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.
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
Serving Size 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.
