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5.0 from 9 votes

Mexican Huaraches Recipe

Huaraches (food) are a traditional Mexican dish made from a thick oblong-shaped masa base topped with refried beans, meat, cheese, and salsa.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 321 kcal
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

For the meat
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 ½ pound beef chuck steak, diced into small bite-sized cubes
  • ¼ onion, thinly sliced (white or yellow)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the huaraches
  • 2 cups masa harina, plus more as needed
  • 1 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1 ½ cups water, plus more as needed
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (optional)
For serving
  • refried beans, warmed
  • salsa roja or your favorite hot sauce
  • Salsa verde or guacamole salsa
  • Diced avocados
  • Crumbled cotija cheese or queso fresco

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Make the meat: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak, onion, garlic, salt, and black pepper and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is no longer pink. Remove from heat and cover until ready to serve.
  2. Prep the huarache dough: Combine the masa harina and salt in a large bowl. Stir in the water until a dough forms.
  3. Using your hands, knead the dough until it fully comes together and all the water is absorbed. To make sure it’s ready, grab a small piece and roll it into a ball. Press down on it with a finger. If the edges of the dough crack, the dough is too dry. If the dough sticks to your skin, it’s too wet. Add more water or masa harina as necessary.
  4. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions, then roll each portion into balls and cover them with a clean damp cloth or plastic wrap to keep the dough moist while you press and cook the huaraches.
  5. Prep a griddle or skillet: Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
  6. Shape the huarache dough: Roll each dough portion into a 5 to 6-inch log. Working one at a time, place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap and flatten gently with a tortilla press, a heavy glass baking dish, or the palm of your hand until it’s about ¼-inch thick. Using your hands, shape the flattened dough into an oblong shape so that it looks like the outline of a sandal. Carefully peel the plastic wrap or parchment paper back and transfer the huarache to your hand.
  7. Cook: Cooking 1 or 2 at a time, place the huarache on the hot griddle and cook for 1 minute, or until light brown spots appear on the bottom. Flip and cook the other side for 1 more minute. You can eat the huaraches like this or continue to fry them for a crispier and more delicious dish.
  8. Fry (optional): Fill a large sauté pan or deep skillet with about 1 inch of oil and heat over medium-high heat until the temperature reaches 350°F. (To test, drop a small piece of dough in the oil. If it sizzles, it's ready.) Cooking in batches, carefully add 1 or 2 huaraches into the frying oil and fry for about 1 minute per side until golden brown. Transfer them to a large plate or baking sheet lined with paper towels to soak up any excess oil.
  9. Assemble and serve: Spread a spoonful of warm refried beans onto each huarache, then top with the cooked meat. Drizzle with salsa roja or your favorite hot sauce, salsa verde or guacamole salsa, diced avocados, and crumbled cotija cheese or queso fresco.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serving Calories 321kcal (16%) Carbohydrates 22g (7%) Protein 19g (38%) Fat 18g (28%) Saturated Fat 6g (30%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Monounsaturated Fat 9g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 58mg (19%) Sodium 643mg (27%) Potassium 376mg (11%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 0.2g (0%) Vitamin A 75IU (2%) Vitamin C 0.5mg (1%) Calcium 55mg (6%) Iron 4mg (22%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 321

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving
Calories 321kcal 16%
Carbohydrates 22g 7%
Protein 19g 38%
Fat 18g 28%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 9g 45%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 58mg 19%
Sodium 643mg 27%
Potassium 376mg 8%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 0.2g 0%
Vitamin A 75IU 2%
Vitamin C 0.5mg 1%
Calcium 55mg 6%
Iron 4mg 22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.