These Crispy Beef Tacos are a flavour-packed twist on classic tacos, golden, crunchy tortillas filled with spicy, juicy beef, a tangy garlic yogurt sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. The filling takes inspiration from South Asian-style kebab flavours, making it a fusion dish that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s one of those dinners that’s perfect for casual nights, quick to prepare, and guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Crispy & cheesy: Each taco shell turns golden and crunchy with a gooey cheese pull inside.
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Flavour-packed beef filling: Inspired by kebab-style spices for a unique fusion twist.
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Simple prep: Marinate, cook, assemble and dinner is ready in under 45 minutes.
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Customisable: Works with chicken or paneer, and can be made spicier or milder.
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Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or game night.
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling
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500 g beef mince
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1 tsp ginger garlic paste
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3 tbsp Shan Seekh Kebab Masala
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1 tsp each: coriander powder, cumin powder, paprika powder
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2 tsp Shan Tikka Masala
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1 tbsp chopped coriander
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2 tsp tomato paste
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2 tsp mustard sauce
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1 green chilli, chopped
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3–4 tbsp oil (for cooking)
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1 onion, chopped
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½ cup water
For the Salad
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1 onion, thinly sliced
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1 tomato, thinly sliced
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Fresh coriander, chopped
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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Lemon juice, to taste
For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
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4 tbsp yogurt
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1 tbsp mayonnaise
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1 tbsp heavy cream
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1 garlic clove, grated
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2 tsp olive oil
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1 tsp lemon juice
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Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Mixture
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1 cup yellow cheddar, grated
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1 cup mozzarella, grated
For Assembly
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1–2 tbsp olive oil (for greasing the pan)
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12 mini tortillas
Instructions
Prepare the Beef Filling
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In a bowl, combine beef mince, ginger garlic paste, Shan Seekh Kebab Masala, coriander, cumin, paprika, Shan Tikka Masala, chopped coriander, tomato paste, mustard sauce, and green chilli.
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Mix well and let marinate for 15 minutes.
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In a pan, heat oil and sauté the chopped onion until softened and lightly browned.
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Add the marinated beef and cook until the meat changes colour.
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Add ½ cup water and cook on high heat for 5–7 minutes, until the mixture is dry but still slightly saucy.
Prepare the Salad & Sauce
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In a bowl, toss together onion, tomato, coriander, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
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For the garlic yogurt sauce, whisk together yogurt, mayonnaise, cream, grated garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble the Tacos
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Grease a skillet or non-stick pan lightly with olive oil and heat over medium flame.
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Place a tortilla on the pan, sprinkle some of the cheese mixture, and add a spoonful of the cooked beef filling on one side.
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Fold the tortilla in half, pressing lightly.
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Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, with melted cheese inside.
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Repeat for all tortillas.
Serve
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Serve hot with the fresh salad and garlic yogurt sauce on the side.
Storage & Reheating Tips
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Storing: Store the beef filling separately in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat the beef in a skillet with a splash of water; re-crisp tacos in a dry pan or oven.
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Make ahead: You can prepare the beef and sauce in advance and assemble fresh before serving.
Crispy Beef Tacos
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling
- 500 g beef mince
- 1 tsp ginger garlic paste
- 3 tbsp Shan Seekh Kebab Masala
- 1 tsp each: coriander powder cumin powder, paprika powder
- 2 tsp Shan Tikka Masala
- 1 tbsp chopped coriander
- 2 tsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp mustard sauce
- 1 green chilli chopped
- 3 –4 tbsp oil for cooking
- 1 onion chopped
- ½ cup water
For the Salad
- 1 onion thinly sliced
- 1 tomato thinly sliced
- Fresh coriander chopped
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Lemon juice to taste
For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- 4 tbsp yogurt
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 garlic clove grated
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup yellow cheddar grated
- 1 cup mozzarella grated
For Assembly
- 1 –2 tbsp olive oil for greasing the pan
- 12 mini tortillas
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine beef mince, ginger garlic paste, Shan Seekh Kebab Masala, coriander, cumin, paprika, Shan Tikka Masala, chopped coriander, tomato paste, mustard sauce, and green chilli.
- Mix well and let marinate for 15 minutes.
- In a pan, heat oil and sauté the chopped onion until softened and lightly browned.
- Add the marinated beef and cook until the meat changes colour.
- Add ½ cup water and cook on high heat for 5–7 minutes, until the mixture is dry but still slightly saucy.
- In a bowl, toss together onion, tomato, coriander, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- For the garlic yogurt sauce, whisk together yogurt, mayonnaise, cream, grated garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Grease a skillet or non-stick pan lightly with olive oil and heat over medium flame.
- Place a tortilla on the pan, sprinkle some of the cheese mixture, and add a spoonful of the cooked beef filling on one side.
- Fold the tortilla in half, pressing lightly.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, with melted cheese inside.
- Repeat for all tortillas.
- Serve hot with the fresh salad and garlic yogurt sauce on the side.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
A. Yes, minced chicken or turkey works perfectly. Adjust cooking time as leaner meats cook faster.
Q. How do I make the tacos extra crispy?
A. Make sure to cook them on medium heat with a light brush of oil, too much oil makes them soggy.
Q. Can I bake the tacos instead of frying?
A. Yes, brush with oil and bake at 200°C for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway for even crisping.
Q. What if I can’t find Shan spices?
A. Substitute with a mix of garam masala, red chilli powder, and a bit of cumin and coriander powder for a similar flavour.
Q. Can I freeze the filling?
A. Yes, the cooked beef filling freezes well for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat before assembling tacos.
