Dive into casual, footpath-inspired delight with street-style beef tacos, crowned with zesty fresh salsa. This recipe delivers an authentic twist you can easily recreate in your kitchen, using simple steps, budget-friendly ingredients, and a sprinkle of taco magic. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a lively party snack, these tacos promise restaurant-worthy flavor with every bite.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
If street food makes your heart skip a beat, these tacos will be your go-to comfort. They’re everything you want in home-cooked Mexican food—juicy beef, punchy salsa, soft tortillas, and the freedom to get a little messy. Not only does this recipe keep things super simple, but it also allows for creative spins. Plus, the fresh salsa will make you swear off store-bought jars for good.
Ingredients
For the Beef Tacos:
- 500g (about 1 lb) beef skirt or flank steak
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt & pepper
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
For the Fresh Salsa:
- 2 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 1 fresh jalapeño or green chili, finely chopped
- Handful fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/2 tsp salt
Optional Extras:
- Sliced avocado
- Crumbled queso fresco or feta
- Shredded lettuce or cabbage
- Sour cream
- Lime wedges
How to Make
- Marinate the Beef:
Combine olive oil, cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add beef, toss to coat evenly, and marinate for at least 15 minutes (up to 1 hour for deeper flavor).
- Make the Salsa:
Mix tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a bowl. Taste and adjust lime or salt as needed. Let it sit while preparing the beef.
- Cook the Beef:
Heat a skillet or grill pan to medium-high. Cook beef for 2-3 minutes per side for medium, or until nicely charred and juicy. Rest meat for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
- Warm the Tortillas:
Quickly warm tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side or microwave in a damp towel.
- Assemble:
Fill tortillas with sliced beef, pile on the salsa, and finish with your choice of toppings.
Expert Tips
- For best results, let the steak come to room temperature before cooking.
- If you don’t have a grill pan, a cast-iron skillet works perfectly.
- Always slice beef against the grain to keep it tender.
- Fresh lime juice makes all the difference in your salsa!
- For extra char, finish beef under a broiler for one minute.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or use hotter chilies in your salsa.
- Low-Carb: Swap tortillas for lettuce wraps.
- Vegetarian: Use seasoned portobello mushrooms or grilled jackfruit in place of beef.
- Cheesy Crunch: Add a layer of melted cheese or a tostada shell for crunch.
Storage and Reheating
- Beef: Store cooked beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Tortillas: Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
- Salsa: Best used fresh but can be refrigerated for 1 day.
To reheat beef, warm gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water so it doesn’t get tough.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of black beans, Mexican rice, or charred corn.
- Pair with ice-cold aguas frescas, classic margaritas, or sparkling water with lime.
- A fresh leafy salad, quick-pickled onions, or spicy radishes make great sides.
Street-Style Beef Tacos with Fresh Salsa: A Flavor-Packed Guide
Description
Dive into casual, footpath-inspired delight with street-style beef tacos, crowned with zesty fresh salsa. This recipe delivers an authentic twist you can easily recreate in your kitchen, using simple steps, budget-friendly ingredients, and a sprinkle of taco magic. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a lively party snack, these tacos promise restaurant-worthy flavor with every bite.
Ingredients
For the Beef Tacos
For the Fresh Salsa
Optional Extras
Instructions
Marinate the Beef
Combine olive oil, cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add beef, toss to coat evenly, and marinate for at least 15 minutes (up to 1 hour for deeper flavor).
Make the Salsa
Mix tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a bowl. Taste and adjust lime or salt as needed. Let it sit while preparing the beef.
Cook the Beef
Heat a skillet or grill pan to medium-high. Cook beef for 2-3 minutes per side for medium, or until nicely charred and juicy. Rest meat for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
Warm the Tortillas
Quickly warm tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side or microwave in a damp towel.
Assemble
Fill tortillas with sliced beef, pile on the salsa, and finish with your choice of toppings.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 320kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 11g17%
- Saturated Fat 3g15%
- Cholesterol 42mg15%
- Total Carbohydrate 32g11%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 3g
- Calcium 70 mg
- Iron 2 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Always taste your salsa before serving; sometimes extra salt or lime wakes all the flavors up.
- If using flour tortillas, toast lightly for best texture.
- You can prep salsa and marinade in advance for even quicker assembly.
