Authentic Mexican Street Tacos Recipe
Craving the delicious and mouthwatering taste of authentic Mexican street tacos but don’t know where to find them? Look no further! In this blog post, we have the solution to your problem. We will guide you through everything you need to know about authentic Mexican street tacos – from the ingredients to the cooking process.
Whether you’re a seasoned taco enthusiast or a newbie looking to try something new, this post will have you covered with all the essential information.
Say goodbye to bland and uninspiring tacos and say hello to the real deal – authentic Mexican street tacos that will satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. Let’s dive into the world of these flavorful and irresistible treats together!
Ingredients for making Authentic Mexican Street Tacos
Ingredients needed:
- For the marinade:
- 1/4 cup of fresh squeezed lime juice – Lime juice adds a tangy and zesty flavor to the marinade, helping to tenderize the meat.
- 2 cloves of minced garlic – Garlic adds a delicious savory flavor to the marinade and enhances the overall taste of the tacos.
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin – Cumin brings a warm and earthy flavor to the marinade, complementing the other spices.
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika – Smoked paprika adds a rich and smoky flavor to the marinade, giving the meat an authentic Mexican taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder – Chili powder adds a bit of heat and depth of flavor to the marinade, enhancing the overall spiciness of the tacos.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Salt and pepper help to season the meat, bringing out its natural flavors.
- For the taco filling:
- 1 pound of thinly sliced flank steak – Flank steak is a tender and flavorful cut of meat, perfect for grilling and filling tacos.
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro – Cilantro adds a refreshing and herbal flavor to the tacos, balancing out the richness of the meat.
- Diced onion and diced fresh jalapeño – Onion and jalapeño add a bit of crunch and heat to the tacos, enhancing their overall flavor profile.
- For serving:
- 8 small corn tortillas – Corn tortillas are traditional in Mexican street tacos, providing a delicious and authentic base for the filling.
- Additional garnishes such as sliced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, and salsa verde – These optional garnishes can be added to the tacos for extra flavor and texture, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Equipments Needed for making Authentic Mexican Street Tacos
Equipment needed:
- Cutting board – A sturdy cutting board is essential for slicing the flank steak and chopping vegetables.
- Sharp knife – A sharp knife will make it easier to slice the flank steak thinly and chop ingredients like garlic, onion, and jalapeño.
- Mixing bowl – A mixing bowl is needed to prepare the marinade for the flank steak, combining ingredients like lime juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Tongs – Tongs are useful for grilling the marinated flank steak, flipping it to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Grill or grill pan – A grill or grill pan is necessary for cooking the flank steak until it is tender and slightly charred, adding depth of flavor to the tacos.
- Spatula – A spatula can be used to transfer the cooked flank steak from the grill to a cutting board for slicing.
- Serving plates – Plates are needed to assemble the tacos, allowing for easy serving and presentation.
- Optional: Blender or food processor – If making salsa verde from scratch, a blender or food processor can be used to blend ingredients like tomatillos, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime juice for a fresh and flavorful salsa.
Cooking Process for making Authentic Mexican Street Tacos
Cooking Process:
- Start by marinating the flank steak in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse into the meat.
- Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, grill the marinated flank steak for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Use tongs to flip the steak and ensure it cooks evenly.
- Remove the cooked flank steak from the grill and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Warm the corn tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds per side, until they are soft and pliable.
- To assemble the tacos, place a few slices of grilled flank steak on each tortilla. Top with salsa verde, chopped onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Serve the authentic Mexican street tacos on serving plates and enjoy hot.
Adjust the cooking process based on personal preferences, such as cooking the steak longer for a more well-done result or adding additional toppings like avocado or sour cream. Use these tips and tricks to create delicious and authentic Mexican street tacos at home!
Suggestions for Serving
Pairing Suggestions:
For an authentic Mexican experience, serve these street tacos with traditional sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, and salsa. You can also offer toppings such as diced onions, cilantro, lime wedges, and fresh avocado slices. Pair the tacos with a refreshing drink like horchata, agua fresca, or a cold Mexican beer to complete the meal.
Plating Tips:
To plate these street tacos elegantly, use a colorful Mexican-style serving platter or individual taco holders. Garnish the tacos with a slice of lime and a sprig of fresh cilantro for a pop of color. For a festive touch, add some edible flowers like marigolds or nasturtiums as a decorative accent.
Cultural Customs:
In Mexican culture, street tacos are typically eaten by hand, so provide plenty of napkins for your guests. It is also customary to serve a variety of salsas and hot sauces on the side, allowing diners to customize their tacos to their preferred level of spiciness. Remember to embrace the informal and communal nature of street tacos by encouraging guests to mix and match toppings to create their perfect taco.
Nutritional Value of Authentic Mexican Street Tacos
Nutrition value for Authentic Mexican Street Tacos:
- Protein: Flank steak is a good source of protein, with approximately 22 grams per 3 ounce serving.
- Sugar: There is minimal sugar in this recipe, mainly from the natural sugars in the ingredients like onion and jalapeño.
- Calories: The calorie content of these tacos will vary depending on portion sizes and any additional toppings added.
- Fat: Flank steak is a lean cut of meat, but there will still be some fat content from the meat and any added toppings like avocado or queso fresco.
- Carbohydrates: Corn tortillas contain carbohydrates, providing energy for the body.
- Fiber: Cilantro and other vegetables used in the recipe may contribute to the fiber content of these tacos.
- Vitamins and minerals: Ingredients like lime juice, garlic, and cilantro provide essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.
FAQ
What are authentic Mexican street tacos?
Authentic Mexican street tacos are traditional tacos found in Mexico, typically made with corn tortillas, filled with various ingredients such as grilled meats, onions, cilantro, and salsa.
What makes Mexican street tacos different from other tacos?
Mexican street tacos are known for their simple yet flavorful fillings and fresh ingredients. They are usually smaller in size, served on two small tortillas, and eaten with your hands while standing on the street.
What meats are commonly used in authentic Mexican street tacos?
Some common meats used in authentic Mexican street tacos include carne asada (grilled steak), al pastor (marinated pork), carnitas (slow-cooked pork), and barbacoa (slow-cooked beef).
How do you make authentic Mexican street tacos at home?
To make authentic Mexican street tacos at home, start by marinating your choice of meat in traditional Mexican spices, then grill or cook it until tender. Warm up some corn tortillas, fill them with the cooked meat, and top with onions, cilantro, and salsa. Serve hot and enjoy!
What are some popular toppings for Mexican street tacos?
Popular toppings for Mexican street tacos include chopped onions, fresh cilantro, salsa (such as salsa verde or salsa roja), lime wedges, sliced radishes, and avocado or guacamole.
Conclusion
In conclusion, authentic Mexican street tacos are a delicious and satisfying meal that can be easily made at home. By using simple, fresh ingredients and following traditional cooking methods, you can recreate the flavors and textures of this beloved Mexican street food.
Whether you choose to top your tacos with traditional garnishes like cilantro and onions, or add your own spin with unique toppings, the key to a truly authentic experience is using high-quality ingredients and treating them with care. So next time you’re craving a taste of Mexico, skip the restaurant and make your own flavorful, mouth-watering street tacos right in your own kitchen.
