Sizzling Steak Street Tacos with Zesty Chipotle Lime Coleslaw Recipe
Sizzling beef meets zesty flavors in these mouthwatering steak street tacos with chipotle lime coleslaw that dance on your taste buds.
Tender strips of marinated steak promise a delectable journey through Mexican-inspired cuisine.
The smoky chipotle and bright lime create a perfect harmony in the coleslaw, adding a tangy punch to every bite.
Soft corn tortillas cradle the juicy meat, creating a street-food experience right in your kitchen.
Fresh ingredients and bold seasonings turn this simple dish into a culinary adventure.
Each taco delivers a burst of authentic flavor that will transport you to bustling Mexican street corners.
You won’t be able to resist these irresistible tacos that blend heat, freshness, and pure deliciousness in every single bite.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: 300 kcal
Servings: 5
Ingredients in Steak Street Tacos
For Slaw Base:
Cabbage: Crisp and crunchy foundation that adds textural contrast and fresh bite to the tacos.
Mayonnaise: Creamy binder that helps coat the slaw with rich, smooth consistency.
Lime Juice: Bright citrus element that cuts through richness and adds zesty tang.
For Steak and Seasoning:
Steak: Choose tender cuts like sirloin or flank for maximum flavor and easy slicing.
Salt: Essential flavor enhancer that brings out the meat's natural taste.
Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and aromatic depth to the steak's seasoning.
Vegetable Oil: Helps create perfect sear and prevents steak from sticking to the pan.
For Taco Components:
Tortillas: Select soft corn tortillas for authentic street taco experience.
Chipotle Peppers: Smoky, spicy ingredient that adds complex heat to the coleslaw.
Cilantro: Fresh herb that provides bright, herbal garnish with classic Mexican profile.
Pickled Jalapeños: Optional spicy topping for those who enjoy extra kick.
Tools for Chipotle Lime Slaw Tacos
Cutting Board: Large surface for slicing steak and chopping ingredients.
Sharp Knife: Essential for thinly slicing semi-frozen steak and chopping cilantro.
Large Mixing Bowl: For preparing and tossing chipotle lime coleslaw.
Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy Skillet: Perfect for cooking steak and warming tortillas.
Tongs: Helpful for handling and flipping steak slices during cooking.
Measuring Spoons: For accurately measuring salt, pepper, and other seasonings.
Street Taco Instructions with Chipotle Slaw
Street Taco Magic
Slaw Sensation Craft a zesty coleslaw by mixing crisp cabbage with creamy mayo, tangy lime, and smoky chipotle peppers. The blend creates a vibrant, mouth-watering topping that'll make taste buds dance.
Steak Prep Technique Grab a partially frozen steak and slice it super thin against the muscle fibers. This ensures tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat that cooks quickly and absorbs seasonings beautifully.
Sizzling Skillet Action Heat a heavy pan until it's blazing hot. Quickly sear steak slices, creating a delicious caramelized exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. The goal is a quick kiss of heat, not overcooking.
Tortilla Transformation Use the same sizzling skillet to warm tortillas, letting them absorb all the delicious meaty remnants. This adds an extra layer of flavor that takes your tacos from good to legendary.
Taco Assembly Artistry Layer the seared steak onto warm tortillas, crown with the zesty coleslaw, and sprinkle fresh cilantro. Optional jalapeños add a spicy kick for adventurous eaters. Serve immediately and enjoy the flavor explosion.
Tips for Bold Steak Taco Flavor
Slice steak when partially frozen to achieve ultra-thin, uniform cuts that cook quickly and stay juicy without becoming tough.
Let coleslaw sit for 15-30 minutes before serving to allow chipotle and lime flavors to meld and deepen, creating a more complex taste profile.
Use a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan to ensure even heat distribution and create delicious caramelized edges on steak slices.
Adjust chipotle pepper quantity to control heat – use less for mild flavor or add extra for a fiery kick that matches your personal preference.
Replace steak with chicken, shrimp, or plant-based alternatives like seasoned portobello mushrooms for diverse meal variations that suit different dietary needs.
Serving the Chipotle Street Tacos
Fiesta Flavor Fusion: Pair these street tacos with Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal that brings authentic street food vibes right to your dining table.
Salsa Splash Companion: Create a bright, zesty fresh salsa with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice to complement the rich, spicy steak and creamy coleslaw.
Beverage Harmony: Serve with an ice-cold Mexican beer like Modelo or a tangy margarita to balance the bold, smoky flavors of the chipotle and grilled steak.
Taco Night Social: Make this a fun interactive meal where guests can build their own tacos, adding extra toppings like queso fresco, diced onions, or extra hot sauce for personalized enjoyment.
Storage Guide for Steak Tacos
Meal Planning & Storage Wisdom
Advance Prep Magic: Chop cabbage and mix coleslaw ingredients up to 24 hours before serving, keeping them separately refrigerated for maximum freshness and crisp texture.
Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooked steak and slaw in sealed containers in the refrigerator, keeping them separate to maintain individual flavors and prevent sogginess. Consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste.
Freezer-Friendly Hack: Slice raw steak and store in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before cooking to ensure best meat quality and texture.
Leftover Transformation: Repurpose remaining steak and slaw into salad bowls, quick lunch wraps, or stuffed into quesadillas for delicious next-day meals that minimize food waste and maximize flavor enjoyment.
Mexican street tacos showcase tender grilled steak nestled in warm tortillas with zesty chipotle lime coleslaw. Spicy, tangy flavors combine perfectly, giving you a mouthwatering experience of authentic street food that brings Mexico’s culinary spirit right to your plate.
Ingredients
Scale
0.5 lb flank or skirt steak
6 small tortillas
1 ½ cups cabbage or coleslaw mix
1 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tbsps Duke’s Mayonnaise
1 tbsp finely chopped chipotle
1 tbsp lime juice
Salt (to taste)
Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Pinch kosher salt
Finely chopped or micro cilantro
Pickled jalapeños, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Coleslaw Preparation: Combine shredded cabbage with mayonnaise, lime juice, chopped chipotle peppers, and salt. Blend thoroughly, adjusting seasoning for a harmonious flavor profile.
Steak Preparation: Extract semi-frozen steak and slice into delicate 1/8-inch strips against the grain, ensuring optimal tenderness. Season strips with salt and pepper.
Searing Technique: Heat heavy skillet over medium-high heat with vegetable oil until surface glistens. Rapidly sear steak slices for 1-2 minutes, developing a golden-brown caramelized exterior.
Tortilla Warming: Utilize the same skillet’s residual oils to warm tortillas briefly on each side, creating soft, flavor-infused wrappers.
Taco Assembly: Layer seared steak strips onto warmed tortillas, generously top with chipotle lime coleslaw. Garnish with fresh cilantro and optional pickled jalapeños for enhanced flavor and visual appeal.
Serving: Present tacos immediately while ingredients maintain their vibrant freshness and optimal temperature.
Notes
Slice Steak Strategically: Cut semi-frozen meat against the grain into ultra-thin 1/8-inch strips for maximum tenderness and easier chewing.
Master Searing Technique: Use high heat and brief cooking time to achieve caramelized edges and golden-brown crust without overcooking the meat.
Balance Coleslaw Flavors: Adjust seasoning gradually with lime juice and salt, tasting as you mix to create a perfectly balanced, zesty topping.
Tortilla Temperature Matters: Warm tortillas briefly in the same skillet used for steak to infuse subtle meaty flavors and create soft, pliable wrappers.
Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.
Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.
Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.
Mia Reynolds
Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist
Expertise
Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners
Education
New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont
Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont
Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.
Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.