– **Title**: Simple Steak Street Tacos
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 pound flank steak (or skirt steak)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 small corn or flour tortillas
– 1 cup diced onion
– 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 lime, cut into wedges
– Salsa or hot sauce, for serving (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. **Marinate the Steak**: In a bowl, mix together olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture onto the flank steak and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for more flavor.
2. **Cook the Steak**: Preheat a grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated steak for about 4-6 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired doneness (medium-rare is about 130°F). Remove the steak from the heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
3. **Slice the Steak**: Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips for easy biting and maximum tenderness.
4. **Warm the Tortillas**: While the steak is resting, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat, about 30 seconds on each side, until pliable and slightly toasted.
5. **Assemble the Tacos**: In each tortilla, add a few slices of steak, topped with diced onions and fresh cilantro.
6. **Serve**: Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side and optional salsa or hot sauce for added flavor. Enjoy your simple steak street tacos!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank or Skirt Steak: These cuts are ideal because they are flavorful and tender when cooked quickly. However, if you’re on a budget or see a better deal, you could use sirloin or even grilled chicken for a lighter option.
Olive Oil: It’s great for cooking because of its flavor and health benefits. If you don’t have it, feel free to use canola oil or avocado oil instead. They work well and won’t change the taste much.
Taco Seasoning: You can make your own blend using cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and oregano. If you’re watching your sodium intake, try using less of a store-bought seasoning or skip it altogether for a fresher approach!
Corn Tortillas: While corn tortillas are traditional, you could substitute them with flour tortillas for a softer texture. Just be careful not to overpower the beef flavor!
Red Onion & Cilantro: Red onion adds flavor and crunch. You can swap it with white onion if needed. For cilantro lovers, it’s perfect! If you’re not a fan, chopped green onions or even arugula can give a similar freshness.
How Do I Cook the Steak Just Right?
Cooking the steak properly is vital for tacos that you’ll love! Start by marinating the steak as it helps enhance the flavors. The marinating time of at least 15 minutes is fabulous, but letting it sit for a couple of hours will really deepen those flavors.
- Heat your skillet or grill until it’s really hot. This helps sear the meat quickly.
- Cook the steak in one single layer; overcrowding leads to steaming, not browning.
- Flank and skirt steak generally need about 3-4 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure! Aim for 130°F for medium-rare.
- Let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking. Resting helps the juices redistribute before you slice!
How to Make Simple Steak Street Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak:
- 1 pound flank steak or skirt steak, cut into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (or a mix of cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and oregano)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembling the Tacos:
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and marinating, plus another 10-15 minutes for cooking and assembling. In total, expect to spend around 30 minutes to have your tasty steak street tacos ready to eat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinating the Steak:
In a bowl, combine the small pieces of steak with olive oil, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together, making sure each piece of steak is coated well. Let the steak marinate for at least 15 minutes on the counter to soak up all those flavors.
2. Cooking the Steak:
Heat a large skillet or grill over medium-high heat until it’s hot. Carefully add the marinated steak in a single layer, making sure not to crowd the pan. Cook the steak for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it’s nicely browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. The smell will be amazing!
3. Warming the Tortillas:
While the steak is cooking, take the corn tortillas and warm them up. Place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, just until they are soft and flexible. This makes them easier to fold and eat!
4. Preparing to Serve:
Once the steak is cooked, take it out of the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, so your steak stays juicy. After resting, if the pieces are too large, feel free to slice them into smaller pieces for the tacos.
5. Assembling the Tacos:
Now it’s time to make your tacos! On each tortilla, place a portion of the steak, then sprinkle some finely chopped red onion and fresh cilantro on top. You could add more toppings if you like, such as avocado or salsa.
6. Serving:
Serve your delicious steak tacos with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze some lime juice over the tacos just before you take a bite for an extra zesty flavor. Enjoy your homemade street tacos!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! If you can’t find flank or skirt steak, consider using sirloin or ribeye as alternatives. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly based on the thickness of the cut, so keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t overcook!
How Can I Customize the Taco Seasoning?
If you don’t have taco seasoning, you can easily make your own by mixing together 1 teaspoon each of cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder. Feel free to adjust spices based on your taste preferences or available ingredients!
Can I Prepare the Steak a Day Ahead?
Yes, you can marinate the steak a day in advance! Just combine the steak with olive oil, seasoning, salt, and pepper, and store it in a covered container in the refrigerator. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftover Tacos?
To reheat tacos, it’s best to keep the toppings separate. For the steak, warm it in a skillet over low heat until heated through. You can also briefly microwave the tortillas wrapped in a damp paper towel to keep them soft. Assemble the tacos just before serving!
