by Realeverton
Tacos are a beloved Mexican street food that have gained popularity all over the world. However, if you want to experience the true taste of Mexico, you have to try authentic Mexican street tacos. These tacos are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and are cooked to perfection on a griddle or grill, giving them a unique and delicious flavor.
In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of making authentic Mexican street tacos, from choosing the right ingredients to cooking and serving them. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, this guide will help you create a mouthwatering Mexican feast that will have your friends and family begging for more.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
The key to making any dish is to start with high-quality ingredients, and Mexican street tacos are no exception. Here is a list of ingredients that you will need to make authentic Mexican street tacos:
- Corn tortillas: Corn tortillas are the traditional choice for Mexican street tacos. Look for fresh, soft tortillas that are made from 100% corn. Avoid pre-packaged tortillas, as they tend to be dry and lack flavor.
- Meat: The type of meat you choose for your tacos is entirely up to you. Some popular choices include carne asada (grilled steak), al pastor (marinated pork), pollo (chicken), and carnitas (braised pork). You can also use seafood, such as shrimp or fish, if you prefer.
- Salsa: Salsa is an essential ingredient in Mexican street tacos. Look for a fresh, homemade salsa made with ripe tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeno peppers. Alternatively, you can use a store-bought salsa, but make sure it is high-quality and not too sweet.
- Cheese: A sprinkle of cheese adds flavor and texture to Mexican street tacos. Cotija cheese is a traditional choice, but you can also use queso fresco or even shredded cheddar if you prefer.
- Other toppings: There are endless possibilities when it comes to toppings for Mexican street tacos. Some popular options include diced onions, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and sliced avocado. You can also add a dollop of sour cream, guacamole, or hot sauce for an extra kick.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat
Once you have gathered all of your ingredients, it’s time to start cooking. The first step is to prepare the meat. If you are using carne asada or al pastor, grill the meat over high heat until it is cooked to your desired level of doneness. If you are using pollo or carnitas, cook the meat in a pan or slow cooker until it is tender and flavorful.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas
While the meat is cooking, warm the tortillas on a griddle or in a dry skillet over medium heat. You don’t want to cook the tortillas for too long, just enough to soften them and give them a slight char. If you are making a large batch of tacos, you can keep the tortillas warm by wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
Once the meat and tortillas are ready, it’s time to assemble the tacos. Place a small amount of meat in the center of each tortilla, then top with salsa, cheese, and any other toppings you desire. Fold the tortillas in half and press gently to seal.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Step 6: Clean Up and Enjoy!
Step 7: Experiment with Different Meat Options
One of the great things about Mexican street tacos is that there are so many different meat options to choose from. In addition to the traditional choices like carne asada, al pastor, pollo, and carnitas, there are many other meats that work well in tacos. Some ideas to consider include:
- Chorizo: Chorizo is a spicy sausage that is popular in Mexican cuisine. It can be grilled or fried and adds a bold, savory flavor to tacos.
- Barbacoa: Barbacoa is a Mexican slow-cooked meat that is traditionally made from goat or lamb. It has a rich, slightly gamey flavor and is often used in tacos.
- Asada: Asada is a term that refers to grilled or roasted meat. It can be made from a variety of meats, including beef, pork, chicken, or lamb. Asada adds a smoky, grilled flavor to tacos.
- Tripa: Tripa, or tripe, is the edible lining of a cow’s stomach. It is a traditional ingredient in Mexican street tacos and has a chewy, slightly crispy texture.
- Lengua: Lengua, or tongue, is another traditional taco filling in Mexico. It has a rich, meaty flavor and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 8: Try Different Salsas and Toppings
In addition to the traditional salsa, cheese, and toppings listed in the previous steps, there are many other options you can try to add flavor and variety to your Mexican street tacos. Some ideas to consider include:
- Pico de gallo: Pico de gallo is a fresh salsa made from diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeno peppers. It adds a bright, fresh flavor to tacos.
- Salsa verde: Salsa verde is a green salsa made from roasted green tomatoes, onions, and jalapeno peppers. It has a slightly smoky, tangy flavor that pairs well with grilled meats.
- Crema: Crema is a Mexican-style sour cream that is slightly thinner and tangier than regular sour cream. It adds a creamy, tangy flavor to tacos.
- Pickled onions: Pickled onions add a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to tacos. They are easy to make at home or can be purchased at most Mexican markets.
- Slaw: Shredded cabbage or slaw adds a crunchy, refreshing flavor to tacos. You can make your own slaw by shredding cabbage and tossing it with a simple dressing of vinegar, oil, and salt.
Step 9: Experiment with Different Types of Tortillas
While corn tortillas are the traditional choice for Mexican street tacos, there are many other types of tortillas you can use to mix things up. Some options to consider include:
- Flour tortillas: Flour tortillas are made from wheat flour and are slightly softer and more pliable than corn tortillas. They are a good choice for tacos that are filled with moist, tender meats.
- Wheat or grain-free tortillas: For those looking for a healthier or gluten-free option, there are many wheat-free or grain-free tortillas on the market made from alternative grains such as rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour. These tortillas can be harder to work with, but they add a unique flavor and texture to tacos.
- Soft shell tacos: Soft shell tacos are made by folding a large tortilla around the filling, rather than using smaller tortillas. They are a good choice
Step 10: Serve with Traditional Mexican Sides
To complete your authentic Mexican street taco feast, consider serving your tacos with some traditional Mexican sides. Some options to consider include:
- Refried beans: Refried beans are a classic Mexican side dish made from cooked, mashed beans that are fried in lard or oil. They are creamy, rich, and slightly spicy.
- Mexican rice: Mexican rice is a flavorful side dish made from white rice that is cooked with onions, peppers, and spices. It is often served with tacos and other Mexican dishes.
- Chips and salsa: Chips and salsa are a staple at any Mexican gathering. You can make your own chips by slicing corn tortillas into wedges and frying them in oil, or you can use store-bought chips.
- Guacamole: Guacamole is a creamy, flavorful dip made from mashed avocados, onions, tomatoes, and spices. It is a popular topping for Mexican street tacos and can also be served as a side.
- Margaritas: No Mexican feast is complete without a refreshing margarita. You can make your own margaritas by blending together tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup. Alternatively, you can purchase premade margarita mix and add your own tequila.
Step 10: Serve with Traditional Mexican Sides
To complete your authentic Mexican street taco feast, consider serving your tacos with some traditional Mexican sides. Some options to consider include:
- Refried beans: Refried beans are a classic Mexican side dish made from cooked, mashed beans that are fried in lard or oil. They are creamy, rich, and slightly spicy.
- Mexican rice: Mexican rice is a flavorful side dish made from white rice that is cooked with onions, peppers, and spices. It is often served with tacos and other Mexican dishes.
- Chips and salsa: Chips and salsa are a staple at any Mexican gathering. You can make your own chips by slicing corn tortillas into wedges and frying them in oil, or you can use store-bought chips.
- Guacamole: Guacamole is a creamy, flavorful dip made from mashed avocados, onions, tomatoes, and spices. It is a popular topping for Mexican street tacos and can also be served as a side.
- Margaritas: No Mexican feast is complete without a refreshing margarita. You can make your own margaritas by blending together tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup. Alternatively, you can purchase premade margarita mix and add your own tequila.
Conclusion
Authentic Mexican street tacos are a delicious, flavorful, and fun way to enjoy the taste of Mexico. By following the steps in this guide, you can make your own authentic Mexican street tacos at home using high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, these tacos are easy to make and are sure to be a hit with your friends and family. So gather your ingredients, fire up the griddle, and get cooking!
