Tacos de Arrachera are a delightful Mexican dish, offering a rich blend of flavors and textures. Originating from Northern Mexico, where beef is highly cherished, Arrachera, or skirt steak, is the star ingredient of this dish, promising a beefy flavor that’s both robust and savory. The tender cuts of Arrachera skirt steak, seasoned with a hint of salt, are swiftly cooked to perfection, ensuring a juicy filling for the soft, warm corn tortillas. A garnish of spring onions and a generous serving of your favorite salsa, particularly a tangy salsa verde, are the traditional accompaniments that elevate the taste of Tacos de Arrachera to a delightful zenith.
Key Takeaways
- Who This Meal Appeals To: Meat lovers, taco aficionados, and those in search of a quick yet flavorful meal.
- Estimated Duration: Preparation Time: 5 minutes; Cooking Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes.
- Nutrition Facts: 473 kcal per serving, 39g carbohydrates, 44g protein, 16g fat, 906mg sodium, and 4g sugar
About This Recipe
Arrachera, known as skirt steak, is the centerpiece of this dish. Its distinct beefy flavor makes it a favorite in Northern Mexico. The key to mastering Tacos de Arrachera lies in the swift cooking of the meat over high heat, which seals in the juices and flavors, creating a tantalizing filling for the corn tortillas.
Equipment Required
- Heavy-bottomed pan or skillet
- Knife for slicing the meat
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. Arrachera (skirt steak)
- 12 corn tortillas
- Salt, to taste
- 1 bunch of spring onions
- 2 cups of your favorite salsa (salsa verde recommended)
- 8 limes.
Instructions
Cooking the Onions
- Preheat a dry heavy-bottomed pan to medium-hot and place the spring onions in the pan.
- When the onions have browned well on one side, turn. Repeat until the onions are browned on all sides.
- Set aside while you cook the meat.
Cooking the Arrachera
- Slice the meat into ¾” wide strips that are about 3″ long.
- Preheat a thick bottomed pan to hot. Add 1 tbsp. of cooking oil and then place the meat in the pan and salt well.
- The meat will give off a lot of liquid while cooking. Turn once a minute.
- When the liquid has evaporated and the meat is nicely browned, it is ready to serve.
Serving
- Place 2 or 3 strips of the cooked meat on a warm tortilla and serve with your favorite salsa, charred spring onions, and sliced limes.
Side Dishes
- Mexican rice
- Refried beans
- Guacamole
Storage Options
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Ingredient Substitutes
- Flank steak can be used as a substitute for skirt steak.
- Flour tortillas can replace corn tortillas for a different texture.
Alternatives to This Meal
- Tacos de bistec: These are made with beef steak (often flank steak or similar cuts), seasoned and grilled, and then sliced for tacos. The seasoning and cooking methods might vary, but they are quite similar to arrachera tacos.
- Tacos de carne asada: This is another term used for grilled beef tacos, which can resemble the flavors and style of arrachera tacos
For further assistance on finding your ideal beef taco, take a look at our comprehensive guide on beef tacos.
Conclusion
Tacos de Arrachera is a simple, quick, and hearty meal packed with authentic Mexican flavors. Whether it’s a busy weekday dinner or a weekend feast, this dish is sure to satiate your cravings for a meaty, flavorful meal. The juxtaposition of the tender, juicy Arrachera with the zest of lime and the kick of salsa makes every bite a celebration of traditional Mexican culinary heritage.
