Street Tacos Recipe | Authentic Mexican Tacos with Carne Asada or Al Pastor

Street Tacos Recipe

Reflecting the city’s rich Mexican heritage, these are small, soft corn tortillas filled with various meats like carne asada or al pastor, topped with onions, cilantro, and salsa.

Street tacos are a beloved Mexican street food, often made with soft corn tortillas and deliciously seasoned meats like carne asada or al pastor. These tacos are traditionally garnished with onions, cilantro, and a tangy salsa for extra flavor.

Ingredients (Makes 8-10 Tacos)

For the Meat:

• 1 lb carne asada (thinly sliced beef) or al pastor (marinated pork)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lime wedges (for serving)

For the Toppings:

• ½ cup chopped onions (preferably white or yellow)
• ½ cup chopped cilantro
• Salsa (either red or green, your preference)
• Radishes (optional, for garnish)
• 8-10 small corn tortillas (soft, preferably freshly made or warmed)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat

1. For Carne Asada:
   • Season the carne asada with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
   • Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Cook the carne asada for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and chop into small pieces.
2. For Al Pastor:
   • If using al pastor, ensure it is marinated ahead of time with a mixture of pineapple, adobo sauce, and spices.
   • Cook the marinated al pastor in a skillet with a bit of oil, frying until it’s caramelized and cooked through. Slice thinly and chop into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Warm the Tortillas

1. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or on an open flame for about 30 seconds per side, until soft and pliable. Keep them warm by wrapping them in a clean cloth.

Step 3: Assemble the Tacos

1. Place a warm tortilla on a plate.
2. Add a generous scoop of your cooked meat (either carne asada or al pastor).
3. Top with chopped onions and cilantro for freshness.
4. Spoon some salsa on top, adjusting the amount to your desired spice level.
5. Optionally, add sliced radishes for crunch and garnish.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over the tacos for an extra zesty kick.
2. These tacos are best served immediately while the tortillas are warm and the flavors are fresh.

Serving Suggestions

🌮 Side of Guacamole: Pair with creamy guacamole for a more indulgent meal.
🍋 More Lime: Serve with extra lime wedges for added tanginess.
🍚 Rice and Beans: Enjoy with Mexican rice and refried beans on the side for a complete meal.

Enjoy these authentic Street Tacos, bursting with the rich flavors of Mexico—perfect for any occasion or as a fun, interactive meal with family and friends! 🌮✨