Street Tacos

Featured in Simple Meals Ready Fast.

Made these street tacos and felt like a food truck pro! Takes about an hour total. The citrus marinade makes steak so tender while simple toppings let meat shine. Warmed tortillas on stovetop for perfect char. Great for casual dinner with friends. Double the marinade because everyone wants seconds.
Mina cooking in her kitchen
Updated on Thu, 09 Jan 2025 17:25:36 GMT
Three tacos filled with grilled beef, chopped onions, and fresh cilantro are placed on a wooden board, accompanied by lime wedges. Pin it
Three tacos filled with grilled beef, chopped onions, and fresh cilantro are placed on a wooden board, accompanied by lime wedges. | lastminrecipes.com

These street tacos bring the authentic flavors of Mexican street food right into your kitchen. The marinade infuses the meat with such amazing flavor while keeping it perfectly tender. I love how the fresh cilantro and onions add that perfect crisp contrast to the juicy steak.

Why These Tacos Work

The zesty citrus marinade gives these tacos bold authentic flavor in every bite. You can have them ready in under an hour perfect for those taco cravings. Add your favorite toppings to make them exactly how you like your perfect street taco.

What You Need

Start with good quality steak skirt flank or flap meat work beautifully here. The marinade combines fresh orange juice lime garlic and savory spices. Pick up small corn tortillas for that authentic feel though flour works too. Don't forget plenty of fresh cilantro diced onions and lime wedges for serving.

Let's Make Tacos

Mix up your marinade with olive oil citrus juices garlic and spices. Cut your steak into small pieces they'll soak up more flavor that way. Let it marinate anywhere from 30 minutes to 8 hours. When you're ready to cook get your skillet really hot and sear the meat until it's browned and juicy. While it rests warm up those tortillas until they're soft and slightly charred.

Make Them Your Own

Love spicy food? Add some fresh jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce. Try these with shrimp or fish for amazing seafood tacos. Making them vegetarian? Grilled vegetables or black beans make a delicious filling too.

Keeping Them Fresh

Your cooked steak will stay good in the fridge for about 3 days. Warm it up quickly in a skillet or microwave when you're ready for more tacos. Want to save time? Marinate your meat the night before it'll be ready to cook when you get home.

Three soft tacos filled with grilled steak, chopped onions, and cilantro, served with lime wedges on a wooden platter. Pin it
Three soft tacos filled with grilled steak, chopped onions, and cilantro, served with lime wedges on a wooden platter. | lastminrecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What's the best cut of meat for street tacos?
Skirt steak, flank steak, or flap meat work well. These cuts are flavorful and tender when marinated and cooked quickly at high heat.
→ How long should I marinate the meat?
You can marinate for as little as 30 minutes or up to 8 hours. Longer marination time will increase flavor, but don't exceed 8 hours.
→ Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use corn tortillas and substitute the soy sauce with coconut aminos or gluten-free tamari. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
→ Can I grill the meat instead?
Yes, leave the steak whole and grill at 400-450°F for 4-5 minutes per side until it reaches 125-130°F for medium-rare.
→ How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave in 15-30 second increments until hot.

Street Tacos

Authentic-style street tacos featuring marinated steak, fresh onions, and cilantro. A quick and easy recipe perfect for casual dining.

Prep Time
45 Minutes
Cook Time
5 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes
By: Mina

Category: Quick Meals

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 12 Servings (12 tacos)

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon olive oil.
02 1/4 cup orange juice plus 1 teaspoon zest.
03 2 tablespoons lime juice plus 1 teaspoon zest.
04 1 tablespoon soy sauce.
05 1 tablespoon minced garlic.
06 1 teaspoon ground cumin.
07 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
08 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
09 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional).
10 1/4 teaspoon chili powder.
11 1 1/2 pounds skirt steak, flank steak, or flap meat.
12 12 corn or flour tortillas, 4-inch size.
13 1/2 cup diced white onions.
14 1/2 cup cilantro leaves.
15 Lime wedges for serving.

Instructions

Step 01

Whisk together olive oil, citrus juices and zests, soy sauce, garlic, and seasonings in a bowl.

Step 02

Cut steak into 1/2-inch pieces.

Step 03

Add steak to marinade, cover and refrigerate 30 minutes to 8 hours.

Step 04

Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear meat 2 minutes, then saute 1-2 minutes until no longer pink.

Step 05

Heat tortillas in pan until warm and lightly browned, about 10-15 seconds per side.

Step 06

Fill tortillas with steak, top with onion and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.

Notes

  1. Can be made ahead by marinating up to 8 hours.
  2. Can be grilled instead of pan-cooked.
  3. Can be made gluten-free using tamari or coconut aminos.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet.
  • Medium bowl.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Soy.
  • Wheat (if using flour tortillas).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 192
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 14 g
  • Protein: 14 g