Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw are a mouthwatering dish perfect for any occasion. These tacos combine tender skirt steak, smoky chipotle sauce, and a refreshing roasted cabbage slaw, all wrapped in charred tortillas. They are sure to impress at your next gathering or family dinner. This recipe is not only flavorful but also easy to prepare, making it a go-to choice for taco night.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold flavors: The chipotle sauce adds a smoky kick that elevates the taste of the steak.
• Simple preparation: With easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice and seasoned cooks.
• Fresh ingredients: The roasted cabbage slaw provides a crunchy texture and complements the savory steak beautifully.
• Versatile: Great for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or meal prep for the week ahead.
• Crowd-pleaser: This dish is sure to satisfy both meat lovers and veggie fans alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, make sure you have the right tools on hand. Using the right equipment will help you achieve the perfect steak tacos every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast iron skillet
• Sheet pan
• Food processor
• Mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast iron skillet: Perfect for achieving a nice sear on the steak due to its excellent heat retention.
• Food processor: Makes blending the chipotle sauce quick and effortless, ensuring a smooth consistency.
• Sheet pan: Ideal for roasting vegetables evenly while allowing them to caramelize nicely.

this recipe

Ingredients

For these delicious Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw (servings: 4, approximately 12 tacos), you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Steak Tacos

• 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

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.
3. Arrange the peppers and red onions cut-side down.
4. Roast for 35-40 minutes until tender.
5. Toss the cabbage with olive oil on another sheet pan.
6. Spread it into an even layer and season with salt.
7. Roast cabbage for 25-30 minutes until caramelized.

Step 3: Prepare the Chipotle Sauce

While vegetables are roasting:
1. Pat the skirt steak dry and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
2. In a food processor, combine orange juice, orange zest, chipotle peppers (with adobo sauce), and honey.
3. Process until smooth; while running, stream in neutral oil.
4. Season to taste with salt.

Step 4: Cool Down Vegetables

Once roasted:
1. Allow vegetables to cool slightly; peel skins off peppers.
2. Thinly slice red pepper; finely chop poblano pepper; roughly chop red onion.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine all chopped vegetables with green onions and half a cup of chipotle sauce.

Step 5: Sear the Skirt Steak

1. Heat cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add enough neutral oil to coat the bottom lightly.
3. Season skirt steak generously with salt.
4. Once oil is hot, sear steak in batches for about 3-5 minutes per side until cooked as desired.
5. Transfer steak to a cutting board; cover loosely with foil and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing against grain into bite-sized pieces.

Step 6: Assemble Your Tacos

To assemble:
1. Take charred tortillas and add slaw on bottom.
2. Place a few slices of steak on top of slaw.
3. Drizzle with additional chipotle sauce and sprinkle queso fresco over everything.

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

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

Serving your steak tacos with chipotle sauce and roasted cabbage slaw is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some creative ways to elevate your taco experience.

Fresh Salsa

• Pico de Gallo: A zesty mix of diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice adds a fresh crunch.
• Mango Salsa: Sweet mango combined with red onion and cilantro gives a tropical twist that complements the smoky chipotle.

Creamy Additions

• Avocado Crema: Blend ripe avocados with lime juice and sour cream for a rich, creamy topping.
• Chipotle Aioli: Mix mayonnaise with chipotle sauce for an extra kick that enhances the flavor profile.

Crunchy Extras

• Tortilla Chips: Serve alongside for dipping into remaining chipotle sauce or salsas.
• Pickled Red Onions: Their tangy flavor adds a delightful contrast to the savory steak.

Garnish Options

• Cilantro Sprigs: Fresh herbs brighten up the dish visually and add an aromatic touch.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime over the tacos brings additional brightness and enhances all the flavors.

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

To make sure your steak tacos are absolutely delectable, follow these helpful tips to refine your technique.

• Bold seasoning: Generously season your skirt steak before cooking to enhance its natural flavors.
• Proper resting time: Let the steak rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender when sliced.
• Fresh ingredients: Use fresh produce for slaw and toppings; fresher ingredients yield better taste.
• Control the heat: Sear the steak on medium-high heat for a perfect char without overcooking it.
• Tortilla preparation: Warm tortillas over an open flame for added flavor and texture; charred tortillas are more appealing.
• Balance flavors: Adjust sweetness in the chipotle sauce by adding more honey if desired; balance is key in every bite.

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

Pairing side dishes with steak tacos can create a complete meal experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn topped with mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime brings vibrant flavors that match well with tacos.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide a comforting side that complements the texture of the tacos.
3. Guacamole: A classic avocado dip that adds richness; serve with tortilla chips or as a taco topping.
4. Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice flavored with cilantro and lime makes for a refreshing side that pairs nicely with spicy foods.
5. Black Bean Salad: A refreshing mix of black beans, corn, peppers, and lime juice offers a healthy crunch alongside your tacos.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies grilled until tender add color and nutrition; drizzling them lightly with olive oil enhances their natural flavors.
7. Chilled Avocado Soup: A creamy soup made from ripe avocados provides a cool contrast to spicy tacos.
8. Stuffed Mini Peppers: Sweet mini bell peppers stuffed with cream cheese or spiced cheese blend add fun texture and flavor to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Ignoring the resting period: Failing to let the steak rest after cooking can make it tough. Allow it to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing.
• Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking the peppers and onions too long may lead to mushiness. Keep an eye on them to ensure they are tender but still retain some crunch.
• Using low-quality tortillas: Cheap tortillas might tear or lack flavor. Opt for high-quality, charred corn tortillas for a better texture and taste.
• Not balancing flavors in the sauce: Skipping the salt or honey can result in a bland sauce. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning until you achieve a balanced flavor.
• Slicing steak incorrectly: Cutting against the grain is crucial for tenderness. Always slice the skirt steak against the grain into bite-sized pieces.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover steak 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 tacos individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• 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 and heat tacos on a baking sheet 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 30-60 seconds or until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a little oil, and warm each taco for about 2-3 minutes per side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw:

Can I use other meats instead of skirt steak?

Yes! You can substitute skirt steak with beef flank or even turkey if you prefer.

What can I use instead of queso fresco?

If you can’t find queso fresco, crumbled feta or even dairy-free cheese can work well as alternatives.

How spicy is the chipotle sauce?

The chipotle sauce has a moderate level of heat due to the chipotle peppers. Adjust the quantity according to your spice preference.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the slaw and chipotle sauce ahead of time, making assembly quick and easy when you’re ready to serve.

How do I customize my tacos?

Feel free to add toppings like avocado, cilantro, or lime juice based on your taste preferences!

Final Thoughts

These Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw offer a delightful mix of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy. They are perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners. Don’t hesitate to customize them with your favorite toppings or sides!

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Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4 (approximately 12 tacos) 1x

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Description

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Steak Tacos with Chipotle Sauce & Roasted Cabbage Slaw, a dish that brings together tender skirt steak, a smoky chipotle sauce, and a fresh roasted cabbage slaw—all wrapped in charred tortillas. Perfect for any gathering or family dinner, these tacos are easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests. The combination of bold flavors and crunchy textures creates a satisfying meal that’s ideal for taco night or meal prep. With just the right amount of spice and freshness, these tacos are bound to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ lbs skirt steak
• 1 lb purple cabbage, cored and thinly sliced
• 1 large red pepper, halved and seeded
• 1 large poblano pepper, halved and seeded
• 1 red onion, cored and cut into ½” wedges
• olive oil
• kosher salt
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• 12 corn 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)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F.
2. 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. Toss the cabbage with olive oil on another sheet pan, spread it into an even layer and season with salt. Roast cabbage for 25-30 minutes until caramelized.
3. While vegetables are roasting, pat the skirt steak dry and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. In a food processor, combine orange juice, orange zest, chipotle peppers (with adobo sauce), and honey. Process until smooth; while running, stream in neutral oil. Season to taste with salt.
4. Once roasted, allow vegetables to cool slightly; peel skins off peppers. Thinly slice the red pepper; finely chop the poblano pepper; roughly chop the red onion. In a mixing bowl, combine all chopped vegetables with green onions and half a cup of chipotle sauce.
5. Heat cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add enough neutral oil to coat the bottom lightly. Season skirt steak generously with salt. Once oil is hot, sear steak in batches for about 3-5 minutes per side until cooked as desired. Transfer steak to a cutting board; cover loosely with foil and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing against grain into bite-sized pieces.
6. To assemble, take charred tortillas and add slaw on bottom. Place a few slices of steak on top of slaw. Drizzle with additional chipotle sauce and sprinkle queso fresco over everything.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Roasting, Searing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3 tacos (approximately 150g)
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Feel free to substitute skirt steak with beef flank or turkey for variation. For added creaminess, consider topping with avocado crema or chipotle aioli.