Looking for a mouthwatering snack or meal that will transport you straight to the heart of Mexico City? These deep-fried quesadillas are just what you need! Perfectly crispy on the outside, with a warm and gooey cheese filling inside, they are a true delight for anyone who loves authentic Mexican street food. Whether you’re craving a quick snack, a tasty lunch, or something to impress at a party, these quesadillas are sure to hit the spot. Plus, they’re easy to make at home, and you can customize the toppings to suit your taste.
In this recipe, we use Maseca (corn masa flour), a staple in Mexican cuisine, to create soft and chewy tortillas, which are then filled with mozzarella cheese and deep-fried to golden perfection. With fresh queso fresco, sour cream, and a drizzle of salsa, every bite offers a burst of flavor. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Maseca (corn masa flour)
- 1 3/4 cups warm water
- 1/2 tbsp salt
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Shredded lettuce
- Sour cream
- Queso fresco (fresh cheese)
- Salsa (your favorite variety for topping)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine Maseca and salt. Gradually add the warm water, a little at a time, stirring continuously. Continue to mix until the dough becomes soft, smooth, and pliable. The masa should not be too dry or too sticky. If you find the dough is too dry, add a bit more water, but be cautious not to add too much. The goal is to achieve the perfect consistency, where the dough holds together without cracking. Once you’re happy with the texture, cover the masa with a damp towel and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the dough to soften even more and makes it easier to shape.
2. Divide the masa into small portions, around 8-10 balls, depending on the size you want your quesadillas to be. Roll each ball into a smooth sphere. Use a tortilla press to flatten the dough into thin discs. If you don’t have a tortilla press, you can use a rolling pin. Make each tortilla about 6 inches in diameter—this gives enough space to fold the quesadilla over and seal in the filling. Aim for an even thickness to ensure a uniform fry.
3. Once the tortillas are pressed, place a small amount of shredded mozzarella cheese in the center of one half of each tortilla. Be generous with the cheese, but make sure not to overstuff. Fold the tortilla in half, creating a half-moon shape, and press down on the edges to seal them tightly. You can pinch the edges or use a fork to crimp the edges to ensure no cheese escapes while frying.
4. Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C), carefully place the prepared quesadillas into the oil. Fry them for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Make sure to flip them carefully using tongs, so they don’t break apart. The key is to get that beautiful golden color without overcooking or undercooking the quesadilla. Once both sides are crispy and golden, remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil.
5. Let the fried quesadillas cool for a few minutes. This helps the cheese set a bit, preventing it from spilling out when you cut them. Once slightly cooled, make a small cut at the fold of each quesadilla to open it up. Stuff it with shredded lettuce, a dollop of sour cream, queso fresco, and a drizzle of salsa.
Tips for the Perfect Deep-Fried Quesadillas:
- Customize the Filling: While mozzarella is a classic choice for these quesadillas, feel free to experiment with other cheeses, such as cheddar, Oaxaca cheese, or Monterey Jack. For added flavor, you can mix in some chopped green chilies, jalapeños, or even cooked ground beef or chicken.
- Resting the Dough: Don’t skip the step where you let the dough rest. It makes the masa easier to work with and ensures a smoother tortilla.
- Frying Temperature: The oil should be hot enough to fry the quesadillas quickly but not so hot that they burn. If the oil is too cold, the quesadillas will absorb more oil and become greasy.
- Serving Suggestions: These deep-fried quesadillas are fantastic on their own, but you can serve them with side dishes like Mexican rice, refried beans, or even a refreshing mango salsa for an added twist.
Why You’ll Love These Deep-Fried Quesadillas:
These deep-fried quesadillas are a perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and flavorful. The masa dough is soft and tender, while the melted cheese provides a rich, gooey texture that contrasts perfectly with the crispy outer layer. Topped with fresh toppings like lettuce, sour cream, and queso fresco, these quesadillas are sure to satisfy your cravings for authentic Mexican flavors.
Whether you enjoy them as a snack, lunch, or dinner, these quesadillas will be the star of any meal. Plus, they’re easily customizable to fit your personal tastes—making them a great dish to prepare for family or friends. Enjoy these delicious quesadillas on your next Mexican-themed feast or casual dinner!
Love this recipe? Find more tasty and cozy baking ideas on my Pinterest! Follow me here for inspiration: Pinterest – Feminologie.com
