Mexican Steak Tacos: A 20-Minute Meal Anyone Can Make
Are you starving but pressed for time? Mexican steak tacos are the answer. This one-dish meal is ready in under 20 minutes, and once you taste it, you’ll want to savor every flavor. The best part? You may already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen.
Homemade Steak Tacos Instead of Takeout
Many perks await you when you make tacos at home. For starters, you dictate the ingredients of your meal. You can use fresh ingredients and customize the spiciness to your taste. Second, homemade tacos are generally less expensive than restaurant tacos. Third, you can make homemade tacos in less time than it takes to call for delivery.
These steak tacos are simple enough for beginners to make. You don’t often need fancy skills or tools: one pan, a knife, and a handful of essential ingredients. Additionally, the entire family can participate by adding their preferred toppings at the table.
Homemade tacos are often healthier than most takeout options. You can load in lots of fresh vegetables and monitor the items you add, including those with added salt and fat. For the carb-watcher, you can even exchange tortillas for lettuce wraps.
Three Methods For Cooking Your Steak Tacos
At the heart of every great taco is great meat cooked perfectly. Here are three simple ways to cook steak for tacos:
Pan-frying: Pan-frying is the fastest method. In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Stir in the marinated steak chunks and sear for 1-2 minutes per side, until a crust forms. Cover and reduce the heat; cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the desired doneness is reached. This approach works if you’re in a hurry or cooking inside.
On the grill: Place your marinated steak pieces in aluminum foil or directly onto the grill. Cook for 3-5 minutes, flipping once. However, the high heat lends the meat lovely, charred edges and a smoky flavor. This approach is ideal for summer cooking or craving authentic street taco flavor.
Broiling: Place your steak on a baking sheet and place it under the broiler for 2 to 4 minutes. This hands-off method yields grilled-like results. Watch closely to avoid burning, as broilers can heat unevenly.
Just remember that cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your steak pieces and how well you like your meat done. Cut your steak into 1-inch pieces, then cut them into even, small pieces — I prefer making them one-inch squares for best results. This allows the marinade to cover more surface area and ensures quick, even cooking.
The Best Marinade for Steak Tacos
A well-balanced marinade takes a bog-standard steak and makes it sing. For authentic Mexican flavor, combine these ingredients in a bowl:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Juice from one lime
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2-3 minced garlic cloves
- 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon each of onion powder, chili powder, cumin, and dried oregano
If possible, allow cubed steak to marinate in this much more flavorful mixture for at least 20 minutes. Even a brief marination adds flavor, but if you like, let it sit for an hour or overnight in the fridge. Lime juice contains enzymes that break down proteins, making meat tender and enhancing the flavor of spices.
How To Top Your Steak Tacos Like A Pro
The toppings are what make tacos fun! “The best part is that everyone can freshen theirs up with their favorite extras. Below are some traditional and tasty options:
Basic Topping: Add chopped onions, fresh cilantro, and diced tomatoes. These add new crunch and flavor that balances the savory meat.
Cheese: Mexican tacos traditionally use cotija cheese. That crumbly, salty cheese lends big flavor. If you can’t find Cotija, consider using crumbled feta or grated Monterey Jack instead.
Creamy Elements: Lime crema elevates your tacos. Combine 1 cup of sour cream with the juice of one lime and a teaspoon of sugar. Stir until smooth. Guacamole or sliced avocado can also bring creamy richness.
Salsas and Heat: A fresh salsa brightens the flavors. Mix diced tomatoes with finely chopped red onion, minced jalapeño, chopped cilantro, and salt. Sprinkle some of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick of heat.
Extras: Pickled red onions add a sweet, tangy flavor. Corn salsa adds sweetness and heft. Shredded lettuce adds crunch.
When ready to serve, warm your tortillas. Please place them in a dry skillet for 30 seconds on one side or wrap them in damp paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds. Tortillas served warm are more pliable and taste better.
Fast Assembly For Perfect Steak Tacos
Once you have all your components prepared, assembly is fast and fun. Your base is a warm tortilla. Spoon on a generous scoop of steak, then allow everyone to add their favorite toppings.
To make serving easy, create a taco bar. Set out toppings in separate bowls so everyone can assemble their ultimate taco. This is perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers with friends.
Don’t overfill your tacos. While it may be tempting to add more ingredients, too much filling makes tacos hard to eat. A good rule of thumb is to half-fill the tortilla with meat, leaving some space for toppings.
Dig Into Your Homemade Mexican Feast
Mexican steak tacos remind us that great food doesn’t need to be complicated or take a long time to make. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward, uncomplicated cooking techniques, you can have a dish—better than takeout—on the table in under 20 minutes.
The next time you feel compelled to call for delivery, remember how fast and simple these little dudes are to prepare. You’ll save money, eat better, and savor the flavors, specifically tailored to your taste.
Additionally, cooking at home is a social experience: sitting down with others to share good food and conversation. Taco Tuesday or not, these steak tacos will be a family favorite. They’re ideal for rushed weeknights when you want a quick, gratifying dinner that pleases everyone.