– **Title**: Mexican Street Tacos
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 pound skirt steak or carne asada, thinly sliced
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 8 small corn tortillas
– 1 cup diced onions
– 1 cup chopped cilantro
– 1 lime, cut into wedges
– Salsa or hot sauce (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a bowl, combine chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mixture onto the skirt steak or carne asada slices.
2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once heated, add the seasoned meat. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
3. While the meat is resting, warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side until pliable.
4. Assemble the tacos by placing a few pieces of the cooked meat on each tortilla.
5. Top with diced onions and chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
6. Optionally, drizzle with salsa or your choice of hot sauce before serving. Enjoy your Mexican street tacos!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak or Carne Asada: Flank steak gives great flavor, but you can substitute with skirt steak, sirloin, or even chicken or tofu for a lighter option. I love using skirt steak for its tenderness.
Spices: Chili powder and cumin anchor the flavor. If you want more heat, consider adding cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. I sometimes add a dash of smoked paprika for a nice twist.
Corn Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional, but if you prefer, you can use flour tortillas. I find corn tortillas have a nice texture and flavor, enhancing the taco experience.
Onion & Cilantro: Fresh cilantro and diced onion are classic toppings. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, try parsley or green onions instead. They add brightness too!
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Cooked Meat?
Cooking the marinated meat right is crucial for tasty tacos. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat your skillet until it’s quite hot. You want a good sear on the meat!
- Add the marinated meat in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; this helps it brown nicely.
- Cook without stirring for a few minutes until browned, then turn and cook through, about 5-7 minutes total.
Letting the meat marinate really boosts flavor, so don’t skip that step! Also, let it rest for a couple of minutes after cooking to keep it juicy.
How to Make Mexican Street Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb flank steak or carne asada, cut into small pieces
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Mexican street tacos recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 30 minutes for marinating the steak. In total, you’ll be looking at roughly an hour from start to finish—perfect for a quick dinner or a fun meal with friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Meat:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flank steak (or carne asada) with the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well, ensuring that the meat is evenly coated with the spices. Let this marinate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors soak in.
2. Cook the Meat:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is nice and hot, add the marinated beef to the skillet. Cook the meat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the beef is browned and fully cooked through. Make sure it’s cooked to your liking, and then remove it from the heat.
3. Warm the Tortillas:
While the meat is cooking, take another skillet and warm the corn tortillas. Place each tortilla in the dry skillet over medium heat. Heat them for about 1 minute on each side, or until they are pliable but not crispy. Check that they’re warm and flexible for easy folding.
4. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Take one warm tortilla and place a generous portion of the cooked meat onto it. Then, sprinkle some diced onion and chopped cilantro on top of the meat for that fresh, flavorful kick. Repeat this step for the remaining tortillas!
5. Serve with Lime Wedges:
Finally, serve your delicious tacos with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze some lime over the tacos just before eating to enhance the flavors even more. Enjoy your homemade Mexican street tacos!
Can I Substitute Another Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can use chicken, pork, or even shrimp instead of flank steak or carne asada. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly—chicken and pork typically take around 7-10 minutes to cook, while shrimp only need about 3-4 minutes until they’re opaque.
How Can I Make These Tacos Spicier?
If you like a little heat, you can add cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeños to the meat marinade. Another option is to serve them with a spicy salsa or hot sauce on the side for an extra kick!
Can I Make the Meat Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can marinate the meat a day in advance! Just cover it and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—just reheat before serving!
What’s the Best Way to Warm Tortillas?
Warming your tortillas is key for flexibility. Besides using a dry skillet, you can also wrap them in damp paper towels and microwave them for about 30 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat them, as they can become tough!
