Firecracker Street Tacos – A Copycat Tailgate Sensation

Firecracker Street Tacos – A Copycat Tailgate Sensation

Discover the electric atmosphere of street food markets with this copycat recipe for Firecracker Street Tacos, a unique twist on traditional tacos perfect for your game day dinner.

Time: Prep: 10 minutes (plus marinating time) Cook: 8 minutes Total: 18 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Advanced
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired Street Food

Allergens

This recipe contains gluten, dairy, and beef. It may contain traces of nuts or seeds from the cilantro.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lbs beef sirloin, thinly sliced 1/4 cup Firecracker Street Taco Seasoning (recipe below) 12 small corn tortillas 3 cups shredded iceberg lettuce 1 1/2 cups diced tomatoes 1 1/2 cups crumbled queso fresco 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves Lime wedges for serving Firecracker Street Taco Seasoning: 3 tablespoons paprika 2 teaspoons ground cumin 2 teaspoons chili powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine sliced beef and Firecracker Street Taco Seasoning. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
  2. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium high heat. Grill the marinated beef to desired doneness, about 2 3 minutes per side for medium. Transfer the cooked beef to a cutting board and thinly slice it against the grain.
  3. Warm the corn tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet until just pliable, about 10 seconds per side.
  4. Assemble the tacos by placing a layer of sliced beef, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, crumbled queso fresco, and fresh cilantro leaves on each tortilla. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Chef’s Insight

To intensify the flavors even further, try marinating the beef for at least 2 hours or overnight for a deep, rich taste.

Notes

The Firecracker Street Taco Seasoning can be made in advance and stored for future use.

Cultural or Historical Background

This recipe takes inspiration from the bustling markets and taco stands found throughout Mexico and Latin America, where food is cooked over open flames and served to large crowds of eager diners.