Street Tacos Recipe
The origin of street tacos dates back centuries to indigenous peoples in Mexico who wrapped meats in soft corn tortillas. As Spanish colonizers introduced new ingredients, such as beef, the modern version of the taco began to take shape.
Equipment
- Large skillet or cast iron pan
- Tongs or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Small bowls (for toppings)
- Citrus juicer (optional, for squeezing limes)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) beef skirt steak, chicken, or pork (your choice of protein)
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 1 medium white onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 limes, cut into wedges
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking the meat)
- Salsa, hot sauce, or guacamole for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Season your choice of meat (beef, chicken, or pork) with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the spices evenly into the meat for full flavor.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil.
- Once the oil is hot, place the meat in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side for beef (or 5-6 minutes per side for chicken or pork), until the meat is cooked through and slightly charred on the outside.
- Remove the meat from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
- While the meat is resting, heat your corn tortillas. You can do this directly on a stovetop burner (over low heat) or in the same skillet you used to cook the meat.
- oast each tortilla for about 30 seconds per side, just until they're warm and slightly crispy.
- Place a few slices of meat on each warm tortilla.
- Top with a spoonful of chopped onions and cilantro.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over each taco for an extra burst of flavor.
- Add salsa, hot sauce, or guacamole if you like a little extra kick.
- Serve and EnjoyServe the tacos hot, with extra lime wedges on the side. Enjoy them with your favorite toppings or sides like refried beans or Mexican rice!