Fry Bread For Navaho Tacos

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: Native American

Fry bread for Navajo tacos offers a crispy, golden exterior with soft, warm interior. Perfect for toppings like beans, chili, and fresh vegetables, appealing to family and friends.

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Ingredients

  • 4 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons powdered milk
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water

Instructions

  1. Sift dry ingredients together in a bowl.
  2. Add warm water slowly and mix until dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until smooth.
  4. Break off pieces the size of a small lemon from the dough.
  5. Roll each piece flat to 6 to 8 inches round.
  6. Fry in hot oil in a frying pan until golden brown on both sides.
  7. Top with refried beans or chili, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, hot sauce, or salsa.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy texture. If you don't have powdered milk, you can substitute with an equal amount of regular milk, adjusting the water slightly. If the dough feels too sticky, add a bit more flour until manageable. Consider using leftover fry bread as a base for Taco Scoop for a delicious twist!

Serving Suggestions

Serve fry bread hot, topped with your favorite ingredients such as refried beans, chili, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, hot sauce, or salsa. For a complete meal, pair with sides like Easy Southwest Dip or a fresh salad. It also makes a great base for vegetarian recipes, allowing you to customize toppings to your liking.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover fry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread chewy instead of crispy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Fry Bread For Navaho Tacos contains roughly 25 calories, with 1g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of calcium (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1483mg per serving (64% of the Daily Value).

25 kcal 1% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.6g 1% DV
Total Fat 0.4g
Carbs 5.1g 2% DV
Fiber 0.1g 1% DV
Sugar 0.4g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1482.5mg 64% DV
Potassium 10mg
Cholesterol 0.3mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.9mcg
Vitamin C 0mg
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 180.1mg 14% DV
Iron 0.6mg 3% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a few hours in advance. Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. When ready to use, simply knead it briefly before shaping and frying.

What type of oil is best for frying?

Peanut oil or vegetable oil are ideal for frying fry bread due to their high smoke points. Avoid using olive oil, as it has a lower smoke point and can affect the flavor and texture of the bread.

Can I freeze the fry bread?

Yes, fry bread can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven for best results.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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