Craving the vibrant flavors of Mexico right in your kitchen? Look no further! This Mexican Street Taco Recipe brings the authentic taste of street-side tacos directly to your home. Forget searching for food trucks or your favorite taqueria; with this easy-to-follow guide, you’ll be crafting mouthwatering street tacos that are undeniably delicious and perfect for any occasion.
Close-up of flavorful Mexican street tacos with marinated steak, cilantro, and red onion. These authentic tacos are easy to make at home.
What Makes These Mexican Street Tacos Authentic?
Mexican street tacos are all about simplicity and fresh, bold flavors. Unlike their Tex-Mex cousins, authentic street tacos typically feature:
- Simple Corn Tortillas: Small, soft corn tortillas are the traditional choice, offering a delicate corn flavor that complements the fillings. Flour tortillas can be used as a substitute if preferred.
- Flavorful Marinated Meat: The star of the show is the meat, often carne asada (grilled steak), marinated to perfection. This recipe focuses on a juicy and tender steak marinade that truly elevates the tacos.
- Minimalist Toppings: Forget mountains of cheese and lettuce. Authentic street tacos are usually topped with just chopped cilantro and white onion (or red onion in this recipe for a milder bite), allowing the flavor of the meat to shine. A squeeze of fresh lime juice is the perfect finishing touch.
This mexican street taco recipe embraces these core elements, ensuring you get a taste of genuine Mexican street food.
Delicious and juicy Mexican street tacos with perfectly cooked carne asada, topped with fresh cilantro and red onion. Ready to be enjoyed.
The Secret is in the Marinade: Flavor-Packed Carne Asada
The key to truly exceptional mexican street tacos lies in the marinade for the steak. This recipe utilizes a vibrant blend of citrus, soy sauce, and spices to tenderize the meat and infuse it with incredible depth of flavor. Marinating the steak for at least 2 hours, or ideally up to 12 hours, is crucial for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture and authentic taste.
While the steak marinates, you can get ahead by preparing your toppings and perhaps whipping up a batch of fresh salsa or guacamole to serve alongside. Consider these popular and complementary recipes:
- Fresh Pico de Gallo: A zesty and refreshing salsa made with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños.
- Homemade Salsa: For a deeper, more complex salsa flavor, try a homemade roasted tomato salsa.
- Classic Guacamole: Creamy and rich, guacamole adds another layer of deliciousness to your taco experience.
Once your steak is marinated, cooking is quick and easy. A hot cast iron skillet is ideal for searing the steak and creating those slightly crispy edges that are characteristic of street tacos.
Mexican Street Taco Recipe
Yields: 12 tacos
Prep time: 2 hours (marinating)
Cook time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Marinade:
- 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 into 1/2-inch pieces
For the Tacos:
- 12 street taco size corn or mini corn or flour tortillas
Taco Toppings:
- Freshly chopped cilantro
- Freshly diced red onion
- Fresh limes, cut into wedges
Instructions:
- 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, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 12 hours for maximum flavor.
- Cook the Steak: Heat a large skillet (cast iron preferred) over medium-high heat. Using a slotted spoon, remove half of the steak from the marinade (cooking in batches prevents overcrowding and ensures proper searing). Place steak pieces in the hot skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4 minutes or until cooked to your desired doneness.
- Keep Steak Warm: Transfer the cooked steak to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm. Cook the remaining batch of steak in the same manner. Discard the marinade.
- Warm Tortillas: Warm your tortillas. You can lightly char them on an open flame, steam them, or warm them in a skillet or microwave.
- Assemble the Tacos: Serve the warm steak in warmed tortillas. Top generously with fresh cilantro, diced red onion, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Recipe Notes:
- Steak Options: Flank steak and skirt steak are both excellent choices for street tacos due to their rich flavor and ability to become tender when marinated and quickly cooked.
- Tortilla Choice: Corn tortillas are traditional for street tacos, but flour tortillas can be used if you prefer a softer texture. Look for “street taco size” or mini tortillas for the authentic small taco size.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder to control the spice level. For a milder flavor, reduce the chili powder slightly.
- Make Ahead: The steak can be marinated overnight for even more intense flavor development.
Tips for the Best Mexican Street Tacos
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking the steak in batches is crucial for achieving a good sear and preventing the meat from steaming instead of browning.
- Heat Your Skillet Properly: Ensure your skillet is nice and hot before adding the steak. This helps create a flavorful crust on the meat.
- Warm Your Tortillas: Warm tortillas are softer, more pliable, and taste significantly better than cold ones.
- Fresh Toppings are Key: Use fresh cilantro, red onion, and lime for the best flavor and authentic taste.
- Serve Immediately: Street tacos are best enjoyed fresh off the skillet. Assemble and serve them right away for the optimal taco experience.
Enjoy your homemade mexican street tacos! They are perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, a weekend fiesta, or any time you crave a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine.
