There’s something magical about Mexican street tacos. They’re simple, flavorful, and packed with vibrant, fresh ingredients that make every bite unforgettable.
The good news? You don’t have to hit the streets of Mexico to enjoy these delicious tacos. With just a few ingredients and a little preparation, you can recreate the magic of authentic carne asada street tacos right in your own kitchen. Let me show you how!
Why You’ll Love These Street Tacos
These street tacos are the perfect combination of savory, zesty, and fresh. The tender, marinated skirt steak is infused with bold flavors like garlic, chili powder, and lime juice, while the toppings of onion, cilantro, and lime add a refreshing finish. Plus, they’re quick and easy to make—perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, we’ll keep things simple and authentic. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
For the Tacos:
- 1 ½ pounds skirt steak, cut into ½-inch pieces
- 12 mini flour tortillas, warmed
- ¾ cup diced red onion
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Equipment:
- A cast iron skillet (for that perfect sear on the steak)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Steak
The secret to incredibly flavorful tacos lies in the marinade. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, lime juice, 1 tablespoon of canola oil, minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, and oregano. This combination of ingredients creates a marinade that’s tangy, smoky, and aromatic.
Place the skirt steak in a gallon-sized Ziploc bag or a large bowl and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag (or cover the bowl) and let the steak soak up all those flavors for at least 1 hour. If you have extra time, let it marinate for up to 4 hours for even better results. Don’t forget to turn the bag occasionally to ensure every piece of steak is evenly coated.
2. Cook the Steak
When you’re ready to cook, heat the remaining tablespoon of canola oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. A cast iron skillet is ideal for this recipe because it retains heat well and helps achieve that beautiful sear on the steak.
Add the marinated steak (along with any remaining marinade) to the skillet. Cook the steak, stirring often, for about 5–6 minutes or until it’s browned and cooked to your desired doneness. As the marinade reduces in the skillet, it will coat the steak with even more flavor.
3. Assemble Your Tacos
Now comes the fun part—assembling your tacos! Warm your mini flour tortillas (you can do this in a dry skillet or microwave), then fill each one with a generous portion of the cooked steak. Top with diced red onion and freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness. Finally, squeeze some lime juice over each taco for that zesty kick that ties everything together.
Pro Tips for Perfect Street Tacos
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh lime juice, cilantro, and onion make all the difference in creating authentic flavors.
- Don’t skip the marinade: Even a short marinating time will enhance the flavor of your steak.
- Customize your toppings: While traditional street tacos are simple, feel free to add your favorite toppings like sliced avocado, salsa, or crumbled queso fresco.
Why Skirt Steak?
Skirt steak is an excellent choice for street tacos because it’s flavorful and cooks quickly. Its slightly chewy texture works beautifully when cut into small pieces for tacos. If skirt steak isn’t available, you can substitute flank steak or even sirloin.
Serving Suggestions
Mexican street tacos are best served fresh off the skillet with a side of your favorite accompaniments. Here are some ideas:
- A bowl of tortilla chips with guacamole or salsa
- Mexican rice or refried beans
- A refreshing agua fresca or margarita to wash it all down
Ready in No Time!
With just 15 minutes of cooking time and a little prep work beforehand, these tacos come together quickly—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute get-togethers. The recipe yields six servings, making it great for sharing with family or friends.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm tortilla filled with tender carne asada steak and topped with fresh ingredients. These Mexican street tacos are simple yet packed with flavor, proving that sometimes less really is more.
So why wait? Gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and bring the vibrant flavors of Mexico into your home tonight! Trust me—once you try these tacos, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Enjoy!
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