re grilling, as they can go from crispy to burnt in a matter of seconds.
Ah, the humble taco shell. It’s the cornerstone of countless delicious meals, from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. But have you ever considered grilling your taco shells? This simple technique elevates your taco game, transforming them from ordinary to extraordinary. Grilling imparts a smoky, slightly charred flavor that adds depth and complexity to your tacos, while also achieving a satisfyingly crispy texture.
The Magic of Grilled Taco Shells
Grilling taco shells is surprisingly easy and yields remarkable results. The heat from the grill crisps the shells, creating a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft fillings. Plus, the smoky aroma that permeates the shells adds a unique dimension to the overall flavor profile.
Choosing the Right Taco Shells
Not all taco shells are created equal when it comes to grilling. For the best results, choose hard corn taco shells. These shells are sturdy enough to withstand the heat of the grill without becoming soggy. Avoid soft flour tortillas, as they tend to become mushy and lose their shape when grilled.
Preparing Your Grill
Before you start grilling your taco shells, ensure your grill is preheated to medium heat. A clean grill is essential for preventing unwanted flavors from transferring to your shells. If you’re using a gas grill, preheat the burners to medium heat. For charcoal grills, use a chimney starter to get the coals glowing red-hot before distributing them evenly across the grill.
Grilling Techniques for Crispy Perfection
There are two main techniques for grilling taco shells: direct and indirect grilling.
Direct Grilling:
- Heat: Direct grilling involves placing the taco shells directly over the heat source, achieving a quick and crispy result.
- Time: This method typically takes 1-2 minutes per side.
- Result: The shells will have a more pronounced char and a crispier texture.
Indirect Grilling:
- Heat: Indirect grilling involves placing the taco shells on the cooler side of the grill, away from the direct heat source.
- Time: This method takes a bit longer, about 3-5 minutes per side.
- Result: The shells will be evenly cooked with a less pronounced char and a slightly softer texture.
Tips for Grilling Success
- Watch closely: Keep a close eye on your taco shells while they’re grilling, as they can go from crispy to burnt in a matter of seconds.
- Use tongs: Use tongs to carefully place and turn the shells on the grill to avoid breakage.
- Don’t overcrowd: Don’t overcrowd the grill, as this can cause the shells to steam instead of grill.
- Experiment with flavors: Get creative by brushing the shells with a little olive oil or melted butter before grilling. You can also sprinkle them with your favorite spices, like chili powder, cumin, or paprika.
Serving Your Grilled Taco Shells
Once your taco shells are perfectly grilled, remove them from the grill and let them cool slightly before filling. Be careful, as they will be hot!
For a truly satisfying experience, consider serving your grilled taco shells with a variety of toppings. From classic choices like ground beef, shredded cheese, and lettuce to more adventurous options like grilled shrimp, roasted vegetables, and salsa, the possibilities are endless.
Beyond the Basics: Grilled Taco Shell Variations
While the traditional taco shell is a classic, there are endless ways to get creative with your grilling. Here are a few variations to try:
- Grilled Soft Tacos: For a more pliable option, grill soft flour tortillas. These will develop a slight char and become slightly crispier without losing their flexibility.
- Grilled Taco Bowls: Grill large flour tortillas to create edible taco bowls. These are perfect for holding larger portions of your favorite fillings.
- Grilled Taco Bites: Cut taco shells into smaller pieces for fun and easy-to-eat appetizers.
The Final Bite: A Culinary Adventure Awaits
Grilling your taco shells is a simple yet transformative technique that elevates your taco experience. The smoky flavor, crispy texture, and endless possibilities for customization make it a fun and delicious way to enjoy your favorite taco fillings. So grab your grill, gather your ingredients, and prepare to embark on a culinary adventure!
What You Need to Know
1. Can I grill store-bought taco shells?
Yes, you can grill store-bought taco shells. Just make sure they are hard corn shells and not soft flour tortillas.
2. How long should I grill taco shells?
Grilling time will vary depending on the heat of your grill and the desired level of crispiness. As a general guide, direct grilling takes about 1-2 minutes per side, while indirect grilling takes 3-5 minutes per side.
3. What are some good toppings for grilled taco shells?
The possibilities are endless! Some popular choices include ground beef, shredded cheese, lettuce, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo. You can also get creative with grilled shrimp, roasted vegetables, or other flavorful ingredients.
4. Can I grill taco shells in the oven?
Yes, you can bake taco shells in the oven for a similar crispy texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the shells on a baking sheet, and bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until crispy.
5. What should I do if my taco shells get burnt?
If your taco shells start to burn, immediately remove them from the grill. You can try to salvage them by scraping off the burnt parts, but they may not be as crispy or flavorful as they could be.
