Garnachas Oaxaqueñas (Oaxacan Crispy Masa Snacks)
Crispy fried masa discs topped with seasoned shredded beef, refried beans, cabbage slaw, and a drizzle of crema. A beloved Oaxacan street food that's savory, satisfying, and bursting with texture.
- Total time
- 45 min
- Servings
- 4
- Calories
- 520
- Protein
- 28g
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef chuck roast
- ½ onion white onion, halved
- 3 cloves garlic cloves
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1.5 cups masa harina
- 1 cup warm water
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
- 1 cup refried beans, warm
- 2 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
- ¼ onion white onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- ½ cup Mexican crema or sour cream
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 pinch salt to taste
Instructions
- 1
Place beef chuck, onion half, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil.
- 2
Reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes until beef is very tender and easily shreds.
- 3
Remove beef from broth and set aside to cool slightly. Shred with two forks into thin strands. Season with salt and set aside.
- 4
In a bowl, combine shredded cabbage, sliced onion, lime juice, and salt. Toss well and set aside for at least 10 minutes.
- 5
Mix masa harina, warm water, and salt in a bowl until a smooth, pliable dough forms. Rest for 5 minutes.
- 6
Divide dough into 12 equal balls. Using a tortilla press lined with plastic, flatten each ball into a thin 3-inch disc.
- 7
Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F. Fry masa discs in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- 8
Spread 1 tbsp warm refried beans on each fried masa disc.
- 9
Top with a generous handful of shredded beef, then a spoonful of drained cabbage slaw.
- 10
Drizzle with crema, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve immediately while masa is crispy.
Tools you’ll need
- large pot
- deep skillet or Dutch oven
- meat thermometer
- tortilla press
- plastic wrap or tortilla press bags
- deep-fry thermometer or instant-read thermometer
- paper towels
- wooden spoon
- tongs
- chef's knife
- cutting board
- large mixing bowls
Cook smarter
Get matched recipes for what’s in your fridge
CookSnap is a free iOS app that finds real recipes from the ingredients you already have. No more grocery-list aspirations.
