Street tacos. Just the name conjures up images of bustling city corners, the aroma of sizzling meat, and the pure, unadulterated joy of handheld deliciousness. These aren’t just any tacos; they’re a culinary experience, packed with flavor and incredibly satisfying. If you’re craving that authentic street food vibe right in your kitchen, you’ve come to the right place. Get ready to discover how to make mouthwatering street tacos that will rival your favorite taqueria! And if you are a big taco lover, be sure to check out our recipes for taco-stuffed avocados, Baja fish tacos, and classic ground beef tacos for more taco inspiration!
Close-up of street tacos with various toppings like cilantro and onions.
What Exactly Are Street Tacos? Unpacking the Authentic Taco
Street tacos have surged in popularity, and for good reason. But what sets them apart from your everyday “regular tacos”? The primary difference lies in their origin and design. Born from the vibrant street food culture, street tacos were crafted for on-the-go enjoyment. Imagine vendors and food trucks in bustling markets – the goal was a taco that could be easily eaten with one hand while navigating the crowds. This practical need led to the signature small tortillas that define street tacos.
Unlike their fully loaded, larger counterparts often found in restaurants, street tacos prioritize flavor concentration over bulk. Traditionally, you won’t find fillers like lettuce or diced tomatoes taking up space. Instead, street tacos focus on high-quality, flavorful protein and simple, fresh toppings that complement the star ingredient. Don’t mistake simplicity for lack of substance, though. Street tacos are powerhouses of taste, expertly balanced and incredibly satisfying. And the best part? Making authentic street tacos at home is surprisingly straightforward, especially when you have the secret weapon of marinated steak in your arsenal! The prep-ahead marinade makes this recipe a breeze to assemble when dinner time rolls around. In just three simple steps – marinate, cook, and top – you’ll be transported to taco heaven! Prepare to be hooked after just one bite; these Street Taco Recipes are truly irresistible.
Key Ingredients for the Best Street Taco Recipes
The magic of street tacos lies in the quality of a few simple ingredients, especially the steak. While “simple,” “quick,” and “easy” might not typically describe juicy, tender steak, these street taco recipes defy expectations. The key is the marinade – don’t skip it! This step transforms ordinary steak into a restaurant-quality experience in your own kitchen. Refer to the recipe card below for precise measurements.
- Flank Steak or Skirt Steak: The foundation of authentic street tacos. Flank steak and skirt steak are ideal cuts, known for their rich flavor and ability to become incredibly tender when marinated and cooked quickly. Remember, marinating is non-negotiable!
- Soy Sauce: This adds a savory depth and umami richness to the marinade, tenderizing the steak and infusing it with flavor from the inside out. For the best taste, use a quality soy sauce.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A secret ingredient that elevates the marinade to another level. Worcestershire sauce provides a complex savory note that complements the soy sauce and lime beautifully.
- Lime: The bright, zesty acidity of lime juice is crucial. Freshly squeezed lime juice is always best, but bottled lime juice will also work in a pinch (approximately 2 tablespoons).
- Minced Garlic: Garlic is a flavor powerhouse! Freshly minced garlic cloves are recommended, but pre-minced garlic (about 1/2 teaspoon equals 1 clove) can be used for convenience.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a vibrant, herbaceous note. While optional for the marinade, it’s a must-have for authentic street taco toppings!
- Chili Powder: A touch of chili powder provides a gentle warmth and depth of flavor without overwhelming heat.
- Cumin: Cumin brings an earthy, slightly smoky flavor that is characteristic of many Mexican dishes. Don’t omit this spice – it adds a unique layer of complexity.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors. Adjust to your personal preference.
- Flour or Corn Tortillas: For authentic street tacos, opt for small, street taco-sized tortillas. Both flour and corn tortillas work wonderfully – choose your favorite or use a mix!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Street Taco Recipes
Now for the exciting part: bringing these street taco recipes to life! And as promised, it’s surprisingly easy. But remember, the marinade is the real hero here – it’s the key to unlocking that incredible flavor and tenderness.
- Prepare the Steak and Marinade: Begin by cutting the flank steak or skirt steak into bite-sized, one-inch pieces. This ensures quick and even cooking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, juice of one lime, minced garlic, cilantro (if using in the marinade), chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the Steak: Add the cubed steak to the marinade, ensuring it’s well coated. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours for even more intense flavor. The longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful the steak will become.
- Cook the Steak: Heat a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated steak and all the marinade to the skillet. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until the steak is cooked through and no longer pink. Avoid overcooking to keep the steak tender.
- Assemble Your Street Tacos: Warm your tortillas according to package instructions or by quickly charring them on a hot griddle or dry skillet for extra flavor. Place a generous portion of the cooked steak in the center of each warm tortilla. Now comes the fun part – add your desired toppings!
Delicious Variations and Topping Ideas for Street Taco Recipes
One of the greatest joys of street tacos is their versatility. While the classic combination is fantastic, feel free to personalize your street taco recipes with different variations and toppings to create your perfect taco experience!
- Street Taco Salad Bowl: Skip the tortillas altogether and transform this recipe into a vibrant and healthy steak taco salad. Serve the marinated and cooked steak over a bed of your favorite salad greens. Add classic taco toppings like chopped tomatoes, onions, avocado, and a dollop of sour cream or a zesty dressing.
- Elevate with Guacamole: Take your street tacos to the next level by adding a scoop of creamy homemade guacamole. The richness of the avocado perfectly complements the savory steak and adds another layer of flavor and texture.
- Street Taco Rice Bowl: Create a hearty and satisfying meal by serving the marinated steak over a bed of fluffy Mexican rice. Add black beans, corn, salsa, and your favorite toppings for a complete and flavorful rice bowl.
- Larger Tortillas for Extra Fillings: If you love to load up your tacos with toppings, don’t hesitate to use slightly larger tortillas to prevent them from breaking. Burrito-size tortillas can work, but aim for tortillas that are just a bit bigger than street taco size.
- Chicken Street Tacos: For a lighter option, or simply to switch things up, try using chicken breast instead of steak. Marinate and cook the chicken similarly to the steak for delicious chicken street tacos.
Ingredients for street tacos laid out on a table.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Street Taco Meat
Good news! You can absolutely store leftover street taco meat and enjoy it later. Here’s how to keep your leftovers tasting fresh and delicious:
- Refrigerating: Once the steak is cooked and cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked steak. Place it in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. Frozen steak will maintain its quality for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Thaw frozen steak in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, simply microwave the steak until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed. Once reheated, assemble your street tacos with fresh tortillas and toppings and enjoy!
Complete Your Street Taco Feast with Delicious Side Dishes
To create the ultimate street taco experience, consider serving them with some classic Mexican side dishes:
- Mexican Rice: A must-have accompaniment! Fluffy and flavorful Mexican rice is the perfect side to balance the richness of the tacos.
- Restaurant Style Salsa: No taco night is complete without salsa! Whip up a batch of fresh and zesty restaurant-style salsa for dipping tortilla chips or topping your tacos.
- Guacamole: Creamy, homemade guacamole is always a crowd-pleaser. Serve it as a dip with chips or as a topping for your street tacos.
- Homemade Corn Tortillas: For the ultimate authentic experience, try making your own homemade corn tortillas. The flavor and texture are unmatched!
With these street taco recipes and tips, you’re well on your way to creating a taco fiesta that will impress your family and friends. Get ready to savor the irresistible flavors of authentic street tacos right in your own home!
Amazing Street Tacos
4.32 from 16 votes
By: Alyssa Rivers
Street Tacos are delicious, amazing, and oh so mouthwatering. I cannot stop thinking about these! They are SOO delicious. You will want to gobble these all up at once!
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
Servings: 6 tacos
Ingredients
Optional Toppings:
- chopped tomatoes
- chopped red onion
- avocado diced
- cilantro chopped
- cotija cheese
Instructions
- Cut the flank steak into one-inch pieces. In a medium-sized bowl add the soy sauce, Worcestershire, juice from one lime, garlic, cilantro, chili powder, cumin, and salt and pepper.
- Add the steak and let marinate in the fridge for 1-2 hours.
- Heat a medium sized skillet to medium high heat. Add the steak and marinade and cook for about 5-7 minutes or until no longer pink.
- Put the steak in the center of your tortilla with desired toppings.
Video
Nutrition
Calories: 121kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 18gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 1154mgPotassium: 338mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 112IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 28mgIron: 2mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Tried this recipe?Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic!
