Tlayuda is a crispy, flavorful Oaxacan dish made with a large tortilla, refried beans, cheese, and fresh toppings. This Authentic Tlayuda Recipe is easy to make and packed with delicious flavors, perfect for a meal or snack.
A Flavorful Oaxacan Street Food Favorite
Tlayuda is a beloved dish from the Oaxaca region of Mexico, known for its crispy tortilla base and flavorful toppings. This Authentic Tlayuda Recipe brings you the perfect balance of textures and tastes, with a crispy tortilla topped with refried black beans, melted Oaxacan cheese, creamy avocado, and your choice of toppings like chorizo or pickled jalapeños. Often referred to as “Oaxacan pizza,” this street food classic is perfect for a casual lunch, dinner, or even a snack. Customize it with your favorite ingredients, and enjoy the delicious flavors of Oaxaca from your own kitchen.
Why is it Called “Tlayuda”?
Tlayuda gets its name from the large, crispy tortilla used as the base for this iconic Oaxacan dish. The name refers specifically to the tortilla itself, which is typically larger and slightly thicker than standard corn tortillas, allowing it to hold a variety of hearty toppings. Tlayudas are a staple in Oaxaca’s street food scene, loved for their simplicity, versatility, and flavor-packed combinations of beans, cheese, and meats. The crispy texture and wide variety of toppings have earned tlayuda a special place in Mexican cuisine, often enjoyed as a meal or a snack.
How Should a Tlayuda Taste?
A well-made Tlayuda should have a crispy, slightly chewy tortilla base with a flavorful blend of toppings. The refried black beans add a savory, creamy layer, while the Oaxacan cheese melts beautifully, adding a rich, tangy taste. The fresh avocado and pickled jalapeños provide a cool contrast to the warm, crispy tortilla. If using chorizo, the spiced meat adds a savory kick that complements the other ingredients. Each bite should offer a satisfying combination of crunchy, creamy, and spicy flavors, making tlayuda a deliciously complex dish despite its simple preparation.
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It’s About How to Make It Super Yummy or Perfect
To make the Authentic Tlayuda Recipe perfectly, follow these key tips:
- Get the Tortilla Crispy: The key to a great tlayuda is a crispy tortilla base. Lightly brush the tortilla with oil before grilling or frying it until golden brown. This ensures a crunchy texture that holds up to the toppings.
- Use Oaxacan Cheese: For the most authentic flavor, use Oaxacan cheese (quesillo), which melts beautifully and has a slightly tangy taste. If you can’t find it, mozzarella or any mild, stretchy cheese works well.
- Layer the Toppings Evenly: Spread the beans in a thin, even layer across the tortilla so that each bite has the perfect balance of ingredients. Be generous with the cheese to get a creamy, melty layer that pairs well with the crispy tortilla.
- Customize to Your Taste: Tlayuda is versatile! You can customize it with your favorite proteins, vegetables, or garnishes. Add grilled meats like chicken or steak, or keep it vegetarian with just beans and cheese.
- Serve Fresh: Tlayuda is best enjoyed fresh off the grill, while the tortilla is still crispy, and the cheese is perfectly melted.
Tlayuda Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet or grill
- Spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
Ingredients
For the Tlayuda:
- 4 large corn tortillas (preferably Oaxacan-style or store-bought tlayudas)
- 1 cup refried black beans (or mashed black beans)
- 1/2 cup Oaxacan cheese (quesillo), shredded (can substitute mozzarella if unavailable)
- 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco
- 1/2 cup Mexican crema (or sour cream)
- 1 avocado (sliced)
- 1/4 cup cup pickled jalapeños (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce (optional)
- 1/2 cup cooked chorizo (optional)
- Salsa or hot sauce for serving
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the ToppingsHeat the refried black beans in a small pot over low heat until warm. Set aside.Shred the Oaxacan cheese and crumble the queso fresco. Set aside.Slice the avocado and prepare any additional toppings like lettuce, chorizo, or pickled jalapeños.2. Crisp the TortillasHeat a large skillet or grill over medium heat. Lightly brush the tortillas with olive oil on both sides.Place the tortillas in the skillet or on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are crispy and golden. Be sure not to overcook them, as you want them crispy but still slightly pliable.3. Assemble the TlayudaSpread a generous layer of the warm refried black beans over each tortilla.Sprinkle the shredded Oaxacan cheese and crumbled queso fresco evenly over the beans.Top with avocado slices, pickled jalapeños, lettuce, and any other toppings of your choice.4. Cook the TlayudaPlace the assembled tlayuda back on the skillet or grill to warm the toppings and slightly melt the cheese, about 2-3 minutes.5. ServeRemove the tlayuda from the heat and drizzle with Mexican crema or sour cream.Slice into wedges and serve with salsa or hot sauce on the side.
Notes
- Tortilla Type: If you can’t find Oaxacan-style tortillas, you can use large store-bought corn tortillas. The key is to make them crispy on the skillet or grill.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chorizo for a fully vegetarian version. The beans, cheese, and avocado provide plenty of flavor and texture.
- Additional Toppings: You can customize the tlayuda with various toppings such as grilled chicken, steak, or even shrimp. Fresh tomatoes, radishes, or pickled onions also add great texture.
- Serve with Salsa: A good salsa or hot sauce enhances the flavors. Try serving it with a smoky salsa roja or tangy salsa verde.
- Make it Crisp: For a crispy tlayuda, make sure the tortillas are golden brown before adding the toppings, but don’t overcook to the point of brittleness.
Conclusion
This Authentic Tlayuda Recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a taste of Oaxacan street food in your own kitchen. With a crispy tortilla base topped with refried beans, melted cheese, fresh avocado, and your choice of toppings, this tlayuda is a delicious and satisfying dish. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a fun dish to share with friends, tlayuda offers a flavorful, customizable meal that’s both simple to make and incredibly tasty. Serve it with your favorite salsa or hot sauce, and enjoy the rich, savory flavors of Oaxaca!
