Don’t order takeout anymore — instead, make your own epic Mexican Steak Tacos at home in under 20 minutes! These tacos are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a lively gathering with friends. With their bold flavors and easy preparation, they stand out as a delicious alternative to traditional takeout.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 20 minutes, you can whip up these tasty tacos in no time.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of spices offers a rich and vibrant taste that will delight your taste buds.
- Customizable Toppings: You can personalize your tacos with various toppings to suit everyone’s preferences.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make extra steak and enjoy tacos throughout the week or use it in other dishes.
- Great for Gatherings: Impress your guests with these mouthwatering tacos that are sure to be a hit at any party.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking, gather your essential tools for making these scrumptious Mexican Steak Tacos. Having the right equipment will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cast iron skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Tongs
Importance of Each Tool
- Cast iron skillet: Retains heat well for perfect searing, giving your steak a great crust while keeping it juicy inside.
- Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining spices and marinating your steak evenly before cooking.
- Sharp knife: Essential for cutting the sirloin into bite-sized cubes quickly and efficiently.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 1 ½ pounds of sirloin (chopped into cubes)
– 1 tablespoon EACH of chili powder and ancho chili powder
– 1 teaspoon EACH of garlic powder, ground cumin, brown sugar, and onion powder
– ½ teaspoon EACH of dried oregano, ground coriander, and smoked paprika
– ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional, only if you want the heat)
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– Salt and ground black pepper (to taste)
– 8 corn tortillas (or any type of tortilla you prefer)
– 1 tub of sour cream
– 1 pack of cotija cheese
– 1 jar of store-bought guacamole
– 1 jar of store-bought salsa
– 1 jar of pickled red onions
– Chopped cilantro (for garnish)
– Hot sauce of your choice (optional)
For Garnish
- Chopped cilantro
How to Make Mexican Steak Tacos
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Get your sirloin steak, pat them dry, and chop them into bite-sized cubes. Leave them on the cutting board as you make your spice rub.
Step 2: Mix the Spice Rub
In a mixing bowl, combine your herbs, spices, salt, pepper, and brown sugar until everything is well mixed.
Step 3: Coat the Steak
Toss your steak cubes in a large bowl and drizzle them with some vegetable oil. Add in the spice rub mixture, ensuring every piece is coated evenly.
Step 4: Marinate
Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes as you prep your toppings. This allows the flavors to infuse into the meat.
Step 5: Heat Up Your Skillet
Get a cast iron skillet and pour in the rest of your vegetable oil. Warm it up for about 2 minutes before searing your steak.
Step 6: Sear the Steak
Sear each cube for about 1 to 2 minutes per side until browned completely (around 3 to 5 minutes total). Avoid overcooking to keep all those delicious juices inside.
Step 7: Assemble Your Tacos
Once cooked to your liking, carefully pile the steak on top of your tortilla wraps. Add all your favorite toppings like sour cream, cotija cheese, guacamole, salsa, pickled red onions, and hot sauce.
Step 8: Garnish
For the final touch, sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top. Now you’re ready to take that first glorious bite!
How to Serve Mexican Steak Tacos
Serving Mexican Steak Tacos is all about enhancing their flavor and presentation. You can get creative with various toppings and sides to elevate your taco experience.
Classic Toppings
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy texture that balances the spices.
- Guacamole: This avocado delight brings a rich, smooth taste that complements the steak.
- Salsa: Choose a store-bought salsa or make your own for a fresh, zesty kick.
Fresh Garnishes
- Chopped Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a burst of freshness and color.
- Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges to squeeze over the tacos for an extra zing.
- Pickled Red Onions: Add these tangy onions for a delightful crunch and flavor contrast.
Heat Options
- Hot Sauce: Offer a selection of hot sauces for those who enjoy an extra kick.
- Diced Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños add spice and a crisp texture if you want more heat.
How to Perfect Mexican Steak Tacos
To achieve the best Mexican Steak Tacos, focus on quality ingredients and cooking techniques. These tips will help you create delicious tacos every time.
- Bold Seasoning: Ensure your steak is generously seasoned with the spice rub for maximum flavor.
- Proper Cooking Time: Avoid overcooking your steak to keep it juicy and tender; aim for medium-rare.
- Warm Tortillas: Warm your tortillas before serving to enhance their flavor and make them pliable.
- Layering Ingredients: Layer your toppings thoughtfully to balance flavors in every bite.
- Experiment with Spices: Don’t hesitate to try different spices or herbs in your rub for unique flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Mexican Steak Tacos
Pairing side dishes with your Mexican Steak Tacos can enhance the meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide a hearty side that complements the tacos well.
- Spanish Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes, bell peppers, and spices adds a flavorful touch.
- Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with salsa make for an excellent appetizer or side.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: This fragrant rice dish enhances the taco flavors while adding freshness.
- Grilled Vegetables: Mixed grilled veggies offer a healthy side option packed with flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Mexican Steak Tacos at home can be a delightful experience, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:
- Skipping the marination step: Allowing your steak to sit with the spice rub enhances its flavor and tenderness. Don’t rush this process; even a short 5-10 minute marination makes a difference.
- Overcooking the steak: Cooking steak beyond medium can dry it out. Keep an eye on it and aim for a quick sear to lock in juices for the best texture.
- Using too much oil: While oil is necessary for cooking, using too much can make your tacos greasy. A couple of tablespoons are usually enough to achieve a good sear without excess oil.
- Neglecting toppings: Toppings like guacamole, sour cream, and pickled onions add flavor and texture. Don’t skip out on these essentials; they elevate your tacos significantly.
- Choosing the wrong tortillas: Not all tortillas are created equal. Corn tortillas are traditional for Mexican Steak Tacos, but feel free to experiment with flour or whole wheat based on your preference.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover tacos in an airtight container.
- They will keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Keep toppings separate from tortillas and steak to maintain freshness.
Freezing Mexican Steak Tacos
- Wrap individual tacos tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Mexican Steak Tacos
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place tacos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm, being cautious not to overcook.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add tacos and cover them with a lid for about 3-5 minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of meat is best for Mexican Steak Tacos?
Sirloin is ideal due to its balance of flavor and tenderness, making it perfect for searing quickly while retaining juiciness.
Can I use other types of tortillas?
Absolutely! While corn tortillas are traditional, you can use flour or whole wheat tortillas based on your preference.
How do I make my Mexican Steak Tacos spicier?
Consider adding cayenne pepper to your spice rub or serving with hot sauce on the side for an extra kick.
Can I prepare the steak ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the steak ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator overnight for enhanced flavor before cooking it fresh.
How long will leftovers last?
Leftover Mexican Steak Tacos can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for two months if wrapped properly.
Final Thoughts
These Mexican Steak Tacos are not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavor and customizable options. Whether you prefer classic toppings or want to experiment with new flavors, this recipe is versatile enough for any occasion. Don’t hesitate—try making them at home today!
Mexican Steak Tacos
Elevate your weeknight dinner with these mouthwatering Mexican Steak Tacos that can be prepared in just 20 minutes! Perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends, this recipe showcases tender sirloin steak seasoned with a vibrant spice blend. Customize each taco with your favorite toppings, from creamy guacamole to tangy pickled onions. With their bold flavors and easy prep, you’ll forget all about takeout!
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately four people (8 tacos total) 1x
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds sirloin, chopped into cubes
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ancho chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 8 corn tortillas
- Sour cream
- Cotija cheese
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Pickled red onions
- Chopped cilantro for topping
Instructions
- Chop the sirloin into bite-sized cubes and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the spices with salt and pepper.
- Toss the steak cubes in vegetable oil and coat with the spice mix.
- Let marinate for 5–10 minutes.
- Heat oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the steak cubes for about 3–5 minutes until browned on all sides.
- Assemble tacos by placing steak on tortillas and adding desired toppings.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos (150g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 65mg