Are you tired of bland, uninspired tacos? Do you crave the authentic flavors of Mexico in every bite?
Look no further! In this article, we will guide you through the steps to create mouth-watering beef tacos that will transport your taste buds south of the border.
From marinating the steak to sautéing the onions and spices, we will show you how to make every element of these tacos from scratch.
So grab your apron and get ready to impress your friends and family with these delicious and authentic beef tacos.
How To Make Authentic Beef Tacos?
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
To start, combine soy sauce, lime juice, canola oil, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and oregano in a medium bowl. Then, add the steak to a gallon-sized Ziploc bag or large bowl and pour in the soy sauce mixture. Make sure the steak is fully coated and marinate for at least one hour, up to four hours, turning the bag occasionally.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Spices
Roughly chop half an onion and sauté it in a dollop of oil over medium-high heat for a few minutes. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any fat if you want. Then, add one clove of minced garlic and sauté briefly. Add one minced chipotle and one tablespoon of adobo sauce. You can also add one tablespoon of chili powder (we recommend using New Mexican). Optionally, you can add dashes of cumin, oregano, and black pepper. Add a couple of tablespoons of water and simmer over medium heat.
Step 3: Cook the Steak
Heat one tablespoon of canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak and marinade and cook, stirring often, until the steak has browned and the marinade has reduced. This should take about 5-6 minutes or until desired doneness.
Step 4: Warm the Taco Shells
For the taco shells, start by warming up corn tortillas in the oven or microwave. Lightly brush with a neutral oil or cooking spray and drape over two oven rungs for 10-12 minutes at 375°F.
Step 5: Assemble Your Tacos
Once all elements are cooked and ready to go, it’s time to assemble your tacos! Place a spoonful of the beef mixture onto each taco shell. Top with your favorite toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, or guacamole.
Ingredients You Will Need
To make authentic beef tacos, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 pound of steak (flank steak or skirt steak work well)
– 1/4 cup of soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons of lime juice
– 2 tablespoons of canola oil, divided
– 1 clove of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon of chili powder (New Mexican recommended)
– 1 teaspoon of cumin
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– Half an onion, roughly chopped
– 1 minced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
– Corn tortillas
– Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole
Note that you can adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less chili powder and chipotle pepper. Also, feel free to substitute the steak with ground beef or another type of meat such as shredded pork or chicken, or use chickpeas or tofu for a vegan option.
Marinating The Steak
Marinating the steak is a crucial step in making authentic beef tacos. This process infuses the meat with flavor and tenderizes it, making it juicy and delicious. To marinate the steak, start by combining lime juice, soy sauce, canola oil, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and oregano in a medium bowl. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Next, add the steak to a large bowl or gallon-sized Ziploc bag and pour the marinade over it. Make sure that the steak is fully coated with the marinade by turning it several times. Cover it with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour, up to four hours. For best results, marinate the steak overnight.
During this time, the flavors of the marinade will penetrate the meat and make it more flavorful. The acid in the lime juice will also help to break down the fibers of the meat, making it more tender.
Before cooking the steak, remove it from the marinade and discard any excess marinade. You can cook the steak on a grill, broil it in an oven or cook it in a pan on a stovetop. Whichever method you choose, make sure to cook it until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
Once cooked, let the steak rest for five to ten minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. This will ensure that the meat is tender and juicy. Use this marinated steak as a filling for your tacos and enjoy its delicious flavor!
Sautéing The Onions And Spices
Sautéing the onions and spices is an essential step in making authentic beef tacos. This process helps to release the flavors of the ingredients and create a rich and bold taste for the beef filling. To start, heat a dollop of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Roughly chop half an onion and sauté it for a few minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add ground beef to the skillet and cook until it is browned. Be sure to break up any chunks of meat with a wooden spoon or spatula as you go.
Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat if you prefer. Add one clove of minced garlic and sauté briefly before adding one minced chipotle and one tablespoon of adobo sauce. To enhance the flavor profile, add one tablespoon of chili powder (we recommend using New Mexican) and optionally, dashes of cumin, oregano, and black pepper. Add a couple of tablespoons of water to the mixture and simmer over medium heat.
This step is crucial for creating a rich and complex flavor for your beef filling. The combination of onions, garlic, spices, and chipotle peppers creates a smoky and spicy taste that is sure to impress your guests. Once your beef mixture is ready, it’s time to assemble your tacos with your favorite toppings!
Preparing The Tortillas
When it comes to making authentic beef tacos, the tortillas are just as important as the filling. Many pro chefs prefer soft corn tortillas, but any type of tortilla will do. To warm up the tortillas, lightly brush them with water on one side and stack them on a clean kitchen towel. Wrap the towel around the tortillas and microwave for about 25 seconds (adjusting for your own microwave). This will make the tortillas pliable and ready to fill. Alternatively, you can warm them up in the oven by draping them over two oven rungs and baking at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Once the tortillas are warmed up, it’s time to assemble your tacos with your cooked beef mixture and favorite toppings. Don’t skimp on the tortilla preparation, as it can make all the difference in achieving an authentic and delicious taco experience.
Assembling The Tacos
Now that all the components are ready, it’s time to assemble the tacos. Here’s how to do it:
1. Take a warm taco shell and place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of the shell.
2. Add your choice of toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, or guacamole on top of the beef mixture.
3. If you like it spicy, you can add some salsa or hot sauce on top.
4. Finally, garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for added flavor.
To make sure that your tacos don’t fall apart while eating, fold the bottom of the taco shell up towards the center and then fold each side towards the center as well. This will create a pocket that will hold all the delicious filling in place.
Serve your authentic beef tacos with some Mexican rice and beans for a complete meal. These tacos are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a party with friends. Enjoy!
Topping Options
When it comes to topping options for authentic beef tacos, the possibilities are endless. Here are some classic and creative ideas to try:
1. Pico de Gallo: This fresh and tangy salsa is made with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice. It adds a burst of flavor and texture to your tacos.
2. Guacamole: Creamy and rich, guacamole is a must-have topping for any taco lover. Make your own by mashing ripe avocados with lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Pickled Onions: These tangy and colorful onions are the perfect complement to beef tacos. Simply slice red onions thinly and marinate them in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, salt, and water for at least an hour.
4. Cotija Cheese: This crumbly Mexican cheese adds a salty and slightly tangy flavor to your tacos. Sprinkle it on top of your beef mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
5. Salsa Verde: Made with tomatillos, jalapeños, garlic, and cilantro, salsa verde is a spicy and flavorful topping that pairs well with beef tacos.
6. Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright and herbaceous flavor to your tacos. Sprinkle it on top of your beef mixture or use it as a garnish.
7. Lime Wedges: Squeezing fresh lime juice over your tacos adds a zesty and refreshing flavor that balances out the richness of the beef.
8. Radishes: Thinly sliced radishes add a crisp texture and peppery flavor to your tacos. They also provide a pop of color to make your dish more visually appealing.
Experiment with different combinations of toppings to find your perfect taco recipe!
