The Steak Chalupa Supreme from Taco Bell features tender seasoned steak, crisp lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and cool sour cream all nestled inside a flaky, golden chalupa shell, delivering a satisfying blend of savory, fresh, and creamy flavors with a crispy texture.
Equipments
- Grill or stovetop skillet
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese grater
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Deep fryer or heavy saucepan
- Tongs
- Plate or tray
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) flank steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for shell)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening
- 2/3 cup whole milk
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1 medium tomato
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
When preparing the Steak Chalupa Supreme, use flank steak for its tenderness and flavor, seasoning it with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to achieve an authentic taste. Ensure the chalupa shell is flaky and golden by incorporating baking powder, baking soda, and vegetable shortening in the dough, and frying it in vegetable oil until crisp. Fresh ingredients like shredded iceberg lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream provide the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Use whole milk to create a soft, pliable dough that folds well around the fillings. Your homemade Steak Chalupa Supreme from the Taco Bell copycat menu will closely replicate the satisfying blend of savory, fresh, and creamy elements found in the original.
Instructions
- Marinate steak with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook steak to desired doneness; let rest, then slice thinly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt for the chalupa shell.
- Cut in vegetable shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in whole milk to form a soft dough.
- Divide dough into equal portions and roll into balls.
- Flatten each ball into a round disc, about ¼ inch thick.
- Heat vegetable oil in deep fryer or heavy saucepan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry each dough disc until golden and puffed, turning once.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Grate cheddar cheese.
- Shred iceberg lettuce.
- Dice tomato.
- Place chalupa shell on plate or tray.
- Layer with steak, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and sour cream.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Steak Chalupa Supreme from Taco Bell copycat menu can be easily customized by substituting flank steak with skirt steak or sirloin for similar tenderness and flavor. If you don't have a deep fryer, pan-frying the chalupa shells in a heavy skillet with vegetable oil will yield a crisp texture. When seasoning the steak, you can adjust chili powder and cumin quantities to suit your preferred spice level. To replicate the melted cheese topping, grate cheddar cheese fresh for better melting and flavor. Using a sharp chef's knife will help you finely dice tomatoes and shred lettuce precisely for the perfect fresh topping consistency in your chalupa.
Tips
Be sure to let the cooked flank steak rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing to retain its juiciness and maximize flavor. Maintain the vegetable oil temperature at a consistent 350degF (175degC) when frying the chalupa shells to ensure they become golden and crispy without absorbing excess oil. Use a sharp chef's knife and a stable cutting board for safely dicing tomatoes and slicing lettuce finely, which enhances the overall texture. Your chalupa assembly is best served immediately to keep the shell crisp while enjoying the combination of warm steak, fresh lettuce, and creamy sour cream.
Nutritions
The Steak Chalupa Supreme provides a balanced mix of protein from 8 oz of flank steak and calcium from 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of sour cream. The chalupa shell, made from all-purpose flour and fried in vegetable oil, contributes carbohydrates and fats, offering a crispy texture. Fresh vegetables like shredded iceberg lettuce and diced tomatoes add dietary fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, enhancing nutritional value. You can enjoy a hearty meal that supports muscle maintenance and delivers essential nutrients with every bite.
Storage
Store any leftover seasoned flank steak in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Keep shredded cheddar cheese and chopped vegetables in separate sealed containers with lids, and place them in the refrigerator for up to three days. Your chalupa shells are best stored wrapped in foil or plastic wrap at room temperature for up to one day to preserve their crispness before use.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap flank steak for skirt steak or sirloin for a slightly different texture and flavor in your chalupa. Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to add a tangy twist with added protein. For a vegetarian option, replace steak with seasoned grilled portobello mushrooms or crumbled tofu marinated in similar spices. Try baking the chalupa shells instead of frying for a lighter, less oily version without compromising the crispiness.
Allergies
The Steak Chalupa Supreme contains dairy ingredients like shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream, which can trigger allergic reactions in individuals with milk allergies or lactose intolerance. The chalupa shell is made with all-purpose flour, posing a risk for those with gluten or wheat allergies. You should also be cautious if you have sensitivities to spices such as chili powder or cumin used in seasoning the flank steak.
Why this recipe?
Steak Chalupa Supreme at Taco Bell combines tender, seasoned steak with crisp lettuce, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and cool sour cream inside a flaky, golden chalupa shell, creating a satisfying blend of textures and flavors. Fans appreciate the balance between smoky steak and fresh vegetables, enhanced by the creamy tang of sour cream, making it a crave-worthy menu item. Making a copycat version allows you to customize the seasoning and ingredients to your taste while enjoying the indulgent, restaurant-quality experience at home. This dish is worth trying because it offers a unique, flavorful twist on traditional tacos that appeals to both Steak lovers and fast-food enthusiasts.