Easy Mexican Street Tacos Recipe

Mexican street tacos, or tacos al street, are an iconic dish that embodies the flavors and spirit of Mexican street food. These tacos are traditionally served on soft, small corn tortillas and filled with seasoned meats, fresh toppings like onions and cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. The tacos are often enjoyed by locals and tourists alike from street vendors in cities across Mexico.

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Street tacos are distinguished by their simplicity and quality of ingredients. They focus on a few core elements: perfectly cooked meat, fresh, crunchy toppings, and bold salsas. Whether you’re a taco novice or a seasoned taco lover, the authentic Mexican street taco experience is a must-try.

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Instructions for Preparing the Meat

1. Carnitas (Slow-Cooked Pork)

Carnitas is one of the most beloved taco fillings in Mexico, characterized by its tender and flavorful slow-cooked pork. To make carnitas, you need to braise the pork in its own juices until it’s incredibly tender, then crisp it up in a hot skillet for texture.

• Step 1: Season the pork shoulder with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, and chili powder. Rub the spices evenly across the pork.
• Step 2: In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, place the seasoned pork shoulder, onion, garlic, and bay leaves. Add the orange juice and water.
• Step 3: Cover and cook over low heat for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is incredibly tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
• Step 4: Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred the meat with two forks.
• Step 5: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little lard or oil, and cook the shredded pork in the skillet, stirring occasionally, until the edges of the meat become crispy and caramelized.

2. Carne Asada (Grilled Beef)

Carne asada is a classic taco filling made by marinating beef in a citrusy, flavorful marinade and then grilling it to perfection.

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• Step 1: In a bowl, mix the lime juice, orange juice, garlic, olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until everything is combined.
• Step 2: Place the flank steak or skirt steak in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the meat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours, to marinate.
• Step 3: Preheat your grill to high heat. Grill the steak for about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the meat and desired doneness. The goal is to cook it to medium-rare or medium for the best texture.
• Step 4: Let the meat rest for about 5 minutes before slicing it against the grain into thin strips.

3. Pollo Al Pastor (Marinated Chicken)

Pollo al pastor is another popular filling inspired by the traditional al pastor pork tacos. This version uses marinated chicken thighs, which become flavorful and juicy after grilling.

• Step 1: In a bowl, mix the achiote paste, pineapple juice, white vinegar, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
• Step 2: Place the chicken thighs in the marinade and mix well. Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour in the fridge.
• Step 3: Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 4-6 minutes per side, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Step 4: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.

Assembling Your Tacos

Now that your meat is ready, it’s time to assemble the tacos! This is where the fun begins, and you can get creative with your toppings.

Step 1: Warm the Tortillas

The tortillas are the foundation of a great taco. Warm the corn tortillas on a hot, dry skillet for 30 seconds on each side, or until they’re soft and pliable.

Step 2: Add the Meat

Place 2-3 tablespoons of your chosen filling (carnitas, carne asada, or pollo al pastor) in the center of each tortilla.

Step 3: Top with Fresh Ingredients

Top your taco with diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime. Add any optional toppings like shredded cabbage or pickled jalapeños for extra flavor and crunch.

Step 4: Add Salsa

Drizzle your homemade salsa over the top of the taco, or serve it on the side for people to add to their liking.

Serving Suggestions

Mexican street tacos are often served with simple sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a small salad. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also pair the tacos with a cold agua fresca (a refreshing fruit drink) or a nice cold cerveza (beer).

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Tacos

1. Tortillas: For the best results, always use small, soft corn tortillas. If you can find fresh ones from a Mexican market, even better!
2. Meat Choice: When selecting your meat, make sure it’s fresh and high-quality. The better the meat, the better your tacos will taste.
3. Balance of Flavors: Mexican tacos are all about balancing the savory flavors of the meat with the freshness of the toppings. Don’t skimp on the cilantro, lime, and onions!
4. Spice: Adjust the heat in your salsa according to your taste. For a more authentic experience, try incorporating some chipotle or serrano peppers.
5. Cooking Method: If you don’t have a grill, you can cook carne asada and pollo al pastor on a stovetop or in a broiler. The key is to get a nice char on the meat.

Variations of Mexican Street Tacos

Mexican street tacos are versatile, and the fillings can vary depending on the region. Here are a few variations you might want to try:

• Al Pastor: Traditionally made with marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, similar to shawarma. You can make a simplified version with pork shoulder or chicken thighs, like in this recipe.
• Birria: A flavorful stew made with goat or beef. Birria tacos are usually served with the broth (consomé) on the side for dipping.
• Tacos de Cabeza: Tacos filled with meat from the cow’s head, such as the cheek, tongue, and brain. These are considered a delicacy in many parts of Mexico.

Conclusion

Mexican street tacos are a wonderful way to explore authentic Mexican flavors at home. By following these easy steps, you’ll be able to recreate the deliciousness of street tacos and enjoy them with family and friends. Whether you’re making carnitas, carne asada, or pollo al pastor, these tacos are sure to impress. Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to share your creation with others—because tacos are always better when shared!