Panuchos (Yucatecan Stuffed Fried Tortillas)
In short: Fried masa tortillas stuffed with black bean paste, topped with shredded chicken, lettuce, tomato, avocado and pickled red onion. It takes about 1 h 10 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 40 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Total
- 1 h 10 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 520 kcal
Panuchos are a snack from Yucatán, similar to tacos but with a twist: a corn tortilla is split open, stuffed with a thin layer of refried black beans, then fried until puffed and crisp. Shredded turkey or chicken, lettuce, tomato, avocado and pickled red onion go on top. They are sold at markets and fondas in Mérida and eaten with a spoonful of habanero salsa. Salbutes are the same idea without the bean filling.
Instructions
- Pour boiling water over the sliced onion, wait 10 seconds and drain. Toss with the lime juice, orange juice, oregano and salt and leave for at least 30 minutes.
- Mix the masa harina, salt and warm water and knead for 2 minutes until soft and smooth. Rest for 10 minutes. Divide into 12 balls.
- Press each ball into a round about 11 cm (4 1/2 in) wide, between plastic sheets. Cook on a hot dry griddle for about 1 minute per side until it begins to puff.
- While each tortilla is still hot, slit one edge about 5 cm (2 in) with the tip of a paring knife to open a pocket. Spread a spoonful of black beans inside and press the pocket shut.
- Toss the chicken with the lime juice, oregano and salt.
- Heat 1 cm (1/2 in) of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the panuchos for 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
- Top each with chicken, lettuce, tomato, avocado and pickled onion. Serve right away, with habanero salsa on the side.
Tips
- Slit the tortillas while they are hot and puffed. Cooled masa tears instead of opening cleanly. Work with a thin knife tip, not the blade.
- For salbutes, skip the beans and slit. Fry the puffed tortillas as they are and pile the toppings on top.
Questions and answers
What is the difference between panuchos and salbutes?
Panuchos are stuffed with refried black beans before frying. Salbutes are puffed, fried tortillas with the toppings only on top and no bean filling.
Can I prepare panuchos ahead of time?
Yes. Cook and stuff the tortillas up to a day ahead and refrigerate them. Fry just before serving so they are crisp.
What meat is traditional on panuchos?
Shredded turkey cooked in a spiced broth is common in Yucatán. Cochinita pibil pork and shredded chicken are also very popular.
How long does it take to make Panuchos (Yucatecan Stuffed Fried Tortillas)?
About 1 h 10 min in total: 40 min of preparation and 30 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Panuchos (Yucatecan Stuffed Fried Tortillas)?
About 520 kcal per serving, with 30 g of protein, 55 g of carbohydrates and 20 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 520 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 12 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 1100 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
