Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw

Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw are a flavorful delight that brings the taste of Mexico right to your dining table. These tacos are perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or casual get-togethers. With charred corn tortillas filled with tender steak, zesty chipotle sauce, and crunchy roasted cabbage slaw, this dish is an explosion of flavors that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with Flavor: The combination of juicy skirt steak and smoky chipotle sauce makes every bite irresistible.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, you can whip these up in no time.
• Versatile: Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a festive celebration.
• Healthy Twist: The roasted cabbage slaw adds a fresh crunch, boosting the nutrition of your meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These tacos appeal to a wide range of tastes, making them great for serving guests.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools to make cooking as smooth as possible.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast iron skillet: Excellent heat retention ensures perfectly seared steak with great flavor.
• Sheet pans: Ideal for roasting vegetables evenly while allowing them to caramelize beautifully.
• Food processor: Makes blending the chipotle sauce quick and easy for a smooth texture.

Ingredients

To create delicious Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw, gather these ingredients:

For the Steak and Slaw

• 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

For the Tortillas and Sauce

• 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 your oven to 425°F.

Step 2: Roast the Vegetables

1. Place the halved red and poblano peppers along with red onion wedges on a sheet pan.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.
3. Arrange cut-side down and roast for 35-40 minutes.
4. Toss the sliced cabbage with olive oil on another sheet pan.
5. Spread it out evenly and season lightly with salt. Roast for about 25-30 minutes until tender.

Step 3: Prepare the Steak

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

Step 4: Make the Chipotle Sauce

In a food processor:
1. Combine orange juice, orange zest, chipotle peppers (with adobo sauce), and honey.
2. Process until smooth; while running, stream in neutral oil until combined.
3. Season with salt to taste and set aside.

Step 5: Complete the Slaw Mixture

Allow roasted vegetables to cool slightly before peeling off skins from peppers. Thinly slice red pepper, chop poblano pepper finely, and roughly chop red onion. In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine all chopped vegetables with green onions.
2. Add in about half a cup of chipotle sauce; toss everything together.

Step 6: Sear the Steak

Heat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat:
1. Add enough neutral oil to coat the bottom just lightly.
2. Season skirt steak generously with salt.
3. Once hot, sear the steak in batches for about 3-5 minutes per side depending on thickness until it reaches desired doneness.
4. Transfer to a cutting board; cover loosely with foil for resting (about 5 minutes).
5. Slice against the grain into bite-sized pieces.

Step 7: Assemble Your Tacos

Layer each charred tortilla starting with roasted cabbage slaw at the bottom:
1. Add a few slices of seared steak on top.
2. Drizzle generously with chipotle sauce.
3. Finish off with crumbled queso fresco sprinkled over each taco.

Enjoy these vibrant Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw at your next meal!

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

Steak tacos are a delicious and versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience with steak tacos paired with chipotle sauce and roasted cabbage slaw.

Add Fresh Toppings

• Avocado slices: Creamy avocado adds richness and balances the heat from the chipotle sauce.
• Fresh cilantro: A sprinkle of cilantro brings a fresh, herbal note that complements the flavors beautifully.
• Lime wedges: Squeezing fresh lime juice adds a zesty brightness that elevates the overall flavor.

Pair with Salsas

• Pico de gallo: This fresh tomato salsa adds crunch and acidity, enhancing the tacos’ flavor profile.
• Mango salsa: A sweet mango salsa provides a delightful contrast to the savory steak and spicy chipotle sauce.
• Corn salsa: Sweet corn mixed with peppers creates a colorful topping that adds texture and sweetness.

Serve with Dipping Sauces

• Extra chipotle sauce: Offering more of the creamy chipotle sauce allows guests to customize their tacos further.
• Creamy avocado dressing: This rich sauce can add another layer of flavor while keeping things fresh.

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

Perfecting steak tacos is all about attention to detail and balancing flavors. Here are some tips to ensure your tacos shine.

• Bold seasoning: Generously season the skirt steak with salt and any other spices you like to bring out its rich flavor.
• Rest the meat: Allowing the cooked steak to rest for a few minutes ensures it remains juicy and tender when sliced.
• Char tortillas properly: Charring over an open flame adds smoky flavor and improves texture—don’t skip this step!
• Mix slaw well: Combine roasted cabbage slaw thoroughly so every bite is packed with flavor from the chipotle sauce.

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

Complementing your steak tacos with side dishes can create a complete meal. Here are some delicious options to consider:

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with tomatoes, onions, and spices makes a filling side that pairs perfectly.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans offer protein and balance out the meal’s flavors nicely.
3. Grilled Corn Salad: This vibrant salad combines grilled corn, peppers, and lime for a refreshing side dish.
4. Guacamole: A classic dip made from ripe avocados, lime juice, and spices adds creaminess and richness.
5. Chips & Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa provide a perfect crunchy accompaniment.
6. Black Bean Salad: A mix of black beans, corn, bell peppers, and cilantro creates a nutritious side that complements the meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw to the next level. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping room temperature steak: Not allowing the skirt steak to sit at room temperature before cooking can lead to uneven cooking. Let it rest for about 30 minutes for better results.
• Overcrowding the skillet: Cooking too many pieces of steak at once can lower the skillet’s temperature, preventing a nice sear. Cook in batches to achieve that perfect crust.
• Neglecting seasoning: Failing to season the steak generously with salt will result in bland tacos. Don’t hold back—season both sides liberally!
• Underestimating roasting time for veggies: Rushing the roasting process may leave vegetables undercooked and lacking flavor. Roast until tender and caramelized for maximum taste.
• Forgetting to slice against the grain: Slicing the steak against the grain is crucial for tenderness. Always pay attention to the direction of the fibers when cutting.
• Not balancing flavors in slaw: Skipping on adding enough chipotle sauce or seasonings to the cabbage slaw can make it taste flat. Ensure it’s well mixed and flavorful.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw

• Freeze assembled tacos or components separately.
• Use freezer-safe bags or containers; they can be kept for up to 3 months.

Reheating Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and wrap tacos in foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat; warm each taco for about 2-3 minutes on each side until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw.

Can I use other types of meat?

Yes! You can easily substitute skirt steak with chicken, turkey, or even beef tenderloin based on your preference.

How spicy is this chipotle sauce?

The heat level will depend on how much chipotle you use. Start with less and adjust according to your taste.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep all components ahead of time. Just assemble right before serving for optimal freshness.

What can I serve with these tacos?

These tacos pair beautifully with sides like guacamole, salsa, or Mexican rice for a full meal experience.

How do I store leftover slaw?

Store any leftover cabbage slaw in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep fresh for up to 3 days.

What should I do if my tortillas are too stiff?

If your tortillas are stiff, try warming them slightly in a pan or microwave before assembling your tacos. This will make them more pliable.

Final Thoughts

These Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw are not only delicious but also versatile. Feel free to customize them by adding extra toppings like avocado or fresh cilantro. The balance of flavors makes them a sure hit at any gathering or weeknight dinner!