The Best Street Taco Recipe

Street tacos are a beloved culinary tradition known for their simplicity, vibrant flavors, and convenience. If you’re craving an authentic street taco recipe that brings the taste of Mexico to your kitchen, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through the steps to create delicious street tacos that impress your family and friends.

What Are Street Tacos?

Street tacos are small, flavorful tacos typically served on soft corn tortillas. They are often garnished with fresh ingredients like cilantro, onions, and lime. Unlike the more giant, complex American-style tacos, street tacos focus on the essentials: quality meat, simple toppings, and vibrant flavors.

Ingredients for the Perfect Street Taco

To make an authentic street taco recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Tortillas
  • Soft corn tortillas (6-inch)
• Protein Options
  • Carne asada (grilled beef)
  • Pollo Asado (grilled chicken)
  • Carnitas (slow-cooked pork)
  • Al pastor (marinated pork)
• Toppings
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped.
  • White onion, finely diced
  • Fresh lime wedges
  • Salsa (variety of options)
  • Radishes, thinly sliced (optional)

How to Prepare Your Protein

Carne Asada

Carne Asada is a classic choice for street tacos. Here’s how to prepare it:

1. Marinate the Beef
   • Ingredients: flank or skirt steak, lime juice, orange juice, garlic, cilantro, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
   • Marinate the steak for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
2. Grill the Steak
   • Preheat your grill to high heat.
   • Grill the steak for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
3. Slice the Meat
   • Let the steak rest briefly, then slice it thinly against the grain.

Pollo Asado

For a delicious chicken street taco:

1. Marinate the Chicken
   • Ingredients: boneless, skinless chicken thighs, lime juice, orange juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
   • Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour.
2. Grill the Chicken
   • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
   • Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
3. Slice or Shred the Chicken
   • Let the chicken rest before slicing or shredding it.

Carnitas

Carnitas are slow-cooked pork, perfect for tender, flavorful tacos:

1. Season the Pork
   • Ingredients: pork shoulder, salt, pepper, garlic, onion, orange juice, lime juice, bay leaves.
2. Cook the Pork
   • Slow-cook the pork in a crockpot on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until tender.
3. Crisp the Pork
   • Shred the pork and crisp it in a hot skillet before serving.

Al Pastor

Al pastor is marinated pork, traditionally cooked on a vertical spit:

1. Marinate the Pork
   • Ingredients: pork shoulder, pineapple juice, vinegar, achiote paste, garlic, cumin, oregano, cloves, salt, and pepper.
   • Marinate the pork for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Cook the Pork
   • Grill or roast the pork until tender, basting with pineapple juice.
3. Slice Thinly
   • Thinly slice the pork for your tacos.

Assembling Your Street Tacos

1. Warm the Tortillas
   • Heat the corn tortillas on a dry skillet or directly over a gas flame until slightly charred and pliable.
2. Add the Protein
   • Place your chosen protein (carne asada, pollo asado, carnitas, or al pastor) on the tortilla.
3. Top with Fresh Ingredients
   • Add finely diced onions, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
   • Optionally, add thinly sliced radishes and your favorite salsa.

Tips for the Best Street Tacos

• Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
• Simple Toppings: Keep toppings simple to let the flavor of the meat shine.
• Double Tortillas: Use two tortillas per taco to prevent them from falling apart.
• Serve Immediately: Serve the tacos immediately for the best taste and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a street taco different from a regular taco?

Street tacos are smaller and more straightforward than American-style tacos. They focus on high-quality meat and fresh, minimal toppings.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

While corn tortillas are traditional for street tacos, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be different.

How do I store leftover street tacos?

Store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat the meat and tortillas separately before assembling.

What are some excellent side dishes for street tacos?

• Mexican Rice
• Refried Beans
• Guacamole and Chips
• Elote (Mexican Street Corn)