The Fiesta Platter from El Torito features a vibrant assortment of crispy taquitos, spicy jalapeno poppers, golden quesadillas, and savory guacamole, artfully arranged to deliver a colorful and flavorful Tex-Mex appetizer experience.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Fry baskets
- Tongs
- Sheet pans
- Baking sheet
- Oven
- Skillet or griddle
- Spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Serving platter
- Slotted spoon
Ingredients
- **Crispy Taquitos**
- 1 lb (450g) cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 12 small corn tortillas
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Salt
- **Spicy Jalapeno Poppers**
- 10 fresh jalapenos
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 slices bacon
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- **Golden Quesadillas**
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Vegetable oil or butter
- **Savory Guacamole**
- 3 ripe avocados
- 1 small tomato
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 lime
- Salt
- Black pepper
- **Garnishes (Optional)**
- Sour cream
- Salsa
Ensure your jalapenos for the spicy poppers are fresh and firm to avoid bitterness, and consider removing seeds for milder heat. Use ripe avocados with no dark spots for the creamiest guacamole, balancing with fresh lime juice and salt for optimal flavor. When preparing taquitos, warm the corn tortillas slightly to prevent cracking during rolling. Choose a good quality Mexican blend cheese for quesadillas to enhance the authentic taste and meltability. Your Fiesta Platter from El Torito copycat menu will shine with these ingredient tips, delivering vibrant Tex-Mex appetizers.
Instructions
- Preheat the deep fryer to 350°F (175°C) and prepare fry baskets.
- Prepare taquito filling: In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, and salsa.
- Warm corn tortillas to make them pliable.
- Place filling in tortillas, roll tightly, and secure if necessary.
- Fry taquitos in batches until golden and crispy; drain on a sheet pan lined with paper towels. Season with salt.
- Prepare jalapeno poppers: Halve and deseed jalapenos.
- In a bowl, combine cream cheese and cheddar cheese.
- Fill jalapenos with cheese mixture and wrap each with bacon.
- Dredge stuffed jalapenos in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Fry jalapeno poppers until golden; drain on a sheet pan with paper towels.
- Assemble quesadillas: Sprinkle cheese, green onions, and cilantro on half of each flour tortilla.
- Fold tortillas over and cook on a lightly oiled skillet or griddle over medium heat, flipping with a spatula until both sides are golden and cheese is melted.
- Cut quesadillas into wedges.
- Make guacamole: In a bowl, mash avocados. Stir in chopped tomato, onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and black pepper.
- Arrange crispy taquitos, jalapeno poppers, and quesadilla wedges on a serving platter.
- Serve guacamole in a bowl, placed on or beside the platter.
- Garnish platter with sour cream and salsa as desired.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Fiesta Platter from El Torito copycat menu offers a delightful mix of crispy taquitos, spicy jalapeno poppers, golden quesadillas, and savory guacamole, perfect for a Tex-Mex appetizer spread. When preparing crispy taquitos, you can substitute cooked shredded chicken with cooked ground beef or beans for a vegetarian option. If fresh jalapenos are too spicy or unavailable, mild peppers like poblano can be used to adjust heat levels in the poppers. For frying, vegetable oil is preferred, but canola or peanut oil work well as alternatives due to their high smoke points. Your quesadillas can be cooked on a skillet or griddle if an oven is not accessible, ensuring even melting of Mexican blend cheese and a crispy tortilla exterior.
Tips
Ensure the deep fryer oil is heated to a consistent 350degF (175degC) before frying taquitos and jalapeno poppers to achieve optimal crispiness without greasiness. When rolling taquitos, warm your corn tortillas to prevent cracking, allowing a tight roll that holds the filling securely. Avoid overcrowding the fry baskets to maintain even cooking and avoid oil temperature drops, which can lead to soggy textures. Remember to season taquitos immediately after frying while hot, enhancing flavor absorption for your Fiesta Platter.
Nutritions
The Fiesta Platter offers a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates, with chicken and cheese providing essential protein and calcium. Avocados in the guacamole are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and offer fiber, potassium, and vitamins C and E. Fried elements like taquitos and jalapeno poppers contribute to higher calorie content and fats, so moderation is key for your dietary needs. Incorporating garnishes like salsa and lime juice can add flavor without extra calories, helping you enjoy a flavorful and satisfying appetizer.
Storage
Store any leftover crispy taquitos, jalapeno poppers, and quesadilla wedges in airtight containers to maintain their freshness and prevent sogginess. Refrigerate the savory guacamole in a separate sealed container, pressing plastic wrap directly onto its surface to minimize browning. When reheating, use an oven or skillet to restore crispness to the fried items, ensuring your Fiesta Platter remains flavorful and enjoyable.
Variation or Alternatives
To vary the Fiesta Platter, swap shredded chicken in the taquitos with seasoned ground beef or black beans for a vegetarian option. Instead of deep frying jalapeno poppers, bake them in the oven at 400degF (200degC) for 20 minutes to reduce oil content without sacrificing flavor. For quesadillas, add sauteed mushrooms or grilled vegetables alongside the cheese and green onions to enhance texture and nutritional value. Your serving experience can be elevated by offering spicy chipotle salsa or a tangy cilantro-lime crema as alternative dipping sauces.
Allergies
The Fiesta Platter contains multiple common allergens such as dairy from the Monterey Jack, cheddar, cream cheese, and Mexican blend cheeses, as well as gluten found in the all-purpose flour, flour tortillas, and breadcrumbs. You should be cautious if you have allergies to chicken, eggs, or avocados, as these are also key ingredients in the platter. Cross-contact with nuts is unlikely based on the listed ingredients, but always verify with the restaurant regarding their kitchen practices.
Why this recipe?
The Fiesta Platter at El Torito is adored for its vibrant combination of authentic Mexican flavors, including perfectly seasoned grilled meats, fresh guacamole, and zesty salsa. Its diverse ingredients offer a balanced mix of textures and tastes, pleasing a wide range of palates. Making a copycat version allows you to customize the spice levels and ingredient freshness to suit Your preferences, delivering a restaurant-quality experience at home. This dish's rich, bold flavors make it an irresistible choice for anyone craving a festive and satisfying meal.