Craving those incredibly flavorful and juicy tacos you find on the streets of Mexico? Look no further! This Mexican Street Tacos Recipe brings the authentic taste of Mexico right to your kitchen. Imagine tender, marinated steak, perfectly cooked and nestled in warm tortillas, topped with fresh cilantro and onion. It’s simpler than you think to create this iconic and mouthwatering dish.
What Makes These Truly Mexican Street Tacos?
Mexican street tacos, often called tacos de carne asada, are all about simplicity and fresh, vibrant flavors. Unlike some Tex-Mex versions, authentic street tacos typically feature:
- High-Quality Beef: Flank steak or skirt steak are the cuts of choice. They are flavorful and become incredibly tender when marinated and quickly cooked.
- Flavorful Marinade: A simple marinade is key to infusing the beef with that classic Mexican taste. Lime juice, soy sauce, and spices create a delicious and savory base.
- Minimalist Toppings: Forget mountains of cheese and lettuce. Authentic street tacos are usually topped with just freshly chopped cilantro and white onion (or red onion as in this recipe), allowing the flavor of the meat to shine. A squeeze of fresh lime is also essential.
- Corn Tortillas: Small, soft corn tortillas are the traditional choice. They are typically warmed on a comal or griddle until pliable and slightly charred. Flour tortillas are also acceptable, but corn is more classic.
These elements combine to create a taco experience that is both satisfying and incredibly flavorful, focusing on the quality of ingredients and simple preparation.
Close-up of perfectly cooked Mexican street tacos with cilantro and red onion, showcasing the juicy steak and warm tortillas.
The Secret is in the Marinade for These Street Tacos
The marinade is truly where the magic happens in this mexican street tacos recipe. It not only tenderizes the slightly tougher cuts of steak but also infuses them with a depth of flavor that is irresistible. Here’s what makes this marinade so effective:
- Lime Juice: The acidity of the lime juice helps to tenderize the steak and brightens the overall flavor profile.
- Soy Sauce: This adds umami and saltiness, enhancing the savory notes of the beef. It might seem unusual in Mexican food, but it adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
- Garlic, Chili Powder, Cumin, and Oregano: This blend of spices provides that classic Mexican warmth and earthiness. Chili powder offers a mild heat and smoky flavor, while cumin adds a distinct earthy note, and oregano brings a touch of herbaceousness.
Letting the steak marinate for at least two hours, or even better, up to 12 hours, will make a significant difference in the final taste and tenderness of your homemade mexican street tacos.
A bowl of marinated flank steak pieces, ready to be cooked for the mexican street tacos recipe, highlighting the flavorful marinade.
Cooking the Carne Asada for Your Tacos
Once your steak has marinated, cooking it is quick and easy. A hot cast iron skillet is ideal for achieving a nice sear and ensuring the steak cooks quickly and evenly. Here’s the simple process:
- Heat Your Skillet: Get your cast iron skillet screaming hot over medium-high heat. This is crucial for getting a good sear on the steak.
- Cook in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the skillet! Cook the steak in two batches to ensure it browns properly and doesn’t steam. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the skillet and result in less flavorful, steamed meat.
- Quick Cooking Time: Since the steak is cut into small pieces, it cooks very quickly. About 4 minutes per batch, stirring occasionally, should be enough to cook it to your desired level of doneness. Remember, you want it cooked through but still juicy and tender.
- Keep it Warm: As you cook each batch, transfer the cooked steak to a plate and tent it with foil to keep it warm while you finish cooking the rest.
Simple Toppings to Complete Your Authentic Street Tacos
As mentioned earlier, the beauty of mexican street tacos lies in their simplicity. The classic toppings are:
- Fresh Cilantro: Roughly chopped cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous, and slightly peppery flavor that perfectly complements the rich beef.
- Diced Red Onion: Finely diced red onion provides a sharp, pungent bite that cuts through the richness of the steak.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before eating is essential! It adds acidity and brightness, tying all the flavors together.
You can also offer other toppings like:
- Pico de Gallo: A fresh and chunky salsa made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños.
- Guacamole: Creamy and rich avocado dip.
- Homemade Salsa: Your favorite salsa, from mild to spicy, will work great.
But for the most authentic experience, stick with cilantro and red onion for your first try!
Mexican Street Tacos Recipe Card
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 1/2-inch pieces
- 12 street taco size corn or flour tortillas
- Freshly chopped cilantro, for topping
- Freshly diced red onion, for topping
- Fresh limes, cut into wedges, for serving
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 and toss to coat evenly. Cover 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). Place steak in the hot skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4 minutes or until cooked to your desired doneness.
- Keep Steak Warm: Transfer 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 corn or flour tortillas on a comal, skillet, or microwave until pliable.
- Assemble Tacos: Serve warm steak in warmed tortillas. Top with fresh cilantro and diced red onion. Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing over the tacos.
Recipe Notes:
- For extra flavor, you can grill the steak instead of pan-frying.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder to control the heat level.
- Serve with your favorite Mexican sides like rice and beans for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Mexican Street Tacos
- Don’t Skip the Marinade: The marinade is crucial for flavor and tenderness. Don’t shorten the marinating time for best results.
- Use a Hot Skillet: A hot skillet ensures a good sear and quick cooking, resulting in tender and flavorful steak.
- Warm Your Tortillas: Warming tortillas makes them more pliable and enhances their flavor.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh cilantro, red onion, and limes for the best and most authentic taste.
- Customize Your Toppings: While cilantro and red onion are classic, feel free to experiment with other toppings like pico de gallo or salsa to find your perfect combination.
Enjoy making and eating these incredible mexican street tacos! They are perfect for a weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering, or any time you crave authentic Mexican flavors.
