Description
Sizzling Mexican street tacos bring authentic flavors straight from authentic Mexican kitchens. Juicy marinated steak, fresh cilantro, and zesty lime create a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) flank steak or skirt steak
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Assembly and Garnish:
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1/4 cup (40 grams) red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Create a vibrant marinade by blending olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Immerse the steak thoroughly in the marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours to enhance flavor penetration.
- Heat a grill or cast-iron skillet to high temperature, approximately 450-500°F, creating an intense cooking surface.
- Transfer marinated steak to the hot cooking surface, searing for 5-7 minutes per side until a beautiful caramelized exterior develops.
- Remove steak from heat and allow it to rest for 5 minutes, enabling internal juices to redistribute and maintain tenderness.
- Quickly warm corn tortillas on a dry skillet or grill for 10-15 seconds until they become flexible with slight charred edges.
- Slice the rested steak against the grain into thin, uniform strips to maximize tenderness and ease of eating.
- Construct tacos by layering steak strips on warm tortillas, then garnish with finely chopped red onion and fresh cilantro.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges, allowing diners to squeeze fresh citrus over their tacos for a bright, zesty finish.
Notes
- Opt for skirt or flank steak for the most authentic street taco texture and robust flavor.
- Marinate the meat for maximum tenderness by using acidic ingredients like lime juice or vinegar to break down muscle fibers.
- Slice the steak against the grain to ensure each bite remains tender and easy to chew, preventing tough meat texture.
- Consider gluten-free alternatives by using corn tortillas and checking marinade ingredients for potential gluten sources.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (minimum)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg