Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw

Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw are a delightful way to bring bold flavors to your table. Perfect for gatherings or family dinners, these tacos feature juicy steak paired with a spicy chipotle sauce and a crunchy roasted cabbage slaw. The combination of textures and tastes makes them truly irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor-packed: The chipotle sauce adds a smoky kick, while the roasted veggies contribute sweetness.
• Easy to prepare: With straightforward steps, you’ll have delicious tacos ready in no time.
• Versatile meal: These tacos can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or even at parties.
• Fresh ingredients: Using fresh produce ensures vibrant flavors and nutrition in every bite.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust toppings like cheese or add extra veggies to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To create these tasty Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw, gather your tools and equipment before starting. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast iron skillet
• Sheet pans
• Food processor
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast iron skillet: Provides excellent heat retention for perfectly seared steak.
• Food processor: Blends the chipotle sauce smoothly, saving time compared to manual mixing.

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Ingredients

Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw

servings: 4 (approximately 12 tacos)

Ingredients:
– 1 ½ lbs skirt steak
– 1 lb purple cabbage, cored + thinly sliced
– 1 large red pepper, halved + seeded
– 1 large poblano pepper, halved + seeded
– 1 red onion, cored + cut into ½” wedges
– olive oil
– kosher salt
– 4 green onions, thinly sliced
– 12 tortillas, charred over an open flame
– 6 oz queso fresco, crumbled
– ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 2 tsp orange zest
– 1 (7oz) can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
– 2 tbsp honey
– ¾ cup neutral oil (such as safflower)

How to Make Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 425°F.

Step 2: Roast the Vegetables

• Place the halved peppers and red onion wedges onto a sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat.
• Arrange the peppers and red onions cut-side down.
• Roast for 35-40 minutes until tender.
• On another sheet pan, toss the cabbage with olive oil. Spread evenly and season with salt.
• Roast the cabbage for about 25-30 minutes until caramelized.

Step 3: Prepare the Steak

Pat the skirt steak dry and let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Chipotle Sauce

In a food processor, combine:
* Freshly squeezed orange juice
* Orange zest
* Chipotle peppers (with adobo sauce)
* Honey

Process until smooth. With the processor running, stream in the neutral oil. Season with salt to taste.

Step 5: Combine Roasted Vegetables

Allow vegetables to cool slightly. Peel skins off the peppers. Thinly slice the red pepper, finely chop the poblano pepper, and roughly chop the red onion. In a mixing bowl, combine all roasted vegetables with green onions and half a cup of chipotle sauce.

Step 6: Sear the Skirt Steak

Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add enough neutral oil to coat the bottom lightly. Season skirt steak generously with salt.
* Sear for about 3-5 minutes per side until cooked to desired doneness.
* Transfer steak to a cutting board, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes.
* Thinly slice against the grain into bite-sized pieces.

Step 7: Assemble Your Tacos

In each charred tortilla, add:
1. A layer of roasted cabbage slaw,
2. A few slices of steak,
3. A drizzle of chipotle sauce,
4. A sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco on top.

Enjoy your flavorful Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw!

How to Serve Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw

Steak tacos with chipotle sauce and roasted cabbage slaw make for a delightful meal that can be served in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your taco experience.

Taco Bar

• Set up a taco bar with all the toppings laid out. Include sliced avocados, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges for guests to customize their tacos.

Pair with Salsa

• Serve with a side of fresh salsa, like pico de gallo or mango salsa, to add a burst of flavor and freshness.

Add a Creamy Element

• Consider drizzling a creamy avocado dressing or sour cream alternative over the tacos for extra richness.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle fresh cilantro or parsley on top of each taco to enhance the dish’s visual appeal and flavor profile.

Serve with Pickled Red Onions

• Offer pickled red onions as an option; their tanginess complements the richness of the steak beautifully.

How to Perfect Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw

To make your steak tacos truly shine, follow these helpful tips for perfecting the recipe.

• Choose Quality Meat: Use high-quality skirt steak for the best flavor and tenderness. Look for well-marbled cuts.

• Marinate for Flavor: Consider marinating the skirt steak in a mix of olive oil, garlic, and lime juice for added depth.

• Preheat Your Skillet: Ensure your cast iron skillet is hot before adding the steak. A good sear locks in juices and flavor.

• Slice Against the Grain: For tender bites, always slice your steak against the grain after cooking. This keeps each piece easy to chew.

• Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to mix in different toppings like jalapeños or crumbled feta cheese for added spice or creaminess.

• Adjust Spice Levels: Tailor the chipotle sauce’s heat by adding more or fewer chipotle peppers based on your preference.

Best Side Dishes for Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw

Complement your steak tacos with these delicious side dishes that round out your meal perfectly.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices adds a hearty base that pairs well with tacos.

2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide protein and balance out the flavors on your plate.

3. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with chili lime butter offers a smoky and sweet contrast to your tacos.

4. Chips and Guacamole: Crispy tortilla chips served with creamy guacamole make for an irresistible appetizer before diving into tacos.

5. Cilantro Lime Quinoa: A light quinoa salad tossed with cilantro and lime is a refreshing side that complements the richness of tacos.

6. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes seasoned and roasted until crispy add a delightful sweetness to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Not letting the steak rest: Failing to let the cooked steak rest can lead to dry meat. Allow it to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing.
• Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking the cabbage and peppers too long can result in mushy textures. Keep an eye on them while roasting for a perfect caramelization.
• Skipping seasoning: Neglecting to season the steak and vegetables properly will dull flavors. Season generously with salt to enhance taste.
• Using cold tortillas: Serving cold tortillas can ruin the taco experience. Always char or warm your tortillas before assembling.
• Not balancing flavors in the sauce: A bland sauce can make your tacos less exciting. Taste and adjust the chipotle sauce, if necessary, adding more honey or salt as needed.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw

• Place components in separate containers for best results.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Wrap tacos in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add tacos and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until warmed and slightly crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw?

Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw include skirt steak, charred corn tortillas, a spicy chipotle sauce, roasted cabbage slaw, and queso fresco.

Can I customize my Steak Tacos?

Absolutely! You can swap out the steak for grilled chicken or turkey, use different types of slaw, or adjust the spice level in your chipotle sauce.

How do I make the chipotle sauce?

To make the chipotle sauce, blend orange juice, zest, canned chipotles in adobo, honey, and oil until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.

What type of tortillas should I use?

For best results, use corn tortillas that you can char over an open flame for added flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them based on personal preferences or what you have on hand. The combination of spicy sauce and crunchy slaw pairs wonderfully with tender steak, making this recipe a must-try!