Authentic Mexican Street Tacos Recipe: Bring Mexico to Your Kitchen

Craving those undeniably delicious and flavorful Mexican street tacos you find from your favorite food truck or taqueria? Look no further! This Authentic Mexican Street Tacos Recipe brings the vibrant taste of Mexico right into your home kitchen. Forget about searching for the best taco spot; with this easy-to-follow guide, you’ll be crafting mouthwatering street tacos that rival any taqueria, impressing your family and friends with genuine Mexican flavors.

What sets authentic Mexican street tacos apart is their simplicity and focus on quality ingredients. We’re talking tender, juicy steak marinated to perfection, nestled in warm, soft tortillas, and topped with just the essentials: fresh cilantro and finely diced red onion. This isn’t about piling on layers of toppings; it’s about letting the star of the show – the flavorful carne asada – shine.

Close-up of authentic Mexican street tacos with marinated steak, cilantro, and red onion, served on corn tortillas.

Key Ingredients for Authentic Street Tacos

To achieve truly authentic Mexican street tacos, the quality of your ingredients matters. Here’s what you’ll need to capture that genuine street taco experience:

• Steak: Flank steak or skirt steak are the traditional choices for carne asada, the star of street tacos. These cuts are known for their rich flavor and ability to become incredibly tender when marinated and cooked quickly. Cut them into ½-inch pieces for optimal marinade absorption and quick cooking.
• Marinade: A vibrant marinade is crucial for infusing the steak with that signature Mexican street taco flavor. Lime juice provides acidity to tenderize the meat and brighten the flavors, while soy sauce adds umami depth. Chili powder, cumin, and oregano deliver that classic warm, earthy Mexican spice profile. Fresh garlic rounds out the marinade with pungent aromatics.
• Tortillas: Authentic street tacos are traditionally served on small corn tortillas. Their slightly nutty flavor and sturdy texture are the perfect complement to the juicy steak. You can also use mini flour tortillas if you prefer a softer texture, but for the most authentic experience, corn is the way to go. Be sure to warm your tortillas before assembling the tacos for enhanced flavor and pliability.
• Toppings: Simplicity is key here. Freshly chopped cilantro and finely diced red onion are the classic, authentic toppings. Their fresh, sharp flavors cut through the richness of the steak, creating a balanced and delicious taco. Lime wedges are a must-have for squeezing a burst of citrus over your tacos just before eating, adding another layer of brightness.

Steak marinating in a bowl with lime juice, soy sauce, and spices, ready to become flavorful carne asada for authentic Mexican street tacos.

Step-by-Step Authentic Mexican Street Tacos Recipe

Now, let’s dive into making these authentic Mexican street tacos. The marinade does most of the work, transforming simple steak into a flavor explosion.

Yields: 12 tacos
Prep time: 2 hours (marinating)
Cook time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 ½ teaspoons chili powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 pounds flank steak or skirt steak, cut in ½-inch pieces
• 12 street taco size corn or mini flour tortillas

Taco Toppings:

• Freshly chopped cilantro
• Freshly diced red onion
• Fresh limes, cut into wedges

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Steak: In a large bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, lime juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Add the steak pieces to the marinade and toss to ensure all pieces are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or for up to 12 hours for a more intense flavor. The longer the marinating time, the more flavorful and tender the steak will become.
2. Cook the Steak: Heat a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high heat. Using a slotted spoon, remove half of the steak from the marinade (cooking in batches prevents overcrowding the skillet, ensuring a good sear). Place the steak pieces in the hot skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4 minutes, or until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness. Authentic street tacos typically feature well-cooked, but still juicy, steak.
3. Keep Steak Warm: Transfer the cooked steak to a plate and tent it with foil to keep warm. Cook the remaining batch of steak in the same manner. Discard the used marinade.
4. Warm Tortillas: While the steak is cooking, warm your tortillas. You can do this by lightly charring them on an open flame on your stovetop, heating them in a dry skillet, or briefly microwaving them wrapped in a damp paper towel. Warmed tortillas are softer and have a better flavor.
5. Assemble the Tacos: Serve the warm steak in the warmed tortillas. Top generously with freshly chopped cilantro and diced red onion. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos.

Tips for the Best Authentic Street Tacos

• Marinating Time is Key: Don’t skimp on the marinating time. At least 2 hours is recommended, but for the best flavor, aim for 4-8 hours, or even overnight. The marinade is what infuses the steak with that signature street taco taste.
• Hot Skillet for Searing: Ensure your skillet is nice and hot before adding the steak. This will give the steak a good sear, locking in the juices and adding extra flavor.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Cooking the steak in batches is crucial. Overcrowding the skillet will lower the temperature, causing the steak to steam instead of sear, resulting in less flavorful and less tender meat.
• Warm Your Tortillas: Warm tortillas are essential for authentic street tacos. They are more pliable, have a better texture, and the slight warmth enhances the overall taco experience.
• Fresh Toppings Matter: Use fresh cilantro and red onion for the toppings. Their vibrant flavors are crucial for balancing the richness of the steak.
• Lime is Essential: Always serve street tacos with lime wedges. A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before eating brightens all the flavors and adds that essential zesty touch.

Serving and Topping Ideas

While authentic Mexican street tacos are traditionally simple, you can certainly offer a few other toppings on the side for those who like a bit more variety. Consider these options:

• Salsa: A vibrant Pico de Gallo or a spicy homemade salsa adds a fresh and flavorful kick.
• Guacamole: Creamy guacamole or a simple avocado mash complements the steak beautifully.
• Radishes: Thinly sliced radishes add a crisp and peppery bite.
• Pickled Onions: For a tangy and slightly sweet contrast, pickled red onions are a great addition.

But remember, the beauty of authentic Mexican street tacos lies in their simplicity. The focus should always be on the quality of the carne asada and the freshness of the cilantro and onion.

Ready to experience the true taste of Mexico? Gather your ingredients and make this authentic Mexican street tacos recipe tonight. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create taqueria-quality tacos right in your own kitchen!