Steak Tacos: Best Cheeses To Compliment The Meat

Steak tacos are a fun and tasty meal to make for the whole family. The great thing about steak tacos is that you can use any type of steak, from skirt steak to ribeye, and any type of cheese, from pepper jack to cheddar. You can also add any toppings you like, such as avocado, sour cream, or salsa. So get creative, and enjoy some delicious steak tacos!

Cheese options: shredded pepper Jack, Cotija, feta, cheddar, Colby Jack, or any Mexican blend

Steak tacos are a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of cheeses, depending on your taste preferences. Here are some popular options:

Shredded Pepper Jack

Shredded Pepper Jack cheese is a popular choice for steak tacos. It has a mild to moderate peppery kick that adds a nice depth of flavour to the tacos. This cheese melts well and can be added to the tops of the tortillas before placing the steak and other toppings.

Cotija

Cotija cheese is a Mexican cheese that is often described as the Mexican version of feta cheese. It has a salty, tangy flavour and a crumbly texture. Cotija is a common choice for Mexican tacos and can be sprinkled on top of the steak and other fillings.

Feta

If you can't get your hands on Cotija cheese, feta is a suitable substitute. It has a similar salty, tangy taste and crumbly texture. Feta cheese will add a nice salty contrast to the other ingredients in your steak tacos.

Cheddar

Mild cheddar cheese is another option for steak tacos. It has a creamy, mild flavour that can complement the other ingredients without overwhelming them. Cheddar melts well and can be shredded or grated over the steak and other toppings.

Colby Jack

Colby Jack, a combination of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses, is another choice for steak tacos. It has a mild, creamy flavour and a semi-soft texture. This cheese melts well and can be shredded or grated over your steak tacos.

Mexican Blend

You can also opt for a Mexican blend of cheeses, which typically includes a mix of cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Cheddar, and Asadero. This blend will add a nice mix of flavours and melt well together.

Ultimately, the choice of cheese comes down to personal preference. You can experiment with different cheeses or even combine multiple varieties to find your perfect combination.

Tortilla options: corn or flour

When it comes to steak tacos, you can't go wrong with either corn or flour tortillas. It's a matter of personal preference, but here are some things to consider:

Corn Tortillas

Corn tortillas are a traditional choice for tacos and are typically smaller in size, making them perfect for street-style tacos that can be easily eaten on the go. They have a more robust flavour and a coarser texture than flour tortillas, adding a satisfying bite to your steak tacos. Corn tortillas also tend to be gluten-free, making them a good option for those with gluten intolerance.

Flour Tortillas

Flour tortillas, on the other hand, offer a softer and more pliable texture. They are usually larger and can hold more fillings, making them ideal if you want to load up your steak tacos with lots of toppings. Flour tortillas also tend to be more versatile and can be used for other Mexican dishes such as burritos, quesadillas, and enchiladas.

Making Your Own Tortillas

If you want to take your steak tacos to the next level, you can even make your own tortillas at home. Homemade tortillas taste fresher and can be customised to your preferred thickness. However, keep in mind that making tortillas from scratch can be time-consuming, and they tend to get stale after a few days, so it's best to only make what you plan to use immediately.

Choosing the Right Tortilla for Your Steak Tacos

Ultimately, the choice between corn and flour tortillas depends on your personal preference and the specific style of steak tacos you want to create. Both options are widely available and can be easily found in most grocery stores. You can also get creative and experiment with different types of tortillas to find the perfect match for your steak taco fillings and toppings.

Toppings: avocado, onion, jalapenos, sour cream, salsa, lettuce, radish, cilantro, lime

Avocado, onion, jalapeños, sour cream, salsa, lettuce, radish, cilantro, and lime are all classic toppings for steak tacos. Here are some ideas for how to prepare and use these toppings:

Avocado

Avocado is a great way to add creaminess to your steak tacos. You can simply slice or mash the avocado and spread it onto your tortilla before adding the rest of your toppings. Alternatively, you can make a radish and avocado salsa by combining diced avocado, radishes, cilantro, lime juice, and chopped jalapeños.

Onion

Onions add a savoury kick to your steak tacos. You can dice or chop yellow, white, or red onions and add them to your tacos raw. If you prefer cooked onions, you can cook them on a griddle or in a pan with some butter until they are tender.

Jalapeños

Jalapeños will bring some heat to your steak tacos. You can use fresh jalapeños and slice or dice them to your desired thickness. If you prefer a milder flavour, you can remove the seeds and white pith from the inside of the pepper as this is where a lot of the heat is concentrated. You can also use pickled jalapeños if you want to add some tartness to your tacos.

Sour Cream

Sour cream can be used as a topping or as a dip for your steak tacos. It will add a creamy, tangy flavour that pairs well with the other toppings.

Salsa

Salsa is a must-have for any taco and can be made with a variety of ingredients. You can make a simple salsa using diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, or get creative and add in some mango, corn, or black beans. If you want something with a bit more kick, try a spicy chipotle salsa.

Lettuce

Lettuce adds a crisp texture and a fresh flavour to your steak tacos. You can shred lettuce and use it as a topping, or use whole leaves as a base for your other toppings.

Radish

Radishes bring a crisp, slightly spicy bite to your steak tacos. You can slice or dice radishes and add them to your tacos raw, or incorporate them into a salsa or slaw.

Cilantro

Cilantro is a classic herb used in Mexican cuisine and adds a fresh, bright flavour to your steak tacos. You can chop up the leaves and stems and sprinkle them on top of your tacos, or blend them into a salsa or sauce.

Lime

A squeeze of lime juice will brighten up all the flavours in your steak tacos. You can also use lime wedges as a garnish, allowing people to add a spritz of lime to their tacos as desired.

Marinade ingredients: olive oil, lime juice, soy sauce, garlic, chilli powder, black pepper

Steak tacos are a delicious and easy meal to make for the family. While there are many ways to prepare steak tacos, marinating the steak beforehand can add flavour and help tenderise the meat. A good marinade for steak tacos should include olive oil, lime juice, soy sauce, garlic, chilli powder, and black pepper.

To make the marinade, combine the ingredients in a large bowl and whisk to combine. You can also use a blender to blend the ingredients together. Once the marinade is ready, place the steak in a container and pour the marinade over it. Make sure the steak is completely coated, then cover the container and refrigerate for at least an hour. The longer the steak sits in the marinade, the more tender and flavourful it will be. For thinner cuts of steak, such as skirt or flank steak, marinate for 2-4 hours. For tougher cuts, such as top sirloin or sirloin tip, marinate overnight (about 8 hours).

When you're ready to cook the steak, remove it from the marinade and shake off the excess. Discard the remaining marinade. You can cook the steak on a griddle, in a pan on the stove, or on an outdoor grill. Cook the steak to your desired doneness, usually about 5 minutes on each side for medium-rare.

Now it's time to assemble the tacos! Start by heating up some tortillas. You can use white corn tortillas or cassava flour tortillas, or any other type of tortilla you prefer. Spread some butter on the tortillas and brown them on both sides. Add some shredded cheese to the tortillas. A good option for steak tacos is pepper Jack cheese, but you can use any type of cheese you like.

Next, add the cooked steak to the tortillas. If you want to include some vegetables in your tacos, you can cook some onions and peppers in butter and add them to the steak. Fold over the tortillas and cook the tacos on both sides until they are golden brown and crispy.

Serve your steak tacos with your favourite toppings. Some popular options include sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, or fresh cilantro. Enjoy your delicious steak tacos!

Cooking methods: griddle, pan, grill, BBQ, grill pan

Steak tacos are a delicious and easy meal to make for the family, and there are several cooking methods you can use to prepare the steak. Here is a guide on how to cook your steak tacos using a griddle, pan, grill, BBQ, or grill pan.

Griddle

If you're using a griddle to cook your steak, the first step is to remove the steak from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. This ensures even cooking. Season the steak with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and add other seasonings like garlic or onion powder if desired. Preheat your griddle to 300°F and place the steaks on the pan, cooking for about 3 minutes on each side. You can add a knob of butter and some thyme to the steak a couple of minutes before it's ready for some extra flavour. Finally, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Pan

To cook your steak in a pan, start by patting the steak dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture. This step is important because moisture will create steam and prevent the steak from searing properly. Season the steak generously with seasoning salt and pepper. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and melt some butter. Add the steak and cook for about 2 minutes, then rotate it 90 degrees and cook for another 2 minutes to create crisscrossing grill marks. Flip the steak and repeat this process, then remove it from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Grill

Grilling is a great way to cook your steak tacos, especially if you're looking for that authentic, chargrilled flavour. You can use an outdoor grill or an indoor grill pan. If using an outdoor grill, preheat it to a high temperature and place the steaks on the grill, cooking for a few minutes on each side until charred to your liking. If using a grill pan, follow the same instructions as for the griddle, ensuring the pan is heated to between 450-500°F.

BBQ

Cooking steak tacos on a BBQ is similar to grilling, but you have the option to place a cast-iron griddle on the BBQ for more even cooking. Cast iron retains heat well and can give your steak those beautiful sear marks. Season and cook your steak as you would on a grill or griddle, and don't forget to let it rest before serving!

Grill Pan

A grill pan is a great option if you don't have access to an outdoor grill. It gives you similar chargrilled marks and flavour as a grill, without having to leave the comfort of your kitchen. Follow the same instructions as for the pan method, ensuring your grill pan is heated to the correct temperature before adding your steak.

No matter which cooking method you choose, remember to let your steak rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your steak is tender and juicy. Enjoy your steak tacos!

Frequently asked questions