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Four crispy mashed potato tacos on a sheet of white paper with a couple lime wedges on the side.
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5 / 4 votes

Crispy Mashed Potato Tacos

These crispy mashed potato tacos, filled with crunchy cabbage, creamy mashed potatoes, fresh pico de gallo, and cilantro, are unconventional yet absolutely delicious.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Mains
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 to 6 servings
Calories: 461

Ingredients

For the mashed potatoes

  • 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch (2.5-cm) chunks
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 1/2 oz), or as needed 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream or milk, or as needed
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the pico de gallo

  • 3/4 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • Juice of 1/2 lime
  • 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
  • Salt

For the mashed potato tacos

  • 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
  • Ten to twelve (6-inch) corn tortillas
  • Shredded red cabbage
  • 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
  • Fresh cilantro leaves
  • Lime wedges
US - Metric

Instructions

Make the mashed potatoes

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook until fork tender, 20 to 25 minutes.
  • Drain the potatoes and transfer them to a large bowl. Place the pot used for cooking the potatoes over medium-high heat and warm 2 tablespoons butter until melted. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, 30 to 45 seconds. Remove from the heat.
  • Add the potatoes, 1 tablespoon butter, sour cream or milk, cumin, chili powder, and salt and mash until the potatoes are creamy and smooth. Taste and, if desired, add more butter, sour cream or milk, and/or spices and salt.

Make the pico de gallo

  • While the potatoes are cooking, make the pico de gallo. In a medium bowl, combine the tomatoes, red onion, lime juice, and cilantro and stir to combine. Season with salt to taste.

Assemble the mashed potato tacos

  • In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, warm the oil. Spread about 1/4 cup of the mashed potatoes on one side of each tortilla and fold in half to create tacos.

    ☞ TESTER TIP: Before assembling your tacos, warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 20 seconds to make them softer and more pliable.

  • Working in batches, add a few tacos to the skillet, pressing down on the top of each for about 10 seconds to set its shape. Continue to cook until the underside is golden and crisp, 2 to 3 minutes. Carefully flip with a small spatula and repeat on the other side.
  • Carefully tuck some pico de gallo, cabbage, cotija, and cilantro in each taco. Serve immediately with the lime wedges on the side.

Nutrition

Serving: 1portion | Calories: 461kcal | Carbohydrates: 72g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 557mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 4g