Photo: Leigh Loftus
When you’re throwing the world’s best taco party and you want to wow your guests with a filing that is both simple and delicious, skip the prepackaged packet of taco spices. You can make your own spice rub fit for entertaining or a family night at home, using spices you probably already have in your pantry.
While tacos have taken a turn for the gourmet in recent years, the tacos I ate growing up were simple: chicken or beef, hard taco shells that cracked when you took your first bite and whatever toppings we happened to have in the house: cheese, sour cream, tomatoes, lettuce. Now, I like my tacos with gourmet flair as much as the next person. Tacos al pastor with pickled onions and fresh pineapple? I’m there. Fresh shrimp tacos with spinach and homemade salsa verde? I’m RSVPing yes. Still though, there is something to be said for simple tacos created mainly with the ingredients already in your pantry, especially when they evoke a little nostalgia.
Photo: Leigh Loftus
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- A pinch cayenne pepper
- 1¼ pound top sirloin steaks cut 1-inch thick
- Assorted toppings: your choice of lettuce, guacamole, avocado, cilantro, salsa, sour cream, cheese
- In a small bowl stir together the first five ingredients. Rub spice mixture on both sides of steaks. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
- Grill or broil steaks for 5 to 6 minutes on each side for medium rare, turning once. Remove from grill and let meat sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Carve into thin slices.
- Tip: Alternatively, you can use diced steak and toss with spice mixture in a Ziplock bag. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. Sauté until steak is cooked to your desired temperature.
- Warm tortillas by placing them on the grill or in a hot pan for 30 seconds, flipping once. You could alternatively place 6 tortillas at a time between 2 moist paper towels and microwave for 45 seconds. Wrap in aluminum foil or place in a tortilla warmer to keep warm. Place the steak, warm tortillas and various toppings in serving dishes and let your guests make their own tacos at the table.
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February 4, 2016 at 4:45 pm[…] Chile Rubbed Steak Tacos […]
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October 30, 2014 at 12:48 am[…] the perfect taco can be a complex endeavor, keep your filling simple. Our favorite steak tacos are grilled with a simple homemade spice rub and bursting with flavor. We’re also a fan of shrimp tacos with spicy citrus slaw and spicy […]