Cooking old El Paso soft taco shells can seem daunting if you’ve never done it before. However, with the right techniques, these shells can be revived and made just as delicious as new. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to cook old soft taco shells successfully.
Can you eat expired soft taco shells?
Yes, you can safely eat expired soft taco shells as long as they have been stored properly and show no signs of spoilage. Soft taco shells are made with corn and wheat flour along with preservatives to extend their shelf life. An unopened package of soft taco shells can typically last around 4-6 months past the printed expiration date.
As long as the shells are not moldy, smell stale or funny, or are excessively hard and brittle, they should still be fine to eat. Trust your senses – if they look and smell normal, they should still be good. Always inspect soft taco shells closely before using expired product.
How to tell if soft taco shells are bad?
Here are some signs that soft taco shells have gone bad and should be discarded:
- Mold growth – any fuzzy or slimy spots indicate mold
- Off smell – if they smell unpleasant or stale
- Crunchy texture – very dried out and brittle
- Weird color – significantly darkened or unnatural colors
Soft taco shells that display any of these characteristics should not be consumed and should be thrown out.
What is the best way to store soft taco shells?
Proper storage is key to maximizing the shelf life of soft taco shells after opening. Here are some tips for storage:
- Keep soft taco shells in their original packaging or a resealable plastic bag.
- Squeeze out excess air before sealing to prevent staleness.
- Store in a cool, dry place like the pantry.
- Avoid humid environments like the refrigerator.
- Use within 2-3 weeks for best quality.
How to revive stale soft taco shells
If your soft taco shells have dried out a bit, there are some easy methods to rehydrate and revive them:
- Microwave: Place shells between damp paper towels and microwave for 10-15 seconds. Test texture and repeat as needed.
- Steam: Steam shells over boiling water for 1-2 minutes to soften.
- Bake: Wrap shells in foil and heat at 300°F for 5 minutes.
- Fry: Quickly fry shells in 1⁄2 inch oil for 10-30 seconds per side.
Be careful not to overheat shells when reviving or they can become hard and brittle again. Test textures frequently.
How long do you bake old El Paso soft taco shells?
Baking is an easy hands-off way to revive and crisp up old soft taco shells. Here are baking guidelines:
- Preheat oven to 300°F.
- Arrange shells in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Spray or brush shells lightly with vegetable oil.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisped.
- Watch carefully to avoid burning.
You can also wrap the taco shells loosely in foil and bake for a slightly steamed effect. Start checking shells at 5 minutes and bake longer if needed.
How to pan fry old soft taco shells
Pan-frying is a fast way to crisp up soft taco shells and add delicious flavor. Here’s how:
- Heat 1⁄2 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium high heat.
- Fry shells for 10-30 seconds per side until crisped.
- Work in batches to avoid crowding the pan.
- Blot shells on paper towels to remove excess grease.
- Season immediately with salt if desired.
Make sure oil is hot before adding shells. Watch carefully as they can burn quickly.
What’s the best oil for frying old soft taco shells?
The best oils for frying soft taco shells are:
- Vegetable oil – Neutral taste and high smoke point.
- Canola oil – Mild flavor and versatility.
- Peanut oil – Popular for frying with high heat tolerance.
- Sunflower oil – Light taste works well with shells.
- Corn oil – Nice complement to the corn in the shells.
Avoid olive oil as it can impart heavy flavor. Use refined avocado oil to minimize taste.
How long do you microwave old El Paso soft taco shells?
Microwaving is a super fast way to refresh soft taco shells. Follow these guidelines:
- Place shells between damp paper towels.
- Microwave in 10 second intervals until softened.
- Don’t overheat or shells may become brittle.
- 15-30 seconds total is usually sufficient.
- Rest shells for a minute before serving.
You can also sprinkle shells with water instead of using paper towels. Just be careful not to make them soggy.
How to steam soft taco shells
Steaming is a gentle approach to soften shells evenly. Here is a simple steaming method:
- Bring 1 inch of water to a boil in a pot or skillet.
- Place shells in a single layer in a steaming basket or colander.
- Position shells above the boiling water.
- Cover and steam for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
- Remove shells when softened and pliable.
Be careful not to over-steam or the shells may fall apart. Start checking shells after 1 minute of steaming time.
How to reheat soft taco shells in the oven
Here are some tips for reheating soft taco shells in the oven:
- Preheat oven to 300°F.
- Place shells on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
- Mist shells lightly with vegetable oil spray.
- Bake for 3-5 minutes until warmed through.
- Check frequently to avoid over-baking.
- Wrap in foil to steam and soften further if needed.
You can reheat the shells on their own or fill them first for easy tacos. Just adjust baking times slightly longer if filled.
How long do you fry soft taco shells?
When pan-frying soft taco shells, ideal frying times are:
- 10-20 seconds per side for spot warming old shells.
- 20-30 seconds per side to crisp and brown fresh shells.
- Up to 1 minute per side for very stale shells.
Fry in batches and watch shells closely to avoid burning. Older shells will require less frying time than fresh.
What’s the best filling for old soft taco shells?
Some great fillings for old soft taco shells include:
- Seasoned ground beef or turkey
- Shredded chicken or pork
- Refried beans
- Cheese – cheddar, Mexican blend, queso
- Lettuce, tomatoes, salsa
- Onions, peppers, corn
- Avocado, lime, sour cream
Avoid wet, watery fillings that may compromise the structural integrity of older shells. Heartier fillings work best.
Tips for filling old soft taco shells
To fill soft taco shells successfully, here are some handy tips:
- Warm shells before filling to allow bending without cracking.
- Fill shells lightly, don’t overstuff.
- Put cheese on first to protect against moisture.
- Wrap filled tacos in foil until ready to serve.
- Set filled tacos seam-side down on plate to support structure.
- Hold together with toothpicks if needed.
Gently press down on the top of filled shells to compress ingredients. Handle old shells with care when filling to prevent splitting.
Troubleshooting old soft taco shells
Having trouble reviving your old shells? Here are some troubleshooting tips:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Too brittle and dry | Steam or microwave longer to add moisture. |
| Too soft and soggy | Crisp up in oven or pan fry to remove moisture. |
| Crack and split easily | Fill lightly, don’t overstuff. Warm before filling. |
| Lack of flavor | Spice up with salsa, crema, lime, seasoning. |
| Greasy after frying | Blot excess oil thoroughly with paper towels. |
Storing leftovers
Here are some tips for storing leftovers:
- Allow shells to cool completely before storing.
- Place shells in airtight container or resealable plastic bags.
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
- Use leftovers within 3-5 days.
- Reheat gently in oven or microwave before serving.
Filled shells don’t keep as long. Eat within 3 days and don’t freeze, as textures suffer.
Conclusion
Reviving old soft taco shells is totally doable with the right techniques. Hydrate stale shells with steam, microwave, or foil-wrapped baking. Crisp them up quickly in the oven or pan fried in oil. Fill warmed shells lightly with flavorful fillings like seasoned meats, beans, cheese, and veggies. With proper handling and storage, you can enjoy soft tacos long after purchase. Don’t toss those shells – revive them instead!