Steak Tacos with Chipotle Crema

Featured in Satisfying Hearty Mains.

Quick steak tacos featuring seasoned meat, tangy chipotle yogurt sauce, and fresh toppings. Perfect for easy dinners or entertaining.

Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 15:51:52 GMT
A taco topped with grilled steak, cilantro, diced onions, and a creamy sauce, served with lime wedges on a dark plate. Pin it
A taco topped with grilled steak, cilantro, diced onions, and a creamy sauce, served with lime wedges on a dark plate. | recipesbyclare.com

Let me share my absolute favorite steak taco recipe that's become our family's go to dinner. These aren't just any tacos the combination of perfectly seasoned steak and my homemade chipotle crema makes them restaurant worthy but so easy to make at home. Every time I serve these everyone begs for the recipe.

What Makes These Special

The secret is in the seasoning and that amazing crema. I've perfected this blend over years of taco nights and trust me once you try homemade seasoning you'll never go back to the packets. Plus these come together so quickly perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want something amazing.

What You'll Need

  • Steak: 1 pound flank or skirt cut against the grain.
  • My Special Blend: Chili powder cumin smoked paprika garlic and onion powder.
  • Tortillas: Small corn ones are traditional.
  • For the Crema: Chipotles yogurt fresh lime juice.
  • Fresh Toppings: Onions cilantro jalapeños lime wedges.

Let's Make Tacos

Season That Meat
Rub those spices all over your sliced steak let them work their magic.
Whip Up the Crema
Blend everything until smooth chill it gets even better.
Cook With Care
Hot skillet quick cook keeps it tender and juicy.
Warm Those Tortillas
I char mine right on the flame adds so much flavor.
Build and Enjoy
Layer it all up don't forget those fresh toppings.
A taco filled with grilled steak, topped with cilantro, diced onion, and a creamy sauce, served with lime wedges on a black plate. Pin it
A taco filled with grilled steak, topped with cilantro, diced onion, and a creamy sauce, served with lime wedges on a black plate. | recipesbyclare.com

My Best Tips

Get everything ready before you start cooking. Those fresh toppings make all the difference and charring the tortillas is non negotiable. Keep them warm in a kitchen towel while you work.

Party Perfect

When I'm hosting I set up a whole taco bar. Put out all the toppings in little bowls keep the meat warm in a covered skillet and let everyone build their own. It's so fun watching people get creative with their combinations.

Perfect Pairings

We love serving these with Mexican rice and refried beans on the side. Sometimes I'll whip up a quick cucumber salad too the freshness balances everything perfectly. And don't forget the margaritas for the adults.

Two beef tacos topped with cilantro, diced onions, jalapeños, and a creamy sauce, served with a lime wedge on a gray plate. Pin it
Two beef tacos topped with cilantro, diced onions, jalapeños, and a creamy sauce, served with a lime wedge on a gray plate. | recipesbyclare.com

Mix It Up

The great thing about these tacos is how flexible they are. Sometimes I'll add grilled vegetables or swap in chicken. The chipotle crema works with everything. My vegetarian friends love it with roasted mushrooms.

Leftovers Magic

If you're lucky enough to have leftovers they're amazing the next day. I store everything separately and just warm up what we need. The meat is actually even better after the seasonings have time to really sink in.

Why Homemade Wins

Making these tacos at home lets you control everything from the spice level to the toppings. That homemade seasoning blend beats anything from the store and once you try fresh chipotle crema you'll never want the bottled stuff again.

A tortilla topped with slices of steak, drizzled with sauce, and garnished with cilantro, diced onions, and jalapeño slices, alongside a lime wedge. Pin it
A tortilla topped with slices of steak, drizzled with sauce, and garnished with cilantro, diced onions, and jalapeño slices, alongside a lime wedge. | recipesbyclare.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What's the best cut of steak to use?

Flank steak is ideal, but skirt steak works well too. Any steak that can be sliced very thin will work.

→ Can I make the chipotle crema ahead?

Yes, make the sauce up to 2 days ahead and store in the fridge. The flavors actually improve with time.

→ How spicy are these tacos?

The heat level is moderate from the chipotle peppers and jalapeños. Adjust by using less peppers or removing jalapeño seeds.

→ What can I substitute for queso fresco?

Feta cheese makes a good substitute, though it's saltier. Mild crumbled cheese or even shredded monterey jack work too.

Conclusion

Quick steak tacos featuring seasoned meat, tangy chipotle yogurt sauce, and fresh toppings. Perfect for easy dinners or entertaining.

Steak Tacos with Chipotle Crema

Tender sliced steak tacos topped with homemade chipotle cream sauce and fresh toppings. Ready in just 25 minutes.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 8 Servings (8 tacos)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1 pound flank steak.
02 3 teaspoons ground cumin.
03 1 teaspoon ground chili.
04 3 teaspoons onion powder.
05 3 teaspoons paprika.
06 3 teaspoons sugar.
07 2 teaspoons pepper.
08 2 teaspoons salt.
09 2 chipotle peppers in adobo.
10 1/4 cup plain yogurt.
11 1 tablespoon lime juice.
12 1/4 white onion, diced.
13 1/4 cup cilantro.
14 1 jalapeño.
15 1/4 cup queso fresco.
16 8 corn tortillas.

Instructions

Step 01

Slice steak thin, coat with mixed seasonings.

Step 02

Blend chipotles with yogurt and lime juice.

Step 03

Pan fry seasoned steak 5-7 minutes until done.

Step 04

Cook tortillas 2 minutes per side.

Step 05

Fill tortillas with meat and toppings, drizzle with sauce.

Notes

  1. Can use skirt steak instead.
  2. Great for taco bars.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet.
  • Blender.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 172
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 14 g
  • Protein: 12 g