If you crave vibrant flavors and a satisfying mix of textures, this Street-Style Steak and Shrimp Tacos Recipe is exactly what you need to add some zest to your meal lineup. Combining juicy, perfectly spiced grilled steak with tender, marinated shrimp, these tacos bring together bold seasoning, fresh toppings, and a creamy lime crema that truly capture the essence of street food magic. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends, this recipe hits all the right notes with each bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simple ingredient list fool you—each item plays a crucial role in building the layered flavors and vibrant colors of this dish. From the smoky spices to the fresh garnishes, everything works together in harmony to create tacos that are anything but ordinary.
- 1 lb flank steak or skirt steak: Choose a cut that’s thin and flavorful for quick grilling and tender slices.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the spices adhere and promotes a perfect sear on the steak and shrimp.
- Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder: A robust blend of spices that bring smoky warmth and a gentle kick.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning that enhances all other flavors.
- Juice of 1 lime (twice): Adds fresh acidity and brightness to balance the richness.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Tender and quick-cooking, they add a delightful seafood touch.
- 1/2 cup sour cream and 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Create a creamy lime crema that cools and complements the spices.
- 12 small corn tortillas: Soft, warm, and slightly charred for authentic street taco vibes.
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion: Adds crunch and a sharp sweetness.
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro: Brings a burst of herbal freshness.
- 1 avocado, sliced: Silky texture and mild flavor to mellow the spices.
- Lime wedges: For an extra squeeze of tartness at serving.
How to Make Street-Style Steak and Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
Start by mixing olive oil with the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice. This marinade will coat your steak with layers of smoky, tangy flavor. Rub it over your flank or skirt steak and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the fridge for an even deeper taste. This step ensures your steak is bursting with flavor before it even hits the grill.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
In a separate bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Toss your peeled and deveined shrimp in this zesty mixture to coat every piece. Let the shrimp marinate for about 10 to 15 minutes—just enough time to absorb the spices but still retain their tender texture once cooked.
Step 3: Grill the Steak
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook the steak for 4-5 minutes on each side if you like it medium-rare or 6-7 minutes for medium doneness. Once done, pull it off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to lock in those delicious juices before slicing thinly against the grain. This resting period is key to juicy, tender meat in every bite of your tacos.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. This quick cooking keeps them juicy and flavorful, avoiding the rubbery texture that can happen with overcooking.
Step 5: Make the Lime Crema
Whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This creamy lime crema will add a cool and zesty finish, balancing the spicy seasoning on your steak and shrimp beautifully.
Step 6: Warm the Tortillas and Assemble
Warm your corn tortillas on a grill or skillet for 20-30 seconds per side to make them soft and pliable. Then, fill each tortilla with slices of grilled steak and a couple of shrimp. Top with finely chopped red onion, fresh cilantro, and slices of creamy avocado before drizzling generously with the lime crema. Don’t forget the lime wedges on the side for that added burst of freshness at serving time.
How to Serve Street-Style Steak and Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like chopped red onion and fresh cilantro truly elevate this recipe. They add crunch, brightness, and herbal notes that contrast perfectly with the smoky meats. Avocado slices bring creaminess and a cooling counterpoint, while lime wedges encourage your guests to customize their tacos with an extra tangy zing.
Side Dishes
Pair these tacos with light, flavorful sides like Mexican street corn, a fresh cabbage slaw, or a simple black bean salad. Each side helps round out the meal without overpowering the bold steak and shrimp filling. If you want to keep things authentic, a cold cerveza or a fresh lime agua fresca complement the flavors wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, serve these tacos family-style on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment. Add small bowls of extra lime crema, salsa, and hot sauce to let guests customize their bites. You can also create a taco bar with all the toppings and sides laid out, turning mealtime into an interactive and fun communal experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the grilled steak and shrimp separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps maintain their distinct textures and flavors. Keep the lime crema chilled in a separate small container. Tortillas can be wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap and stored in the fridge as well.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked steak and shrimp in sealed freezer bags for up to 2 months. For best results, slice the steak before freezing and thaw overnight in the fridge. Avoid freezing the crema or tortillas, as their texture will degrade after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat steak and shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. Warm tortillas separately on a pan or in the oven wrapped in foil. Add fresh garnishes and the lime crema only right before serving to maintain freshness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of steak for this recipe?
Yes! While flank or skirt steak is ideal because it grills quickly and slices easily, you can use sirloin or ribeye if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to your preferred doneness.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, and the rest of the ingredients are safe as well. Just double-check any store-bought spices or mayonnaise to ensure they have no hidden gluten additives.
How spicy is the seasoning in this recipe?
The seasoning blend has a mild to moderate heat level thanks to the chili powder and smoked paprika, which adds warmth and smoky depth without overwhelming the palate. You can easily adjust the chili powder amount to make it spicier or milder.
Can I substitute the shrimp with another protein?
If shrimp isn’t your thing, grilled scallops or even thinly sliced chicken breast work wonderfully with the same marinade and grilling technique. The key is to maintain quick cooking times to keep the proteins tender.
What’s the best way to warm tortillas without them drying out?
Warming tortillas on a hot skillet or grill for just 20-30 seconds per side keeps them soft and pliable. You can also wrap them in a damp cloth and microwave in short bursts, which traps moisture and prevents cracking.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Street-Style Steak and Shrimp Tacos Recipe, it’s going to become a regular in your rotation. The way the smoky steak and juicy shrimp mingle with fresh toppings and that dreamy lime crema is simply unbeatable. Perfect for a weekend cookout or a festive weeknight dinner, these tacos bring restaurant-quality flavors right to your table with effortless cooking steps. Go ahead and dive into these bold, flavor-packed tacos that deliver joy with every bite!
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Street-Style Steak and Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 tacos (serves 12) 1x
Description
These Street-Style Steak and Shrimp Tacos combine perfectly seasoned and grilled flank steak and shrimp with a zesty lime crema, fresh cilantro, red onions, and creamy avocado slices wrapped in warm corn tortillas. This delicious fusion offers bold flavors and a wonderfully balanced texture, making it a perfect meal for taco lovers craving a fresh and vibrant dish.
Ingredients
Steak Marinade
- 1 lb flank steak or skirt steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
Shrimp Marinade
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
Lime Crema
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Tacos and Toppings
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Marinate the Steak: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Rub this seasoning all over the flank steak and allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Marinate the Shrimp: In another bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp in this mixture until thoroughly coated, then let them marinate for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the spices.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature to prepare for cooking the steak and shrimp, ensuring a nice sear and even cooking.
- Grill the Steak: Place the marinated steak on the hot grill. Cook for approximately 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness, or 6 to 7 minutes per side if you prefer medium. Adjust time based on the thickness of the steak. After grilling, remove the steak and let it rest for 5 minutes; this helps retain juices for maximum flavor.
- Cook the Shrimp: Using a grill pan or skillet preheated over medium-high heat, cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque, indicating they are fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Lime Crema: In a small bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and adjust the seasoning to taste, creating a tangy and creamy sauce to top the tacos.
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat the corn tortillas on the grill or in a skillet for 20 to 30 seconds on each side, just until they are soft and pliable, perfect for wrapping around the fillings.
- Assemble the Tacos: Layer the tacos starting with a few slices of grilled steak, followed by a couple of shrimp. Add toppings of finely chopped red onion, fresh cilantro, and sliced avocado for freshness and texture.
- Add Lime Crema and Serve: Drizzle the prepared lime crema over the filled tacos. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Notes
- Marinating the steak for up to 2 hours enhances the flavor and texture but can be done in 30 minutes for a quicker meal.
- Adjust the spice levels in the marinades according to your heat preference.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or skillet works perfectly for cooking both steak and shrimp.
- For extra smoky flavor, use smoked paprika and a charcoal grill if available.
- These tacos can be customized with additional toppings like pickled jalapeños, shredded lettuce, or cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
