Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw

Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw are a delightful dish that brings bold flavors and vibrant colors to your table. Perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners, these tacos highlight juicy skirt steak paired with a smoky chipotle sauce and a crunchy roasted cabbage slaw. Each bite is packed with flavor, making them an instant favorite for any taco lover.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of chipotle sauce and roasted vegetables creates a mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this recipe makes cooking tacos a breeze, even for beginners.
• Versatile Option: Enjoy these steak tacos as a main dish or serve them at parties for a fun taco bar experience.
• Fresh Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and zesty flavors, you can feel good about what you’re eating.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the toppings or swap out the steak for other proteins like chicken or turkey.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather these essential tools. Having the right equipment will help you achieve the best results while preparing your Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast iron skillet
• Sheet pan
• Food processor
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast iron skillet: Ideal for achieving a perfect sear on the skirt steak, locking in juices and flavor.
• Food processor: Makes blending the chipotle sauce quick and easy, ensuring a smooth consistency without any lumps.

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Ingredients

Servings: 4 (approximately 12 tacos)

For the Steak

• 1 ½ lbs skirt steak

For the Roasted Vegetables

• 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

For the Slaw

• 4 green onions, thinly sliced

For Assembling Tacos

• 12 tortillas, charred over an open flame
• 6 oz queso fresco, crumbled

For the Chipotle Sauce

• 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 to prepare for roasting the vegetables.

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 cut-side down.
• Roast for 35-40 minutes until tender.
• On another sheet pan, toss cabbage with olive oil and season with salt. Roast for 25-30 minutes until caramelized.

Step 3: Prepare the Steak

• Pat skirt steak dry and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking.

Step 4: Make Chipotle Sauce

• In a food processor, combine orange juice, orange zest, chipotle peppers (with adobo sauce), and honey. Process until smooth.
• With the processor running, stream in neutral oil. Season with salt to taste; set aside.

Step 5: Combine Roasted Vegetables

• Allow roasted vegetables to cool slightly. Peel off skins from peppers.
• Thinly slice red pepper, finely chop poblano pepper, and roughly chop red onion.
• In a mixing bowl, add all veggies along with green onions and half cup of chipotle sauce. Toss together.

Step 6: Cook Skirt Steak

• Heat cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add enough neutral oil to coat bottom of skillet.
• Generously season skirt steak with salt. Sear each side for about 3-5 minutes depending on thickness until desired doneness is reached.
• Transfer steak to cutting board; cover loosely with foil. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain into bite-sized pieces.

Step 7: Assemble Tacos

Layer charred tortillas starting with slaw at the bottom, followed by slices of steak. Drizzle remaining chipotle sauce over top and finish with crumbled queso fresco.

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

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

Serving steak tacos is a delightful experience that brings vibrant flavors and textures to your table. Here are some creative ways to enjoy these delicious tacos.

Taco Bar

• Arrange all taco components separately, allowing guests to build their own. Include toppings like extra chipotle sauce, sliced avocado, and fresh cilantro.

Accompanying Drinks

• Pair the tacos with refreshing beverages like homemade lemonade or iced tea. These drinks complement the spicy chipotle sauce perfectly.

Garnishing Ideas

• Add a squeeze of fresh lime or a sprinkle of chili powder on top for an extra kick. This enhances the flavor profile and provides a beautiful presentation.

Family Style Serving

• Serve the steak, slaw, and tortillas on a large platter for a communal dining experience. This approach encourages sharing and conversation at the table.

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

To make your steak tacos even more enjoyable, consider these helpful tips for perfecting your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh produce enhances flavor and texture. Opt for ripe vegetables and fresh herbs whenever possible.

• Marinate the Steak: For added flavor, marinate the skirt steak in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, and spices for at least an hour before cooking.

• Control Heat Levels: Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers in the sauce to suit your heat preference. You can start with fewer peppers and add more as needed.

• Warm Tortillas Properly: Warm tortillas over an open flame or in a skillet until they are pliable. This prevents them from tearing when you fill them.

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

Pairing side dishes with steak tacos can elevate your meal. Here are some tasty options that complement the flavors of your main dish.

1. Mexican Street Corn Salad: A fresh salad made with grilled corn, lime juice, cheese, and spices offers a sweet contrast to the spicy tacos.

2. Black Bean Salsa: This hearty salsa adds protein and flavor. Serve it as a dip or atop the tacos for added texture.

3. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole made from ripe avocados provides richness that balances the heat of the chipotle sauce.

4. Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice tossed with cilantro and lime brightens up the plate and is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.

5. Grilled Veggies: Seasonal vegetables grilled to perfection add color and nutrition. Consider zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for variety.

6. Chips with Salsa Verde: Crunchy tortilla chips paired with zesty salsa verde offer a fun appetizer or side option that complements your meal perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw, avoiding common pitfalls can enhance your cooking experience and the final dish.

• Neglecting to rest the steak – Skipping the resting step can lead to dry meat. Always let your steak rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juices.
• Overcooking the vegetables – Cooking the cabbage and peppers too long can result in mushiness. Keep an eye on them and roast until tender and slightly caramelized.
• Using stale tortillas – Stale tortillas can ruin the taco experience. Always use fresh corn tortillas and char them just before serving for the best flavor.
• Ignoring seasoning – Failing to season your steak properly may lead to bland tacos. Generously season with salt before cooking to enhance the meat’s flavor.
• Skipping the sauce – The chipotle sauce is key to these tacos’ flavor profile. Don’t skip or skimp on it; blend thoroughly for a smooth texture.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooked components separately in airtight containers.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.

Freezing Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw

• Freeze individual taco components in separate containers.
• Use within 2-3 months for optimal quality.

Reheating Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw

• Oven – Preheat 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, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 30 seconds at a time until warm.
• Stovetop – Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a little oil, and warm each taco for about 1-2 minutes per side.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I serve with Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw?

You can serve these tacos with sides like rice, beans, or guacamole for a complete meal.

Can I use other meats for this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to substitute skirt steak with chicken, beef, lamb, or turkey depending on your taste preference.

How do I customize my Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw?

Add toppings like avocado slices, salsa, or lime wedges to enhance flavors based on your liking.

Is it possible to make these tacos vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute steak with grilled vegetables or mushrooms and use plant-based gelling agents in the sauce if needed.

Final Thoughts

Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them based on your preferences or dietary needs. Try this recipe today for a flavorful meal that’s sure to impress!