Craving those iconic fast-food tacos? You’re in luck because this recipe brings all the familiar flavors of Jack In The Box beef tacos right to your kitchen.
With simple ingredients like ground beef, chili powder, and Worcestershire sauce, you can whip up a batch of these tasty tacos anytime.
The secret lies in the unique blend of spices and the special taco sauce that mirrors the original. It’s all about the perfect mix of texture and taste without the need to step out of your home.
Perfect for a fun family dinner or a late-night snack, this recipe is as easy as it gets.
Why You’ll Love This Jack In The Box Beef Tacos Copycat Recipe
Simple Ingredients
You’ll appreciate the straightforward list of ingredients needed for this recipe. From ground beef to common pantry spices, everything is easy to find and likely already in your kitchen. No need for any exotic or hard-to-source items!
A Fun Project
While this isn’t your quickest recipe, the process is engaging and perfect for a cooking adventure. It’s a great way to spend some quality time in the kitchen, whether you’re cooking alone or involving the whole family.
Authentic Taste
Enjoy the classic taste of Jack In The Box tacos from the comfort of your home. This recipe replicates the unique flavors that make these tacos a favorite, ensuring you get that authentic fast-food experience every time.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These tacos are versatile! They’re perfect for a casual dinner, a family gathering, or even a late-night snack. Their familiar taste and easy prep make them suitable for any event or occasion.
Tips and Tricks for Jack In The Box Beef Tacos Copycat Recipe
Freezing for Authentic Texture
For tacos that truly mimic the texture of Jack In The Box tacos, make sure to freeze them before frying. This step solidifies the filling, ensuring it doesn’t spill out during frying and contributes to the crispy exterior with a warm, juicy center.
Achieving the Perfect Fold
Getting the fold right is key to ensuring your tacos hold their shape and filling. Fill the tortillas sparingly and fold them gently to avoid tears. Using a taco press while frying can help maintain this shape and prevent the tacos from opening up in the oil.
Spice Adjustment
Since everyone’s spice tolerance varies, feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and chili powder to suit your taste. Start with a smaller amount and increase gradually to find your ideal level of heat without overwhelming the other flavors.
Sauce Preparation
To ensure the sauce blends smoothly and thickens properly, mix the cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry before adding it to the rest of the sauce ingredients. This prevents clumping and helps achieve a smooth, consistent sauce.
Tortilla Tips
When heating the tortillas, keep them covered with a damp cloth after warming. This keeps them moist and flexible, making them easier to handle when you’re filling and folding them.
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If you need to change the amount of servings the recipe will make, click on the number of servings in the section under the “Print Recipe” bar, and move the slider up or down to change the number of servings you want.
Or to double or triple the recipe, click on the 2x or 3x next to “Ingredients”.
Copycat Jack In The Box Beef Tacos
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
Seasoning Mix
- 3 cups cold water
- 1 cup texturized soy protein ground
- 2 tablespoon soy flour
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 4 teaspoon dried onion flakes
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon masa corn flour
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon accent seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- dash ground black pepper
- dash cayenne pepper
- canola oil for frying
- 1 stone-ground corn tortilla per Serving
Taco fillings
- 1 teaspoon taco sauce
- ½ slice American cheese divided diagonally
- 2 tablespoon shredded lettuce
Copycat Jack In The Box Taco Sauce
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup chili sauce
- 2½ tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
- ⅜ teaspoon granulated garlic
- ¼ teaspoon granulated onion
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ⅛ teaspoon ground coriander
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cumin
- pinch minced garlic
- pinch smoked paprika
Instructions
PLEASE NOTE: Tacos must be frozen before frying.
For the Taco Filling:
- Pour 3 cups of cold water into a medium-sized mixing bowl.
- Add the seasoning mix ingredients to the water.
- Using a wire whisk, mix well until all dry ingredients are dissolved.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, stirring often. Drain if necessary.
- Add the blended seasoning mix to the ground beef in the skillet.
- Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil for one minute.
- Reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid evaporates and the beef is moist but not soggy.
- Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 5-7 minutes. Add water if needed to adjust consistency.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a food processor and process until the texture is fine.
- Return the processed beef to the skillet on low heat to keep warm.
For the Tortillas:
- Heat ¼ teaspoon of canola oil in a skillet over low heat.
- Place each corn tortilla in the skillet one at a time, turning to heat both sides until they become pliable.
- Stack the heated tortillas between paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
Filling and Freezing Tacos
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the warm beef filling into each tortilla.
- Fold each tortilla in half, pressing gently to form the taco, leaving the top open about 1 inch.
- Arrange the filled tacos in a single layer in a resealable plastic bag, making sure they do not touch.
- Place the bag in an airtight container and freeze overnight.
For the Taco Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup water, ¼ cup chili sauce, 2½ tablespoons white vinegar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and the remaining spices.
- Whisk the mixture well and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Continue boiling for one minute, whisking as needed.
- Remove from heat and let cool, whisking occasionally.
- Once cooled, transfer the sauce to a sealable container and refrigerate. Use within 2 weeks.
Frying the Tacos:
- Preheat a deep fryer to 365°F as per the manufacturer's instructions.
- Fry each frozen taco individually for 55-65 seconds, using a taco press or tongs to hold them.
- Drain the fried tacos slightly on absorbent paper.
- Carefully open each taco and add 1 teaspoon of the prepared taco sauce.
- Place a half slice of American cheese inside, and garnish with 2 tablespoons of shredded lettuce.
Notes
Nutrition
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