There’s something about biting into a freshly made taco—it’s like a little fiesta in your mouth. I remember the first time I tried authentic street tacos in a bustling Mexican market; the flavors were vibrant, with each bite telling its own story. Now, you can recreate that magic at home with this simple recipe—no passport needed.
Steps
- In a large bowl, mix together vegetable oil, lime juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Stir well to combine the ingredients into a marinade.
- Add the steak pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the steak for at least 2 hours, or up to 12 hours for a more intense flavor.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove half of the steak from the marinade using a slotted spoon, and place it in the hot skillet.
- Cook the steak pieces for approximately 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they reach your preferred level of doneness. Transfer the cooked steak to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
- Repeat the cooking process with the remaining batch of steak. Once cooked, discard the leftover marinade.
- Serve the warm steak in heated corn or flour tortillas. Top with freshly chopped cilantro, diced red onion, and a squeeze of lime juice. Enjoy your homemade Mexican street tacos!
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 into 1/2-inch pieces
- 12 street taco size or mini corn or flour tortillas
- Freshly chopped cilantro for topping
- Freshly diced red onion for topping
- Fresh limes, cut into wedges for serving
FAQ
- How long should I marinate the steak for Mexican street tacos?
- The steak should be marinated for a minimum of 2 hours to a maximum of 12 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it becomes.
- What ingredients are used in the marinade for the steak?
- The marinade consists of vegetable oil, fresh lime juice, low sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, and dried oregano.
- Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas for these tacos?
- Yes, you can use either corn or flour tortillas for these Mexican street tacos. Both options work well.
- What are the recommended toppings for these street tacos?
- The classic toppings include freshly chopped cilantro, diced red onion, and fresh lime wedges for an authentic taste.
- How do I cook the marinated steak for the tacos?
- Cook the marinated steak in a hot cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, stirring for about 4 minutes or until it reaches your desired temperature. Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: To achieve the most flavorful steak, let it marinate for the full 12 hours. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat, resulting in a more intense taste.
- Avoid Overcrowding: When cooking the steak, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook the steak in two separate batches to ensure even cooking and to prevent steaming, which can affect the texture.
- Warm Your Tortillas: For the best experience, serve the steak in warm tortillas. You can heat them on a skillet or directly over a flame for a few seconds to enhance their flavor and texture.
- Prepare Toppings Ahead of Time: While the steak is marinating, use the time to prepare your toppings like Pico de Gallo, guacamole, or salsa. This will make the assembly of the tacos quicker and more organized once the steak is ready.
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet – Essential for cooking the marinated steak to achieve the best flavor and texture.
- Large Mixing Bowl with Lid – Useful for marinating the steak. A bowl with a lid will help securely store the marinating steak in the refrigerator.
- Slotted Spoon – Handy for removing the steak from the marinade without bringing too much liquid into the skillet.
