Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Real Mexican Street Tacos - featured image

Real Mexican Street Tacos: Easy Cilantro Lime Recipe


  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Authentic Mexican street tacos featuring juicy shredded chuck roast marinated in citrus and chipotle, served on warm corn tortillas with a tangy cilantro lime crema, diced onion, and fresh cilantro.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into thin strips
  • ½ cup fresh orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
  • 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ cup full-fat sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • ½ cup packed fresh cilantro leaves and stems, chopped
  • 1 lime, zested and juiced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 12 small corn tortillas
  • 1 medium white onion, finely diced
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 46 limes, cut into wedges
  • 23 radishes, thinly sliced (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, oregano, cumin, and salt.
  2. Add the beef chuck roast strips to the marinade, toss to coat, and let sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge).
  3. Heat a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the meat in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary) without oil.
  4. Sear the meat for 2-3 minutes without moving it to create a crust, then stir and cook for another 5-7 minutes until cooked through and slightly crispy.
  5. Remove meat from heat and let rest for 5 minutes, then shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
  6. While the meat rests, blend sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, minced garlic, and salt until smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and warm each tortilla for 30-60 seconds per side until soft with char spots. Keep warm in a bowl wrapped in a clean kitchen towel.
  8. Assemble tacos by placing shredded meat on a warm tortilla, topping with diced white onion, fresh cilantro, and a drizzle of cilantro lime crema.
  9. Squeeze a lime wedge over the top and add sliced radishes if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use full-fat sour cream to prevent the crema from breaking. Warm tortillas are essential for texture; do not serve them cold. The adobo sauce from the chipotle peppers adds smoky heat and should not be skipped. For a dairy-free version, substitute sour cream with coconut cream and mayonnaise with dairy-free mayo.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3 tacos per serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 4
  • Sodium: 450
  • Fat: 14
  • Saturated Fat: 5
  • Carbohydrates: 24
  • Fiber: 3
  • Protein: 22

Keywords: Mexican street tacos, cilantro lime crema, chuck roast tacos, easy dinner, gluten-free tacos, weeknight meals, authentic tacos