Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw

Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw are a delicious and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. These tacos stand out with their spicy chipotle sauce, the crunch of roasted cabbage slaw, and tender skirt steak all wrapped in charred corn tortillas. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, these tacos will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold flavors: The combination of chipotle sauce and roasted vegetables creates a rich flavor profile that excites the palate.
• Easy preparation: With straightforward steps and minimal cooking time, you’ll have dinner ready without hassle.
• Versatile ingredients: Swap in different proteins or veggies to make this dish your own, catering to various tastes.
• Perfect for gatherings: These tacos are great for sharing, making them an ideal choice for parties or family dinners.
• Fresh and vibrant: The use of fresh ingredients ensures each bite is packed with color and nutrition.

Tools and Preparation

To make Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw, having the right tools can streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast iron skillet: Ideal for achieving a perfect sear on the skirt steak, enhancing flavor and texture.
• Food processor: Makes blending the chipotle sauce quick and easy, ensuring a smooth consistency.

Ingredients

For approximately 12 tacos (serves 4), you will need:

For the Steak

• 1 ½ lbs skirt steak
• kosher salt

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

For the Slaw

• 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• 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.

Step 2: Roast the Vegetables

1. Place the halved peppers and red onion wedges onto a sheet pan.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Arrange cut-side down.
3. Roast for 35-40 minutes until tender.
4. On another sheet pan, toss the cabbage with olive oil and season with salt.
5. Spread into an even layer and roast for 25-30 minutes until caramelized.

Step 3: Prepare the Steak

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

Step 4: Make the Chipotle Sauce

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

Step 5: Mix the Slaw

1. Allow roasted vegetables to cool slightly before peeling skins off the peppers.
2. Thinly slice red pepper, finely chop poblano pepper, and roughly chop red onion.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine vegetables with green onions and ½ cup of chipotle sauce; toss well.

Step 6: Cook the Steak

1. Heat cast iron skillet over medium-high heat; coat bottom lightly with neutral oil.
2. Season skirt steak generously with salt.
3. Sear steak in batches for about 3-5 minutes per side based on desired doneness.
4. Transfer to a cutting board, cover loosely with foil for resting; slice against grain into bite-sized pieces.

Step 7: Assemble Your Tacos

In charred tortillas, layer roasted cabbage slaw at the bottom followed by sliced steak. Drizzle additional chipotle sauce on top and finish with crumbled queso fresco before serving warm.

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 with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw can elevate your dining experience. Here are some creative suggestions to enhance your meal.

Fresh Garnishes

• Lime wedges – A squeeze of fresh lime adds bright acidity that complements the richness of the tacos.
• Cilantro leaves – Adding cilantro brings freshness and an herbal note that balances the flavors.

Salsas

• Pico de gallo – This fresh salsa made with diced tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños provides a crunchy texture.
• Avocado salsa – Creamy avocado mixed with lime juice makes for a deliciously smooth topping.

Additional Toppings

• Sliced radishes – These add a crunchy bite and a peppery flavor that contrasts beautifully with the rich steak.
• Sour cream or yogurt – A dollop of sour cream can cool down the spice from the chipotle sauce.

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

Perfecting your Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure success.

• Choose the right cut of beef – Skirt steak is ideal for tacos because it’s flavorful and tender when cooked properly.
• Don’t skip marinating – Allowing the steak to marinate in spices or citrus improves flavor and tenderness.
• Use high heat for searing – A hot skillet helps achieve a perfect crust on the steak while keeping it juicy inside.
• Let the meat rest – Resting allows juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.
• Warm your tortillas – Lightly charring tortillas over an open flame adds a wonderful smokiness and prevents them from tearing.
• Balance flavors in slaw – Don’t forget to taste and adjust salt, acidity, and sweetness in your roasted cabbage slaw.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Steak Tacos can enhance the meal further. Here are some delicious options to consider.

1. Mexican Rice – Flavored with tomatoes and spices, this dish complements tacos perfectly.
2. Refried Beans – Creamy refried beans provide a hearty side that pairs well with steak tacos.
3. Grilled Corn Salad – This refreshing salad adds sweetness and crunch, making it an excellent accompaniment.
4. Chips and Guacamole – Crispy tortilla chips served with creamy guacamole make for a fun starter or side.
5. Elote (Mexican Street Corn) – Grilled corn on the cob topped with cheese and spices offers bold flavors that match well with tacos.
6. Black Bean Salad – A vibrant salad made from black beans, corn, and peppers provides protein and freshness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw, there are a few common mistakes you should watch for.

• Not seasoning the steak properly: Overlooking seasoning can lead to bland tacos. Generously season your skirt steak with salt before cooking to enhance its flavor.
• Skipping the resting period for the steak: Cutting into the steak immediately after cooking can cause juices to escape. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
• Using undercooked vegetables: Veggies that aren’t roasted properly may have a raw taste. Ensure you roast your peppers and cabbage until they’re tender and caramelized for the best flavor.
• Making the sauce too spicy: If you’re sensitive to heat, be cautious with chipotle peppers. Start with fewer peppers and adjust according to your taste preference.
• Assembling tacos too early: If you prepare your tacos in advance, they may get soggy. Assemble them just before serving to maintain crispness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw

• Wrap individual tacos tightly in foil or plastic wrap.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw

• Oven: Preheat 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 in short intervals of 30 seconds until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm each taco for a couple of minutes on each side.

Frequently Asked Questions

What toppings can I add to my Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw?

You can customize your tacos by adding fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or lime wedges for extra flavor.

Can I use other meats for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute skirt steak with chicken, turkey, or even lamb if you prefer.

How spicy is the chipotle sauce?

The spiciness of the chipotle sauce depends on how many peppers you use. Start with one and add more based on your heat tolerance.

How do I make the roasted cabbage slaw?

Simply toss thinly sliced cabbage with olive oil, salt, and roast until tender. Combine it with roasted veggies before serving.

Final Thoughts

Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw is a delightful dish that combines smoky flavors with crunchy textures. It’s versatile enough to accommodate different proteins and toppings based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try and enjoy customizing it to suit your taste!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw

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• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves 4 (12 tacos) 1x

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Description

Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw are a vibrant and satisfying dish that combines tender skirt steak with a smoky chipotle sauce and crunchy roasted vegetables. Wrapped in warm charred corn tortillas, these tacos deliver a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to lively gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Customize the ingredients to suit your taste, making it an adaptable meal that everyone will enjoy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ lbs skirt steak
• 1 lb purple cabbage
• 1 large red pepper
• 1 large poblano pepper
• 1 red onion
• 12 corn tortillas
• ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 (7oz) can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F.
2. Roast sliced purple cabbage and peppers on separate sheet pans with olive oil until caramelized (25-40 minutes).
3. Prepare the skirt steak by seasoning with salt and letting it rest at room temperature.
4. Blend orange juice, zest, chipotle peppers, honey, and oil in a food processor for the sauce.
5. Sauté the skirt steak in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until desired doneness (3-5 minutes per side).
6. Assemble tacos with roasted slaw, sliced steak, and chipotle sauce in charred tortillas.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Roasting/Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3 tacos (approximately 240g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 70mg