Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup water
- 8 corn tortillas
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomato, crumbled queso fresco, and avocado slices
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- Tongs
- Deep-fry thermometer
- Slotted spoon
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and chopped jalapeno pepper to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
4. Add the ground cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, chopped cilantro, and water to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the flavors have melded together.
5. While the beef mixture is cooking, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F on a deep-fry thermometer.
6. Using tongs, carefully place a corn tortilla in the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 1-2 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove the tortilla from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
7. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, frying one at a time, until all are crispy and golden brown.
8. To assemble the salbutes, place a spoonful of the ground beef mixture on top of each crispy tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, crumbled queso fresco, and avocado slices.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
Cooking temperature: Medium-high heat for the skillet and 375°F for the oil
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 460
Total fat: 28g
Saturated fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 910mg
Total carbohydrates: 26g
Dietary fiber: 4g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 25g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken.
- Vegetable oil can be substituted with canola oil or olive oil.
- Jalapeno pepper can be substituted with serrano pepper or poblano pepper.
- Corn tortillas can be substituted with flour tortillas or even pita bread.
Variations:
- Add some diced bell peppers or corn to the ground beef mixture for extra flavor and texture.
- Use shredded chicken or pork instead of ground beef.
- Make a vegetarian version by using crumbled tofu or tempeh instead of meat.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the tortillas to ensure they become crispy and golden brown.
- Drain the fried tortillas on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
- Serve with a side of salsa or hot sauce for extra flavor.
Storage instructions:
Leftover ground beef mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the ground beef mixture in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Reheat the tortillas in the oven or toaster oven until crispy.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the salbutes on a platter and garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges.
Garnishes:
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomato
- Crumbled queso fresco
- Avocado slices
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
Pairings:
- Mexican rice
- Refried beans
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Margaritas
Suggested side dishes:
- Black bean salad
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Cucumber and tomato salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the tortillas are not crispy enough, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying.
- If the ground beef mixture is too dry, add a little more water to the skillet to loosen it up.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the ground beef is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature of the oil to prevent it from overheating and causing a fire.
Food history:
Salbutes are a traditional Mayan dish from the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. They are typically made with a crispy fried tortilla topped with shredded chicken or turkey, lettuce, tomato, and avocado.
Flavor profiles:
This dish is savory and spicy with a crispy texture from the fried tortilla. The ground beef is seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and jalapeno pepper for a bold and flavorful filling.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the salbutes as an appetizer or main dish for a festive Mexican-inspired meal.
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Region: Mexican