Flautas
Crispy, rolled tortillas filled with savory meat and cheese, garnished with toppings for a delicious traditional Mexican flauta experience.
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Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
A polished English infographic for the whole cooking flow, paired with the full written recipe below for detail and SEO.
Written method
Instructions
Read through once, then cook at your own pace with the illustrated guide above.
- 1
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the finely chopped onion until translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- 2
Add the shredded chicken to the skillet, followed by garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until heated through, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Heat the corn tortillas in a separate skillet or microwave until soft, about 20 seconds in the microwave.
- 4
To assemble a flauta, place a couple of tablespoons of the chicken mixture and a sprinkle of shredded cheese on each tortilla.
- 5
Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and secure with a toothpick if needed.
- 6
In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, gently add the rolled flautas, seam side down.
- 7
Fry the flautas until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove them and drain on paper towels.
- 8
Serve the flautas hot with sour cream and salsa on the side.
Cook notes
Tips
Make sure your tortillas are warm before rolling to prevent tearing.
Do not overfill the tortillas to ensure they stay rolled while frying.
Cook smarter
Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Store leftover flautas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place flautas in a hot skillet for a few minutes until crispy again.
Substitutions
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep time.
- Feel free to replace chicken with shredded vegetables for a vegetarian version.
What to Serve With
- Mexican rice
- Refried beans
- Guacamole
Common Mistakes
- Using cold tortillas can lead to tearing when rolling.
- Not allowing the oil to heat sufficiently can result in flautas not crisping up.
Recipe FAQ
Can I use beef instead of chicken?
Yes, shredded beef works well as a substitute for chicken in flautas.
What type of cheese should I use?
Cheddar or Monterey Jack are both great options for flautas.
Can I make flautas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
Kitchen tools
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
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Blender
Helpful for smooth sauces, soups, marinades, and purees.
Chef knife
A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.
Cutting board
Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.
Measuring spoons
Useful for balancing spices, salt, acids, and sauces.
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