Smoky Citrus-Marinated Skirt Steak Tacos
Makes 12 tacos.
Note: Skirt steak, bathed in a garlicky orange and lime marinade, gives an intensely beefy flavor to these easy tacos. Cotija is a salty Mexican-style cheese. From Meredith Deeds.
For the steak and marinade:
• 1/4 c. olive oil
• 2 chipotle chiles in adobo sauce (from a can)
• 4 garlic cloves
• Zest from 1 orange
• Zest from 1 lime
• Juice from 1 orange (about 1/4 c.)
• Juice from 1 lime (about 2 tbsp.)
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 lb. skirt steak, cut crosswise into 6-in. pieces
• 1 tbsp. vegetable oil
For pickled red onions:
• 1/2 c. cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp. honey
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
For the tacos:
• 12 corn tortillas
• 1 medium avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced
• Crumbled Cotija cheese (see Note)
• Fresh cilantro leaves
• Lime wedges
Directions
To marinate the meat: Combine olive oil, chipotle chiles, garlic, zest and juice from both the orange and lime, 3/4 teaspoon salt and the pepper in a blender. Blend until smooth. Pour marinade into a large resealable bag or bowl. Add steak and toss to coat. Marinate at least 30 minutes at room temperature or chill up to overnight in refrigerator, turning the bag occasionally.
To prepare the pickled red onions: Combine vinegar, 1/2 cup water, honey and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add onions and remove from heat. Let onions sit in the vinegar mixture for 10 minutes. Drain and reserve onions.
To cook the meat: Remove steak from marinade, shaking off any excess. Heat vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange meat in the skillet and cook, turning frequently, for 3 to 4 minutes a side, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 115 to 120 degrees for medium-rare or 125 to 130 degrees for medium. Let rest 10 minutes before thinly slicing against the grain.
To assemble the tacos: Warm tortillas in a microwave, oven or over a gas flame. Divide steak among tortillas, then top with, avocado, cheese, cilantro and pickled onion. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Nutrition information per taco with 1 tablespoon Cotija:
Calories230Fat13 gSodium245 mg
Carbohydrates14 gSaturated fat5 gAdded sugars1 g
Protein14 gCholesterol40 mgDietary fiber2 g
Exchanges per serving: 1 carb, 2 med.-fat protein, ½ fat.
