What Makes A Mexican Street Taco? Basic Meaning

First, what makes a Mexican street taco?

Street tacos are amazing, delicious, and absolutely mouthwatering! Take a bite of tender steak, zesty lime flavor with a touch of spice, and top it with tomatoes, avocado, and onions for a deliciously savory bite.

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Street Tacos: What Are They?

In all seriousness, I’ve never met a taco I couldn’t get along with. For street tacos, carne asada is a common option. But there are so many other mouthwatering options.

Of all the varieties, I must say that a simple, flavor-bomb Mexican street taco with shredded beef is at the top of my list. They’re right up there with my popular Chicken Street Tacos.

Even though my tacos aren’t the typical carne asada street food, they are still delicious, loaded with tender shredded beef and mouthwatering flavor.

There is nothing to conceal Mexican street tacos. There aren’t many sauces and garnishes available. However, in a traditional street taco, it’s all about a TINY, gorgeously charred corn tortilla; tender, juicy meat; a sprinkle of cilantro; and perhaps some queso fresco or cotija cheese.

Then, to give everything a little zip, that gorgeous, fresh lime juice was drizzled over it all. All of the spicy, savory components are brought together in mouthwatering harmony by the zingy sour note of lime. Heaven on tacos, my friends. Simple. Perfect. Taco.

What Originates The Name “Street Tacos”?

Mexican street tacos can actually be bought from cart vendors on city streets and sidewalks. Thus, the name is entirely appropriate.

Street vendors still sell them, but there are now a lot more options. making your own at home is also acceptable.

As you stroll down the street, eat the tiny chicken tacos with one hand. You can eat them anywhere and they are a mess-free portable meal. Only a few delicious mouthfuls of Mexican street tacos can contain a ton of flavor.

Over the last ten years or so, street taco recipes have become increasingly popular, and today you can find them in many drive-throughs and even sit-down restaurants. They are quick and simple, so it makes sense. These tiny tacos are delicious when they are prepared well!

What Are Mexican Street Tacos?

In essence, a Mexican street taco is a scaled-down version of the traditional taco. The only ingredients on the two tiny corn tortillas that are used to serve it are meat, onions, and cilantro. perhaps a squeeze of lime.

Tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, and guacamole aren’t components of traditional Mexican street taco recipes. However, some taquerias do serve them with guacamole due to their popularity.

Do yourself a favor and avoid the street tacos at Costco and Buffalo Wild Wings the next time you’re there because they are a far cry from being real. The best street tacos are made from scratch.

What Sets Street Tacos Apart From Regular Tacos?

Over time, street tacos have become increasingly well-liked. They are typically served in smaller tortillas than “regular tacos,” which is how they differ from the latter. They are smaller because when people ordered them from the vendor carts or food trucks, they wanted to be able to hold the taco in one hand and move down the street. Thus, “street tacos” were named.”

Street tacos are always flavorful because they are typically packed completely full of ingredients (trying to fit as much into that smaller tortilla as possible)! Because they frequently lack lettuce and tomatoes, street tacos are unique. Do not, however, assume that making street tacos is now difficult. In fact, I adore that the marinated steak can be used to make these tacos in advance. This makes the recipe incredibly simple to put together once dinnertime rolls around. This meal only requires three simple steps! The steak is marinated, cooked on your stove, and topped with fresh ingredients. You’ll adore these as much as I do and won’t want to stop after just one!!

Mexican Street Taco Tortillas

Street taco tortillas typically have a diameter between 4.5 and 5 inches, which is significantly smaller than the traditional 8-inch diameter. Street tacos have two tortillas as opposed to one because corn tortillas are prone to tearing. one. Use just one if you’re watching your calorie intake or spending.

Tortillas for street tacos should be heated on the grill or stove. The texture and pliability suffer slightly when heated in the microwave, but it does work in a pinch.

• Grill – To medium heat on the grill. Place the tortillas directly on the grill. Heat for approximately 30-45 seconds before flipping for an additional 30-45 seconds. When done, the grill should have attractive grill marks. Avoid overcooking the tortillas because they will become tough and brittle.
• Stove – Set a non-stick skillet or comal to medium-high heat. Depending on how many can fit in the skillet without touching, heat the tortillas one or two at a time. Cook for about 20 seconds on side one before flipping and cooking for another 15 seconds.
• Microwave – 30 seconds in the microwave with 5–6 tortillas wrapped in a paper towel that has been slightly dampened. In order to warm up completely, check and add 10 seconds at a time.

Do Mexican Street Tacos Have Corn Or Flour Tortillas?

By our definition of street tacos, a corn tortilla—not a flour-based tortilla—should always be used for traditional tacos. Next to sugar cane, corn is the most important crop in Mexico and is a traditional food.

Why Are Two Tortillas Used In Street Tacos?

Many genuine Mexican food vendors offer their customers the option of a single or double tortilla taco, though they typically serve their tacos on two tortillas. Double tortillas are always a better option because many of the traditional stewed meats have a lot of juice in them.

Due to the fact that customers frequently move around, the vendors usually double the tortillas to prevent any mess. Check out this useful guide on how to eat tacos without making a mess (or, more importantly, making yourself a mess) if you want to eat them like a real Mexican!

If you don’t like a taco mess, consider investing in a taco holder or two – they’re great for building and serving your tacos mess-free.

Ingredients You Will Need

A description of a juicy, tender steak doesn’t typically go well with the words simple, quick, and easy. These tacos, fortunately, do! If you marinate your steak in advance, you’ll soon enjoy succulent steak that rivals that found in restaurants. For an exact list of ingredients and measurements, see the recipe card below.

• Skirt steak or flank steak: This dish’s success depends on how the steak is prepared. Remember to marinate!!!
• Soy Sauce: Attempt using my preferred soy sauce!
• Worcestershire sauce: On this steak, you’ll have a friend. The marinade is combined by it.
• Lime: Fresh lime juice or any other juice you might already have on hand (about 2 Tablespoons) can be used.

• Minced garlic: You can use the minced garlic you already have if you aren’t using fresh garlic cloves (½ tsp typically equals 1 clove of garlic).
• Cilantro: This adornment is not required!
• Chili powder: This will provide you with a small amount of spice without being overly hot.
• Cumin: Keep cumin in mind; it adds an intriguing flavor.
• salt and pepper: To suit your tastes, incorporate this.
• Flour or corn tortillas: Make sure to use the smaller tortillas, not the burrito-sized ones.

How To Make Mexican Street Tacos?

This is the part that amazes me the most because it’s SO SIMPLE! I’ll say it again: the marinating of the meat is the component of this dish that is absolutely essential. You won’t regret doing that in advance because it will make it incredible.

1. Cut and mix: Slice the flank steak into 1-inch-long pieces. Add the soy sauce, Worcestershire, juice from one lime, cilantro, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to a medium bowl.
2. Marinate: Add the steak, cover, and refrigerate for a minimum of one to two hours.
3. Cook the meat: A medium-sized skillet should be heated to a medium-high temperature. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the steak is no longer pink, after adding the steak and marinade.
4. Add toppings: Your tortilla should have the steak in the middle, topped as desired.

What To Serve With Tacos?

Tacos are fantastic on their own, but if you want to make a well-rounded meal out of it, here are some suggestions:

• Chips and Salsa – Cook up a batch of Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
• Beans – Refried Bean Dip, Instant Pot Refried Beans, Instant Pot Black Beans or Slow Cooker Refried Beans
• Mexican Style Sous Vide Corn on the Cob
• Mexican Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice
• Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
• Spicy Cucumber Salad

Meats Used In Authentic Mexican Street Tacos

Tacos do come in a wide variety of meats. Contrary to popular belief in the United States, ground beef is not a common meat choice for street tacos. We will talk about some of the fillings that are used most frequently in street tacos.
• Barbacoa: Actually, lamb is used in traditional barbacoa. It is wrapped in banana leaves and then cooked in a hole in the ground. Today, tacos are frequently filled with barbacoa pork.
• Carnitas: Some of the most well-liked tacos available are those with carnitas. They are created using pork. Salt, orange juice, and herbs are used to season the pork. They are fried with lard while submerged in water on a copper dish.
• Al Pastor: Al Pastor typically contains only beef, but it can also contain pork. Axiote and red peppers are added to the meat’s seasoning. To ensure even cooking, the meat is first seasoned before being placed on a rotating metal stick. The meat is cut straight from the stick and placed inside your taco. The most popular taco served in Mexico City without a doubt has to be the al pastor variety.
• Carne Asada: Grilled meat is the literal translation of carne asada. Steak is marinated in citrus juices, cumin, and other spices to make carne asada. The meat is sliced thinly after it has been cooked. See more about When Is National Taco Day?

Tacos De Carne Asada, Here We Come!

Ingredients For Carne Asada Tacos Recipe:

• Flank Steak – You can also use skirt steak, round steak or sirloin steak
• Vegetable Oil
• Onions
• Limes, plus extra for toppings (this is what i use to get all the lime juice out)
• Cilantro
• Salt and Pepper
• Butter
• mini corn tortillas

How To Make Carne Asada Tacos:

• The steak should be thinly sliced. Then cut into bite-sized pieces.

• Start frying the steak in the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. (you can also grill to medium heat if you prefer)
• Cook until soft in the skillet with half the onions. Reserve the remaining onions.
• Add salt and pepper while still seasoning.
• Over the meat and onion mixture, squeeze the juice of two fresh limes.
• Cook the meat a little longer, until it’s fully done.
• Melt the butter in another skillet or I used my electric skillet while the steak is cooking.
• The mini corn tortillas should be softened by frying them in the melted butter for one minute.

• Allow them to slightly cool.
• Per taco, you’ll need two miniature corn tortillas.
• Spread the tortillas with the meat mixture.
• Serve with limes and garnish with fresh cilantro and onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Our favorite way to serve tacos with salsa verde is to squeeze more lime juice over them.

This is available for purchase, but we also have a fantastic homemade salsa verde recipe right here. It’s SO fresh and delicious, and very easy to make.

With a little bit more salsa and lime, in my opinion, these tacos are ideal. Some of the kids prefer to add sour cream and pico de gallo, though.

Try olive oil and orange juice for a change. It tastes great with the Carne Asada taco when whisked together with lime juice.

This delicious taco dish tastes great with cotija cheese on top. Whatever way you prefer your Carne Asada Street tacos, will be delicious!

Mexican Street Tacos Recipe – FAQs

The End

These street tacos are so simple to make and are bursting with flavor. I adore how the meat is so juicy and tender despite only marinating for an hour! Try out these other incredible taco recipes if you’re a taco fiend like me!