If you’ve ever lived in or traveled to LA, then you probably know how serious the taco scene is. We have some of the best Mexican cuisine in the country, so it’s safe to say tacos are a big deal here.
When I’m trying to save a little dough or cut back on calories and fat, I love making my own homemade versions of the steak tacos I fall in love with around the city. These Blackened Steak Tacos are a shining example of the kind of influence LA dining has had on my cooking.
This delectable recipe combines two things I absolutely love, blackened steak and tacos. Blackening a steak is a quick and easy way to sear it and seal in the juices for super tender meat on the inside and a flavorful, crispy crust on the outside. It’s mouthwateringly tasty and makes for the perfect way to upgrade your tacos.
When paired with creamy Mexican cheese, bright herbs, spicy jalapenos, and the salsa of your choice (I’m partial to my Pineapple Serrano Salsa), these Blackened Steak Tacos are out of this world. The combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors come together in the best way, for incredible flavor in every bite.
Whether you’re looking for taco night recipes or healthy dinner recipes for your next barbecue, this delicious dish guarantees to be a show-stopper.
Serve up these tacos on their own or alongside tasty side dishes like quick refried beans, creamy Mexican coleslaw, or blackened corn. Don’t forget to save the leftovers to make a steak taco salad for lunch the next day, you will thank me later!
Key Ingredients
To make these vibrant and flavorful tacos, you will need the following key ingredients:
- Beef tenderloin: You can use any cut of steak you prefer, but I like to use a leaner cut like beef tenderloin.
- Blackening seasoning: This flavorful combination of herbs and spices is used to coat the steak and achieve a blackened appearance.
- Butter: The blackening process wouldn’t be complete without a fat source to help develop the delicious, crispy crust on the outside of the steak. Feel free to use butter, ghee, or any type of oil that holds up well against high heat.
- Tortillas: I prefer to use flour tortillas, but you can use corn tortillas if needed for a gluten-free option.
- Taco toppings: My toppings of choice for this dish include cheese, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapenos, and my Pineapple Serrano Salsa or pico de gallo. Feel free to change it up and add any taco toppings you like.
How Do You Blacken Meat?
When it comes to blackening meat or fish, there are 3 key components: Blackening seasoning, fat, and high heat. First, you need to coat the meat with a good source of fat like butter. This will help the herbs and spices stick to the meat and will also help to create a flavorful, crispy crust.
Next, you dredge the meat in the Blackening seasoning, which you can find at any grocery store or make at home. Finally, you sear the meat on a piping hot pan until it’s blackened to perfection.
This cooking method seals in the natural juices, keeping the inside nice and tender while the outside is crispy and delicious. It’s quick, easy, and yields amazing results!
What to Serve With Blackened Steak Tacos
While these steak tacos are insanely good as a stand-alone dish, they also pair really well with a ton of other healthy Mexican-inspired dishes. Not sure what to pair with your tacos? Here are some of my favorite side dishes to serve with tacos:
- For a flavorful sauce to drizzle over top, you can’t go wrong with this Greek yogurt-based Southwestern Dressing.
- Looking for the perfect salsa to pair with your tacos? This Pineapple Serrano Salsa offers a delicious combination of sweet and spicy flavors. This Mango Salsa is another good option.
- If you’re in need of a healthy and tasty side dish that pairs wonderfully with tacos, try this Cilantro Lime Quinoa.
- For a protein-packed dish that you can serve on the side or use as a taco topping, try out these Slow Cooker Charro Beans.
- This vibrant and delicious Mexican Chopped Salad is made with honey lime dressing and makes for the perfect salad to pair with your tacos.
How to Store Leftover Tacos
When storing tacos, it’s important to separately store your tortillas and each of your toppings in airtight bags or containers. The blackened steak can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Once you’ve opened your flour tortillas, I recommend sealing them up in an airtight storage bag and storing them in the fridge for up to 5-7 days.
If you make homemade salsa for your tacos, you can store it in the fridge for up to a week.