How to Make Crunchy Jalapeño Taco Poppers?

 

Ingredients

• For 24 poppers,
• 24 jalapeñoes
• 1 lb ground beef(455 g)
• 1 oz taco seasoning(30 g), 1 package
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro(10 g), chopped
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium white onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded cheese blend(100 g)
• ½ cup cream cheese(110 g)
• 4 eggs, beaten
• 1 ½ cups flour(185 g), mixed with 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp pepper
• 4 cups cornflake cereal(120 g), crushed
• 1 cup cornflake cereal(30 g), finely ground
• 8 cups canola oil(1.9 L)
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro(10 g), chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, for seasoning
• salsa, for serving

Method

• Slice the jalapeños lengthwise down the center, taking care to cut through only one side and leaving the pepper as intact as possible. Remove the seeds.
• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, taco seasoning, salt, pepper, and cilantro. Mix to combine.
• Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Cook the onion for 1 minute, then add garlic and cook another minute.
• Add the beef mixture and cook until browned, approximately 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool completely.
• In a clean, large bowl, combine the cooled beef mixture, shredded cheese, and cream cheese.
• Transfer the beef mixture to a piping bag or zip-top bag with a corner snipped off.
• Pipe the beef mixture into the jalapeños, then close the peppers.
• Heat a large pot filled with the oil until it reaches 325ºF (170ºC).
• Add the seasoned flour, eggs, and cornflakes to 3 separate shallow bowls. Dip the peppers in the egg, then the flour, followed by the egg again, and then the cornflakes. Dip once more in the egg and finish with a second dip in the cornflakes.
• Fry the peppers, in batches, for 2½ minutes until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon or tongs and drain on a wire cooling rack.
• Season the peppers well with salt and fresh lime juice.
• Serve warm with salsa for dipping.
• Enjoy!