Traditional Chalupa Recipe: Make Homemade Chalupas
Written by MasterClass
Last updated: Nov 8, 2024 • 1 min read
Learn how to make authentic Mexican chalupas, a crunchy appetizer from south-central Mexico.
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What Is a Chalupa?
Chalupas are a Mexican antojito, or snack, made from fried masa (corn dough) with a savory filling. The word chalupa comes from the Spanish word for shallop (or small sailboat), a reference to the masa cake’s concave shape. Chalupas can be thick (like sopes) or thin (like tostadas) and shaped like a torpedo or a small bowl. You can top chalupas with basic ingredients like salsa, cheese, lettuce, and meat.
What Fillings Are Best for Chalupas?
Popular chalupa fillings include shredded chicken or pork, chorizo, ground beef, refried beans, and eggs. Shredded lettuce, cheese, chopped raw onion, and salsa are common garnishes for this fried appetizer, and you can also add tomatoes, sour cream, and cheddar cheese.
Traditional Chalupa Recipe
makes
About 9 chalupasprep time
15 mintotal time
25 mincook time
10 minIngredients
- 1
In a large bowl, combine masa with 1 teaspoon oil, salt, and ⅔ cup water. Stir with a wooden spoon until a soft dough comes together. Knead the dough into a smooth mass, adding more water or oil if needed.
- 2
Use your hands to shape dough into 2-inch balls, then flatten each ball of dough into a disc with the palm of your hand. Use a wooden spoon to make a divot in the center of each disc, then shape the dough into a small boat.
- 3
Meanwhile, heat the oil. In a large cast-iron skillet, warm ½ cup oil over medium-high heat. When the oil starts to shimmer, add the chalupa shells. Fry until golden brown and crisp, about 1 minute, then use tongs to flip and continue to fry until the other side is golden brown.
- 4
Use tongs to transfer chalupa shells to a paper-towel-lined plate. Spread a spoonful of salsa into the center of each chalupa and top with chicken, lettuce, onion, and cotija cheese.
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