Tacos, the food equivalent of a blank canvas, offer endless possibilities for creative culinary expression. But if you're one of those who think that adding steak to your taco is too daunting, fear not! With this recipe, even the most amateur of home cooks can learn how to make steak for tacos that will impress even the pickiest of taco critics.
The key is simple: choose the right cut of steak, season it with delicious flavors, and pair it with the perfect toppings. It's almost like a paint-by-numbers for cooking! And if you're thinking that it sounds too easy, well, that's because it is. Don't let the fancy steak taco trend intimidate you.
Choose Your Cut Wisely: Tender is Key for Delicious Steak Tacos
Now, we all know that not all steaks are created equal. So, when it comes to making a perfect steak taco, choosing the right cut is essential. If you're thinking of using a tough, chewy steak, then just stop reading this post right now.
Tender steak is the most crucial factor in a good steak taco. So, choose wisely. Top sirloin or New York steaks, with their tender texture, are excellent choices for steak tacos. You'll also want to make certain you slice the steak thinly, across the grain, for the best eating experience.
Seasoning is a Must: How to Transform Your Steak into Mouthwatering Perfection
Once you've selected the right cut of steak, the next step is to season it to perfection. If you're thinking of just throwing some salt and pepper on it and calling it a day, well, you might as well go grab a taco from your nearest fast food chain. But if you're serious about making the perfect steak taco, then the proper seasoning is essential.
A seasoning rub of cayenne pepper, salt, garlic, and cumin can transform your steak from mediocre to mouthwatering. And when it comes to cooking the steak, grilling or broiling is the way to go. I strongly recommend grilling your steak. It adds a smoky flavor that can't be achieved with any other method!
How Long Do You Cook Steak For Tacos?
For this recipe you will grill or broil steaks for 5 to 6 minutes on each side for medium rare, turning once. Then, remove from grill and let meat sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
Why Do I Have To Let My Steak Rest After Cooking It?
This is one of my favorite tricks that will give you the most delicious steak. By letting the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing it, the juices are able to redistribute, resulting in a tender, juicy steak.
The Fun Part: Assembling Your Steak Tacos with Perfectly Heated Tortillas and Balanced Toppings
Now, the fun part - assembling the tacos! But before you start piling on the toppings, make sure to heat your tortillas. Warm tortillas by placing them on the grill, for about 30 seconds, turning once. Or place 6 tortillas at a time between 2 moist paper towels and microwave for 45 seconds. Wrap in cloth napkin or place in a tortilla warmer to keep warm.
And when it comes to toppings, the options are endless. But remember, balance is key. Don't go overboard with the flavors, or you'll end up with a mess of flavors that will make you question your life choices. Fresh cilantro, diced onion, and a squeeze of lime juice can add brightness to the dish, while a dollop of the avocado salsa can add creaminess and heat. But don't forget the star of the show - the steak!
Love Tacos? Me too. Try these recipes next:
Seafood & Chorizo Soft Tacos
Try these delicious Seafood & Chorizo Soft Tacos from A Girl Defloured on G-Free Foodie. Best of all, this entire meal came together in about 10 minutes, which makes it perfect for a weeknight!
Vegan Picadillo Tostadas with Rice and Peas by Kate Ramos
These Vegan Picadillo Tostadas with Rice and Peas from my friend Kate Ramos are truly delicious! Tostadas everyone will love? YES. A vegan picadillo recipe that's oh-so-delicious? YES to that too.
Crispy Avocado Tacos
The first bite of these tacos will seal the deal for you - these tacos are incredible. Those crispy outside,creamy inside avocado spears are just pure genius!
The Best Use For Leftover Mashed Potatoes: Air Fryer Tacos!
Air fryer tacos are my favorite use for leftover mashed potatoes! Especially THESE crispy air fryer tacos! Imagine corn tortillas filled with cheese and fluffy, smokey mashed potatoes crisped in an air fryer for the best crunch possible... Yum!
See, making a steak taco is easier than you think. You don't need to be a professional chef or have a culinary degree to make a delicious one. All you need is the right cut of steak & this recipe!
How To Make Steak For Tacos: Easy Steak Tacos With Avocado Salsa
Ingredients
Tacos
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ยผ teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
- 1ยผ pound Top Sirloin or New York steaks cut 1-inch thick
- 10-12 small corn tortillas (5 to 6 inches in diameter) or lettuce leaves
- 3 cups cabbage shredded
- ยฝ cup cilantro chopped
- 1 lime cut into wedges
- 2 cups Avocado Salsa recipe follows
Avocado Salsa
- 1 large tomato peeled, seeded and cut into chunks (about 2 cups)
- 2 avocados cut into chunks
- ยฝ ย red onion diced
- 2 limes juiced (about ยผ cup)
- Salt
- ยผ cup chopped cilantro leaves
- 2 jalapeno chiles chopped, (optional, to taste)
Instructions
Avocado Salsa
- Place tomato, avocado and onion in a large bowl and add lime juice and salt. Add cilantro and chiles and toss gently.
Tacos
- In a small bowl stir together cumin, garlic, salt and cayenne pepper. Rub spice mixture on both sides of steaks. Ideally, let marinate for at least 30 minutes. (you can marinate the steak while prepping the rest of the ingredients and the grill.)
- Grill or broil steaks for 5 to 6 minutes on each side for medium rare, turning once. Remove from grill and let meat sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Carve into thin slices, slicing across the grain for the easiest eating.
- Warm tortillas by placing them on the grill, for about 30 seconds, turning once. Or place 6 tortillas at a time between 2 moist paper towels and microwave for 45 seconds. Wrap in cloth napkin or place in a tortilla warmer to keep warm.
- Place the carved steak, warm tortillas, cabbage, cilantro, lime and Avocado Salsa in serving dishes and let diners make their own tacos at the table.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions about How To Make Steak For Tacos:
Steak is beef. A steak is, according to its official definition, "a slice of meat cut from the fleshy part of a beef carcass."
Cooking the steakย whole and slicing it afterward will make it more tender and juicy. Cutting the meat before cooking will allow you to cook it more evenly and reduce the risk of drying out the meat if you prefer a more well-done outcome. I strongly recommend cutting your steak after cooking it!
The term "grilled meat" (carne asada) refers to a taco constructed from thin steak pieces that have been marinated and cooked.
Using a really sharp knife, carve your steak into thin slices.
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