Description
Mouthwatering surf & turf tacos blend Mexican coastal flavors with succulent grilled steak and perfectly seared shrimp. Crisp tortillas, zesty salsa, and fresh cilantro create a delightful culinary journey you won’t forget.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seafood:
- 1 pound (450 g) flank steak or skirt steak
- ½ pound (225 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Taco Components and Sauce:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas, warmed
- 1 cup (150 g) shredded cabbage or lettuce
- ½ cup (120 g) diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup (60 g) diced red onion
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup (120 g) sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Craft a zesty marinade by whisking together olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a compact mixing vessel.
- Thoroughly coat the steak with the aromatic spice blend, ensuring complete coverage of the meat’s surface.
- Refrigerate the seasoned steak, allowing the flavors to penetrate and tenderize for a minimum of half an hour, with the option to marinate up to four hours for intensified taste.
- Remove the marinated steak from the refrigerator approximately 15 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature, promoting even cooking.
- Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to high heat, creating optimal conditions for achieving a robust sear and caramelized exterior.
- Place the steak on the scorching hot cooking surface, grilling for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness, adjusting time based on thickness and desired level of cooking.
- Transfer the grilled steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-7 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Slice the steak against the grain into thin, uniform strips, creating perfect bite-sized pieces for taco assembly.
- Simultaneously prepare the shrimp by seasoning with complementary spices and quickly searing until they turn opaque and develop a light golden crust.
- Warm corn tortillas on the grill or in a skillet to enhance their flavor and flexibility.
- Assemble tacos by layering grilled steak strips, succulent shrimp, and a selection of fresh garnishes like cilantro, diced onions, and lime wedges.
Notes
- Choose high-quality, marbled steak cuts like ribeye or sirloin for maximum tenderness and flavor in your tacos.
- Let the steak marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking and enhanced seasoning absorption.
- Experiment with seafood alternatives like shrimp or grilled fish for a lighter protein option that still delivers incredible taste.
- Pat the steak dry before cooking to achieve a perfect sear and develop a delicious caramelized exterior that locks in juicy moisture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: None
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg