Tacos (Street Style/Ground Beef)

Ingredients (Street Style - Carne Asada example)

• 1 lb skirt steak or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Small corn tortillas (10-12)
• Toppings: Finely chopped white onion, chopped fresh cilantro, lime wedges, salsa (verde or roja)

Ingredients (American Ground Beef Style)

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade: 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp onion powder, salt, pepper)
• 2/3 cup water
• Hard taco shells or small flour tortillas (10-12)
• Toppings: Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, salsa

Instructions (Street Style)

1. Marinate steak with olive oil, garlic, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat a grill or cast-iron skillet over high heat. Cook steak for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare.
3. Let steak rest for 5 minutes, then chop into small pieces.
4. Warm corn tortillas on the grill or skillet.
5. Assemble tacos: Fill each warm tortilla with chopped steak, top with onion, cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and salsa.

Instructions (Ground Beef Style)

1. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat; drain excess fat.
2. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, until thickened.
3. Warm taco shells or tortillas according to package directions.
4. Assemble tacos: Fill shells/tortillas with ground beef mixture and add desired toppings.

Why It's Special

Tacos are arguably Mexico's most iconic culinary export. Their versatility is key – from authentic street-style versions featuring various grilled meats and simple toppings served on soft corn tortillas, to the Americanized hard-shell ground beef taco. They represent conviviality, customization, and deliciousness in a convenient handheld format, deeply embedded in both Mexican and American food cultures.