Last Monday, I was invited to join a recipe contest in observance of National Taco Day.
To say I was excited would be an extreme understatement.
In my house, suddenly that email triggered a frenzy of “game on”.
My mind went into overdrive of the endless combinations I could try to create the perfect taco that just might win me a trip to Los Cabos.
Can you just imagine it?
Dreaming about winning and taking that vacation, and getting to work hard in my most favorite place in the world (the kitchen), is almost as good as winning. Almost.
Dreams.are.good.
Whether I win or not…, these tacos are complete winners and you will love them. With a juicy, flavorful marinade, the flank steak is mouth-watering, and grilled at 7-10 minutes per side, the meat is a perfectly done medium and super tender.
The spicy, crisp and fresh ingredients of the Pico De Gallo will have you going back for seconds. Maybe even thirds! (I know! I’m sorry!)
Be sure to take the time and grill the corn tortillas. They are an absolute must-have with these. The charred, crisp flavor and freshly grilled look adds to the whole street taco flair – and the taste is unbeatable!
Enjoy!
Carne Asada Street Tacos with Pico De Gallo
Ingredients
Marinade & Meat
- 2 tablespoons garlic cloves minced
- 1/4 cup diced jalapeno
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- 2 limes juiced
- 1 orange juiced
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 and 1/2 pounds flank steak
Pico De Gallo Salsa
- 4 roma tomatoes diced
- 1/2 medium red onion chopped
- 2 green onions sliced
- 2 Serrano chiles minced (with seeds)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 5 garlic cloves minced
- 1 lime juiced
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Tortillas
- 10 - 12 corn tortillas
Condiments
- 1 cup shredded jack and cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Mix garlic, jalapeno, cilantro, salt and pepper together. Add lime juice, orange juice, olive oil and vinegar. Place in a jar and shake until thoroughly mixed.
- Rinse and pat dry flank steak. Place in baking dish and pour marinade over the top. Cover and wrap tightly with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator at least 1 hour (or up to 8 hours).
- Oil grates of gas grill. Grill flank steak over medium-high heat for 7-10 minutes per side or until medium to medium-well done. Let rest for 5 minutes.
- Slice across the grain, roughly 1/2 inch thick.
Pico De Gallo
- Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
Tortillas
- Grill tortillas individually over direct heat (i.e. over a gas stove) until slightly browned (roughly 10-15 seconds per side) and slightly crisp edges. Fold in half while warm to retain shape.
Assemble
- Add marinated meat to taco shells, top with shredded cheese and pico de gallo and serve!
Notes
Recipe modified from Food Network @ Tacos Carne Asada.
Carne Asada Street Tacos with Pico De Gallo
Consuelo @ Honey & Figs says
Aw, Kristi, these look amazingly tasty! I hope you get to win the contest :-*
Kristi says
Thanks Consuelo! I would love to win – but there are so many great cooks out there. Thanks for the vote of confidence!
Amy (Savory Moments) says
These look super yummy! We love tacos are our house! Good luck!
Kristi says
They are really good Amy – you will love the marinade on the steak! Makes it super flavorful!
[email protected] 'n' Cookies says
I had no IDEA that there was a national taco day! And I’m so sad I missed it — but will definitely have to try your version of street tacos. I’m originally from California, so I have a fond appreciation for flavorful street tacos. The combo of spices you used looks absolutely divine!
Kristi says
Thanks Jamie! I have to admit – I didn’t know it was National Taco Day until Foodgawker invited me to join the contest. 🙂 You still have time to enter – you should totally do it!
Shelley @ Two Healthy Kitchens says
These are gorgeous and mouthwatering! It’s only breakfast time, but I could totally eat these now and be soooo happy! Oh, and then have some more for lunch … and dinner … I guess I need to put National Taco Day on my calendar so I’m sure to eat appropriately when it rolls around next year! Yum!!!
Kristi says
Oh yea…I’d totally be down for tacos for breakfast!
Samina | The Cupcake Confession says
WHoaaaaa these tacos are real winners!!!! Alllll the besttttt Kristi!!!! 🙂 🙂
Kristi says
Thanks Samina – they were tasty!
Anne ~ Uni Homemaker says
I absolutely adore street tacos. These look delicious Kristi!
Kristi says
Thanks Anne – I love street tacos too – there is just something so authentic about them!
[email protected] in the Kitchen says
These tacos are so much the style of food that we eat in my own home, I just love them! The meat looks so succulent and flavorful- I feel like I can smell them grilling right now! Do you ever make your own tortillas?
-Oh, and did you win????? 🙂
Kristi says
I sssooo didn’t win, but sure wish I would have. No, I have never made my own tortillas. What a good idea! I just might have to try that!