Mexican Street Tacos are a tasty treat packed with flavor! These little wonders are made with warm corn tortillas filled with your choice of succulent meats, fresh veggies, and zesty toppings.
You can’t go wrong with a sprinkle of cilantro and a squeeze of lime. If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to eat a few more than you planned—who can resist these delicious bites?
They’re so easy to whip up! Just grab your favorite fillings and let everyone build their perfect taco. It’s a fun way to enjoy good food with friends or family.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This cut is rich and flavorful for tacos. If you prefer, chicken thighs or beef (like flank steak) work well too. When in a hurry, shredded rotisserie chicken can also make for a quick and tasty option.
Olive Oil: This oil adds a nice touch but feel free to swap it with vegetable oil or avocado oil. Both have a high smoke point and won’t alter the flavors much, keeping things delicious.
Spices: Chili powder and cumin give a great flavor. If you don’t have chili powder, feel free to use paprika or taco seasoning. No cumin? Try coriander as a milder swap!
Corn Tortillas: While corn is traditional, flour tortillas are a great alternative if that’s what you have. Just note that they are softer and might not hold the filling quite as well.
How Do I Cook the Meat to Perfection?
Cooking the meat correctly is key to tasty tacos. It should be browned and cooked through without drying out. Here are some quick steps:
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
- Add the seasoned meat and let it sear for a few minutes—don’t stir too often to allow a good crust to form.
- Stir occasionally and cook until no pink remains, about 8-10 minutes.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of lime juice towards the end of cooking!
With these tips and substitutions, you’ll whip up some delightful tacos that are sure to impress!
How to Make Mexican Street Tacos?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meat:
- 1 lb pork shoulder (or chicken or beef, your choice), cut into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Tacos:
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and an additional 10 to 15 minutes to cook. So you should have a delicious meal ready in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Meat:
Start by placing your cut-up pork (or chicken or beef) in a bowl. Add the olive oil along with the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together well, so all the meat pieces are coated nicely with the spices. This will give your tacos a fantastic flavor!
2. Cooking the Meat:
Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s nice and hot, add the seasoned meat. Cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and cooked all the way through. This step is where all those lovely flavors come together!
3. Warming the Tortillas:
While the meat is cooking, take your corn tortillas and warm them on a dry skillet or griddle. Just a minute or so on each side is enough for them to become pliable and get a slight char. This little trick makes the tortillas more delicious and easier to handle.
4. Assembling Your Tacos:
Once the meat is ready, it’s time to put your tacos together! Place a generous portion of the cooked meat onto each tortilla. Don’t be shy—make them tasty!
5. Adding Toppings:
Now, sprinkle the chopped red onion and fresh cilantro over the meat in each taco. These fresh toppings add a nice crunch and flavor that you’ll love!
6. Serving the Tacos:
Finally, serve your tacos with lime wedges on the side. When you’re ready to eat, squeeze some fresh lime juice over your tacos for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your delicious Mexican street tacos!
Can I Use Other Proteins for This Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile. You can easily substitute the pork with chicken, beef, or even shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time slightly; chicken should take about 6-8 minutes, and shrimp cooks quick—around 3-4 minutes, until pink and opaque.
How Can I Keep My Tortillas Warm?
To keep your tortillas warm while you cook the meat, wrap them in a clean kitchen towel and place them in a tortilla warmer, or cover them with aluminum foil. This traps steam and keeps them pliable. You can also keep the wrapped tortillas in a low-temperature oven (about 200°F) until you’re ready to serve!
Can I Make the Meat Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can cook the meat up to 2 days in advance. Just refrigerate it in an airtight container. When ready to serve, reheat the meat in a skillet on medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.
What Are Some Good Toppings for Mexican Street Tacos?
Beyond red onion and cilantro, you can add diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, avocado, or crumbled queso fresco. For added zest, a drizzle of crema or a sprinkle of cotija cheese enhances the flavor profile beautifully!
