Description
Mouthwatering Surf & Turf Tacos blend coastal Mexican flavors with succulent grilled proteins. Juicy steak and tender shrimp unite in a zesty celebration that brings bold spices and fresh ingredients to your plate.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) flank steak or skirt steak
- ½ pound (225 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas, warmed
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 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 tbsps lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Marinade Creation: Whisk olive oil, garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl to craft a vibrant flavor foundation.
- Steak Preparation: Thoroughly massage the spice blend into the steak, ensuring complete coverage, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours to allow flavor infusion and tenderization.
- Temperature Equalization: Remove marinated steak from refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking, bringing it to room temperature for uniform heat distribution.
- Protein Searing: Heat grill pan or outdoor grill to high temperature, strategically cooking steak 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, creating a caramelized exterior and preserving internal juiciness.
- Meat Resting: Transfer grilled steak to cutting board, allowing 5-7 minutes for juice redistribution and optimal tenderness.
- Protein Fabrication: Slice steak against the grain into thin, uniform strips, simultaneously seasoning and searing shrimp until opaque with a golden exterior.
- Tortilla Transformation: Warm corn tortillas on grill or skillet to enhance flexibility and develop subtle charred notes.
- Taco Assembly: Layer grilled steak strips, seared shrimp, and garnish with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and zesty lime wedges to complete the culinary masterpiece.
Notes
Optimize Meat Tenderness: Marinate steak for at least 30 minutes to break down muscle fibers and enhance flavor absorption, with a maximum of 4 hours to prevent meat texture breakdown.
Control Cooking Temperature: Use high heat for creating caramelized exterior while maintaining juicy interior, ensuring grill or pan is properly preheated before adding protein.
Master Slice Technique: Cut steak precisely against the grain to guarantee maximum tenderness, creating thin, uniform strips that enhance bite and chewing experience.
Balance Seafood Timing: Sear shrimp quickly to prevent overcooking, watching for opaque color and light golden crust, which typically takes 2-3 minutes per side depending on size.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: None
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg