– **Title**: Mexican Street Tacos
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 pound flank steak (or chicken, pork, or shrimp)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 small corn tortillas
– 1 cup diced onion
– 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 1 lime, cut into wedges
– Salsa (your choice)
– Avocado slices (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. **Marinate the Meat**: In a bowl, combine the oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the flank steak and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably up to 2 hours.
2. **Cook the Meat**: Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the marinated flank steak on the grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side (for medium-rare) or until the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
3. **Warm the Tortillas**: In a dry skillet over medium heat, warm the corn tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side until soft and pliable.
4. **Assemble the Tacos**: Place a portion of the sliced meat on each tortilla. Top with diced onion and fresh cilantro.
5. **Serve**: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos and add salsa of your choice. If desired, add avocado slices for extra creaminess.
6. **Enjoy**: Serve immediately and enjoy your authentic Mexican street tacos!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This cut is great for tacos due to its richness and flavor. You can swap it with beef or chicken if you prefer a lighter option. For a vegetarian choice, try jackfruit or mushrooms for a similar texture.
Olive Oil: Use olive oil for sautéing, but feel free to substitute with vegetable or avocado oil. These options have high smoke points and work well for cooking meat.
White Onion: I like using white onions for their mild flavor, but yellow onions are a solid alternative. Green onions can work too, especially as a topping.
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika are key for authentic flavor. If you’re out of smoked paprika, sweet paprika or even a dash of liquid smoke can add depth. Adjust the chili powder to control the spice level.
Corn Tortillas: Small corn tortillas are traditional and delicious. You could use flour tortillas if you prefer a softer bite. Or, try lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative!
How Do You Get the Perfectly Cooked Taco Meat?
Cooking the meat just right is crucial for tasty tacos. Start by browning the pork shoulder (or your choice of meat) to lock in flavor. Be sure not to crowd the skillet; this helps achieve that nice browning effect.
- Heat your skillet well before adding the meat; this will help with browning.
- Brown the meat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden everywhere.
- When adding onions and garlic, let them cook until the onion becomes clear. This adds sweetness and depth to your tacos.
- Finally, after adding spices, let them mix with the meat to fully develop their aroma, about 2-3 minutes.
How to Make Mexican Street Tacos?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb pork shoulder, diced (or choice of meat such as beef or chicken)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 white onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Optional Toppings:
- Diced red onion
- Sliced radishes
- Hot sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and 15 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll need around 30 minutes to get these delicious tacos ready to serve. It’s a quick and tasty meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Meat:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced pork (or your choice of meat) to the skillet. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned on all sides. This step is key to getting your meat nice and flavorful!
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the meat. Sauté everything together for another 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent. This will add a lovely aroma and enhance the flavors.
3. Add the Spices:
Now, it’s time to spice things up! Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure to mix everything well, so the spices coat the meat evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to let those bold flavors combine and become fragrant.
4. Prepare the Tortillas:
Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. While the meat rests, you can warm the corn tortillas. Use a skillet or grill to heat them for about 30 seconds on each side, just until they’re warm and pliable.
5. Assemble Your Tacos:
Now, it’s time to build your tacos! Take a warm tortilla and place a generous amount of the cooked meat on top. Get creative and add some chopped cilantro, diced red onion, and any other toppings you like. The more, the merrier!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your tasty tacos with lime wedges on the side. A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a zesty kick! Enjoy your delicious homemade Mexican street tacos!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute the pork shoulder with beef, chicken, or even vegetables for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—chicken usually cooks faster than pork or beef, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
How Do I Keep Tortillas Warm?
To keep tortillas warm while preparing your tacos, wrap them in aluminum foil or a clean kitchen towel after heating. You can also place them in a warm oven (around 200°F) until you’re ready to serve, which helps maintain their softness.
What Can I Use Instead of Corn Tortillas?
If you prefer, you can use flour tortillas instead! They’re a great alternative and have a different texture. If gluten-free options are needed, look for gluten-free tortillas available in stores that can be found made from corn or other grains.
How to Store Leftover Taco Filling?
Store any leftover taco filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge before reheating!
