These quesadillas will blow your mind. They did mine. Behold the quesadillas fritas at Los Dorados BBQ, a new Cuernavaca-inspired taqueria in Santa Ana. 

First things first, though: The restaurant’s name is mildly confusing. There is no barbecue or barbacoa here. Chef Miguel Romero’s menu does not revolve around a grill of any kind. In addition to fried tacos, the real house specialty is fried quesadillas. And they are probably unlike anything you’ve ever eaten.

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It’s the handmade tortillas that make these things so unique. They’re the size of a standard taco, wrapped around shredded beef, chicken tinga or a hash of chorizo and potato, then deep-fried. The masa is finely textured and unexpectedly light, so that when the quesadillas come into contact with the hot oil, they puff up and turn flaky, like a French pie crust but with a distinct corn-masa flavor.

After frying with the meat inside, the delicate shells are pried open and stuffed with shredded lettuce, crumbled queso fresco and a drizzle of creme. That unmelted queso fresco at the end is the only cheese in these quesadillas. They are very similar to Mexico City-style quesadillas but still different. They are absolutely incredible. 

They don’t need doctoring, but if you want some salsa, brace yourself. They don’t mess around. 

“Red or green?” the cashier asks. 

“Depends. Which is spicier?” I respond.

“We don’t make mild salsa here,” he says.  

Los Dorados BBQ

Where: 2600 W. Edinger Ave., Santa Ana

When: Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily

Phone: 714-486-3889

Online: instagram.com/los_dorados_bbq

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