A Taste of the Streets: Dive into Delicious Mexican Street Tacos!
Calling all taco lovers! Today, we’re venturing south of the border to explore the vibrant world of Mexican street tacos. These bite-sized bursts of flavor are a staple of Mexican cuisine, offering a casual and delicious way to enjoy fresh ingredients and bold seasonings.
Beyond the Taco Shell: A Culinary Adventure
Unlike their American counterparts, authentic Mexican street tacos are typically served on small corn tortillas. These tortillas are warmed until slightly pliable, then filled with a variety of simple yet flavorful toppings. The result? An explosion of textures and tastes in every bite.
The Hero of the Dish: The Meat (or Not!)
While steak is a popular choice, Mexican street tacos can be filled with various protein options, including chicken, carnitas (shredded pork), or even vegetarian options like grilled cactus or portobello mushrooms. My recipe features steak flap meat, marinated in a zesty and citrusy fajita marinade for ultimate flavor.
Watch how to make this recipe!
Want to see this recipe come to life? Check out this video where I walk you through the entire process, from marinating the meat to assembling the perfect taco.
Building Flavor: The Marinade Magic
The fajita marinade is the key to creating tender, flavorful meat. Here’s a glimpse into what makes it special:
- Citrusy Punch: Fresh lime juice and orange juice add a bright and tangy flavor profile.
- Smokey Depth: Ground cumin and chili powder bring a smoky and earthywarmth.
- Spicy Kick: Adjust the amount of jalapenos or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a customizable level of heat.
Marinating Tips:
- Plan ahead: Marinate the meat for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight, for maximum flavor absorption.
- Acidity is your friend: The acidity in the marinade helps to tenderize the meat, ensuring a juicy and flavorful bite.
The Perfect Toppings: A Fiesta of Freshness
While the fillings take center stage, the fresh toppings complete the symphony of flavors in a Mexican street taco. Here’s what we’ll use:
- Diced onions: Add a subtle bite and a touch of sweetness.
- Chopped cilantro: Provides a refreshing and herbaceous element.
- Lime wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a touch of acidity and brightness.
Don’t forget the extras! You can also serve your tacos with a variety of other toppings, like crumbled queso fresco, pico de gallo, or your favorite salsa.
Making it Vegetarian? Explore the Options!
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, this recipe is easily adaptable. Simply replace the steak with grilled portobello mushrooms, marinated and grilled cactus (nopales), or even sautĂ©ed black beans.
The Finishing Touch: The Avocado Sauce
For an extra layer of creaminess and flavor, I highly recommend serving these tacos with a homemade avocado sauce. The rich and creamy avocado, combined with a touch of lime juice and cilantro, perfectly complements the other ingredients.
A Bite-Sized Adventure: Embrace the Spirit of Street Food!
Making Mexican street tacos at home is a fun and interactive experience. It allows you to experiment with different flavor combinations, personalize your toppings, and enjoy the informal and delicious spirit of street food culture.
So, gather your ingredients, watch the video, and embark on your own Mexican street taco adventure! I guarantee you’ll be transported to the vibrant streets of Mexico with every delicious bite.
More Easy Mexican Recipes:
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Mexican Street Tacos
Recipe by Jason Hill – CookingSessions.comIngredients
- 4-5 pieces steak flap meat or chicken breasts
Fajita Marinade
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Pinch ground cloves
- 4 crushed cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 orange and 1 lemon juiced
- Small bunch cilantro chopped
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Assembly
- 1-2 jalapenos
- 1 bunch green onions
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup minced cilantro
- 1 lime juiced
- Avocado sauce see separate recipe
Instructions
- Marinate the steak or chicken in my fajita marinade overnight, turning once or twice.
- Preheat grill. Grill steak or chicken until done, and cut into cubes.
- Lightly grill the tortillas on both sides, then wrap tortillas in foil and keep warm on upper rack of grill.
- Grill green onions and jalapenos on grill. Set aside for tacos or a side dish.
- To assemble, place a small amount of steak in each tortilla and top with chopped onions and cilantro.
- Garnish with my avocado salsa and enjoy!