Crispy Turkey Flautas

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Leftovers: A creative and tasty way to repurpose leftover turkey, reducing food waste while enjoying a new dish.
• Crispy and Flavorful: The combination of tender turkey, melted cheese, and crispy tortillas creates a delightful texture and rich flavor.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve as a main dish, appetizer, or snack, accompanied by your favorite dips and sides.
• Simple Ingredients: Utilizes common kitchen staples, making it an easy and accessible recipe for any home cook.

Ingredients

• 1 pound cooked, shredded turkey
• 6 ounces shredded pepper Jack cheese
• ⅓ cup chopped green onions
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 24 small white corn tortillas
• 1 egg white to seal flautas (optional)
• ¾ cup shredded Napa cabbage
• ¾ cup guacamole
• ¾ cup sour cream
• ¾ cup salsa
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, combine the shredded turkey, pepper Jack cheese, and chopped green onions. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
2. Warm the Tortillas: Wrap a stack of tortillas in a damp paper towel and place them in a microwave-safe plastic bag, leaving the bag partially open. Microwave on high for about 45 seconds until the tortillas are warm and pliable. Keep them in the bag to maintain warmth as you assemble the flautas.
3. Assemble the Flautas: Place approximately 2 tablespoons of the turkey mixture onto the lower third of each tortilla. Tightly roll the tortilla around the filling. To secure, you can brush the edge with egg white or use a toothpick.
4. Fry the Flautas: Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the flautas seam-side down into the oil. Fry in batches, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side.
5. Drain and Serve: Remove the flautas from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot, garnished with shredded Napa cabbage, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and chopped fresh cilantro.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 24 flautas, serving 6 to 8 people.
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Cheese Options: Substitute pepper Jack cheese with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend to suit your taste preferences.
• Baked Flautas: For a lighter version, brush the assembled flautas with oil and bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until crispy.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick of heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover flautas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Place cooled flautas in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat refrigerated or frozen flautas in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

FAQs

What is the difference between flautas and taquitos?

Flautas and taquitos are similar dishes consisting of rolled tortillas filled with meat and fried until crispy. The primary difference lies in the type of tortilla used: flautas are typically made with flour tortillas, while taquitos use corn tortillas. Additionally, flautas are often larger in size.

Can I make flautas ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the flautas ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before frying. This makes them a convenient option for meal prep or entertaining.

How can I prevent the flautas from unrolling during frying?

To keep the flautas securely rolled during frying, you can seal the edge with a bit of egg white or secure them with a toothpick. Ensure the seam side is placed down in the oil first to help seal them as they cook.

What are some suitable dipping sauces for flautas?

Flautas pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, including salsa, guacamole, sour cream, queso dip, or a spicy chipotle mayo. Offering an assortment of dips can enhance the dining experience.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Yes, flour tortillas can be used to make flautas. They tend to produce a slightly different texture but are equally delicious. Keep in

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