Copycat Del Taco Fried Pickle Taco Recipe

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Have you ever had one of those foodie moments where you try something new and immediately think, “I need this in my life forever”? That’s exactly how I felt the first time I bit into a Del Taco Fried Pickle Taco. With its crispy, tangy fried pickle spear paired with creamy ranch sauce and fresh toppings, it felt like a fun twist on traditional taco flavors. But instead of heading to Del Taco every time the craving hits, I decided to get creative and come up with my homemade version of this mouthwatering delight.

How to make a Del Taco Fried Pickle Taco

The Del Taco Fried Pickle Taco is a limited‑time, bold mash‑up that hits select Southern California locations starting July 15 in celebration of National Pickle Month.

Ingredients

For the Fried Pickles:

• 4 large dill pickles (or pickle spears)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg, whisked
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Taco Assembly:

• 4 small flour tortillas (soft taco size)
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• ½ cup diced tomatoes
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (freshly grated for the best texture)
• ½ cup ranch dressing (or cilantro lime ranch for extra flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Pickles

1. Carefully pat the dill pickles dry with a paper towel. This step is important to keep the breading from slipping off!
2. Set up a breading station with 3 bowls: one for flour, one for whisked egg, and one for the panko breadcrumbs mixed with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.

Step 2: Coat and Fry the Pickles

1. Dip each pickle spear into the flour to coat it lightly. Shake off any excess.
2. Next, dip the pickle into the whisked egg, ensuring it is fully coated.
3. Finally, roll the pickle in the seasoned panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help the coating stick.
4. Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when it reaches 350°F (175°C) or when a small piece of bread dropped in the oil sizzles and turns golden brown.
5. Fry the breaded pickles until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even frying.
6. Remove the fried pickles from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Assemble the Tacos

1. Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for about 20 seconds.
2. Spread a spoonful of ranch dressing down the center of each tortilla.
3. Add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese to the tortilla.
4. Place a freshly fried pickle spear on top of the toppings.
5. Drizzle a little more ranch dressing on top if desired.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the tacos immediately while the fried pickles are still hot and crispy. Pair them with a side of fries, chips, or even a fresh salad to complete the meal!

Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Pickles: Use dill pickle spears for the authentic tangy flavor. Avoid sweet pickles, as they won’t replicate the same taste.
• Get the Coating Right: Make sure the pickles are as dry as possible before breading to help the coating stick.
• Experiment with Flavor: Add cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick or swap the ranch for chipotle mayo for an extra layer of flavor.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated cheddar, crisp lettuce, and ripe tomatoes make all the difference in the Del Taco Fried Pickle Tacos’s overall taste.
• Serve Immediately: Fried pickles are best enjoyed hot, as the coating will begin to soften over time.

What to serve with

Del Taco Fried Pickle Tacos are fun, flavorful, and crispy, which makes them the perfect dish to pair with sides that complement their tangy and savory profile.

a. Seasoned French Fries: French fries go hand-in-hand with tacos, especially if they are seasoned with spices like paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder for a zesty kick. Bake or fry the fries, and serve them with a ranch, chipotle mayo, or ketchup dipping sauce. If you want to match the Del Taco vibe, sprinkle some freshly grated cheddar cheese or serve them smothered with nacho cheese sauce.

b. Mexican Rice: The tasty blend of tomato, garlic, onion, and spices in Mexican rice makes it a fitting side dish. The warm, fluffy rice contrasts beautifully with the crunchiness of the fried pickles in the taco, while also adding a bit of traditional Mexican flair to the meal.

c. Refried Beans or Black Beans: Creamy refried beans or seasoned black beans make a hearty companion to the Del Taco Fried Pickle Tacos. Serve them topped with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of cilantro. For extra flavor, mix in some lime juice or spices like cumin and chili powder.

d. Side Salad: A refreshing side salad can balance the rich flavors of fried pickles. Opt for a simple Southwest salad with fresh greens, corn, tomatoes, avocado, and tortilla strips, drizzled with a cilantro lime dressing or creamy chipotle ranch.

e. Sweet Corn Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Charred corn-on-the-cob slathered with mayo, crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder, and fresh lime juice is a vibrant and flavorful addition to any taco meal. You can even serve elote “off-the-cob” as esquites (corn salad) for easier eating.

Ingredients Substitutes

The Del Taco Fried Pickle Taco is a unique food creation and typically incorporates ingredients such as fried pickles, seasoned meat, shredded lettuce, creamy sauces, and a taco shell for a crunchy, flavorful experience.

1. Fried Pickles

Fried pickles are the star of this dish. They add a tangy and crispy element, but there are alternatives if needed:

Substitutes:

• Fresh Pickles: If you want a healthier option, use fresh pickles without frying. They add crunch and tanginess without the oil.
• Pan-Toasted Pickles: For a less calorie-dense option, lightly toast pickle slices on a non-stick skillet to mimic crunch.
• Zucchini Chips: Bread and fry thin slices of zucchini to replace pickle chips. Zucchini has a similar texture and is a healthier alternative.
• Eggplant Chips: Slice the eggplant thinly, bread it, and bake or fry for a similar fried texture with a milder flavour.

2. Seasoned Meat

Most recipes for this taco use seasoned ground beef or chicken. Substitutes can help cater to vegan, vegetarian, or healthier lifestyles:

Substitutes:

• Plant-Based Meat: Use vegetarian ground beef alternatives like Beyond Meat or Impossible Meat. Season it with taco spices for a similar flavor profile.
• Beans: Black beans or lentils are great protein-packed substitutes. Mash them with spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic for extra flavor.
• Mushrooms: Sauté chopped mushrooms as a meat alternative. Their umami flavor blends well with taco spices.
• Tempeh or Tofu: Crumble tempeh or pressed tofu and season it with traditional taco spices for a plant-based filling.

3. Taco Shells

A classic taco uses crunchy or soft taco shells. Depending on availability or dietary needs, you can substitute this component.

Substitutes:

• Lettuce Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves to make the taco low-carb and gluten-free.
• Flatbread or Pita: Use flatbread or pita bread if you prefer a softer wrap-style taco.
• Jicama Slices: Thinly slice jicama to create a naturally sweet and low-calorie alternative to taco shells.
• Cheese Shells: Melt shredded cheese into a circle and let it cool to form a crispy cheese shell – perfect for keto diets.

4. Creamy Sauce

The sauce is crucial for flavor and creamy texture in the taco. If you don’t have access to the traditional sauce or need a healthier version, consider these substitutes:

Substitutes:

• Greek Yogurt: Use Greek yogurt as a replacement for sour cream or mayonnaise-based sauces. Add lime juice, garlic powder, and taco seasoning for flavor.
• Hummus: Spread a layer of hummus for a creamy texture with added protein.
• Avocado Crema: Blend avocado, lime juice, and a pinch of salt for a dairy-free, creamy topping.
• Cashew Cream: For a vegan substitute, soak cashews and blend them with garlic, lemon juice, and water to create a rich, nutty sauce.

5. Lettuce

Shredded iceberg lettuce is commonly used, but you can switch it out for alternatives.

Substitutes:

• Cabbage: Shredded cabbage provides similar crunch and can be used raw.
• Spinach or Arugula: For a boost of nutrients, use spinach or arugula as your greenery.
• Kale: Massaged kale offers a heartier texture and extra fiber.

Final Thoughts

With these substitutes, you can easily adapt the ingredients in the Del Taco Fried Pickle Taco to suit your dietary requirements, tastes, and preferences.

More Pickle Recipes:

• Copycat KFC Fried Pickles Recipe