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Soft Tacos with Fried Parsley and Lemon

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

These vibrant soft tacos with fried parsley and lemon offer a refreshing and sophisticated twist on plant-based street food. By flash-frying fresh curly parsley and thin citrus slices, you create a wonderful contrast of textures—from the delicate crunch of the herbs to the jammy, slightly charred sweetness of the fruit. It is a simple yet effective way to showcase seasonal produce using store-cupboard staples, resulting in a dish that is both light and intensely aromatic.

As a versatile vegan dish, these tacos work beautifully as a quick lunch or an inventive starter for a dinner party. The bitterness of the parsley is perfectly balanced by the zingy lemon and the earthy sweetness of the corn tortillas. For a more substantial meal, consider serving them alongside a bowl of spiced black beans or a crisp radish salad to complement the zesty flavour profile.

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Ingredients for Soft Tacos with Fried Parsley and Lemon

  • About 4 cups vegetable oil for frying

  • 1 bunch curly parsley, coarse stems discarded

  • 1 small lemon, thinly sliced crosswise

  • 8 (6-inch) corn tortillas, warmed

  • a deep-fat thermometer

  • lemon wedges

How to make Soft Tacos with Fried Parsley and Lemon

Heat 1 1/2 inches oil to 191°C in a 2 1/2- to 3-quart saucepan, then fry parsley (use caution; oil will spatter) until leaves are dark green, about 45 seconds. Transfer with a slotted spoon to several layers of paper towels and season with salt.

Return oil to 191°C, then fry lemon slices, stirring occasionally, until golden in spots, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to paper towels and season with salt. Serve parsley and lemon wrapped in tortillas.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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