When it comes to making tacos, steak may be the most commonly used choice.
There are a variety of cuts that can make great tacos, and this post will answer, what steak is best for tacos? As well as list some you might want to consider if you’re planning your next taco night at home!
Steak tacos are one of my favorite dinners to make. Whether I’m at home or hosting a taco night, steak tacos are always a hit!
There are so many different types of steaks that can be used for tacos, it’s hard to pick just one to use!
Beef is the most frequently used meat when making tacos because beef is easier to find and makes delicious tacos.
Other great options are steak, pork, or chicken. I have used all of these in the past and they are equally as delicious!
If you’re uncertain about cooking your first taco night at home, try using ground beef. It’s simple to cook and requires little experience to make it turn out well.
However, let’s take a closer look at which steak is best for tacos…
Contents
Why The Cut Of Steak Matters For Tacos
The first thing you should know about the type of cut of meat you want to use is that it must be tender enough to easily tear apart with your fingers (to make shredded beef tacos).
It’s also crucial to avoid tough cuts because they won’t cook up to your liking or tear apart while being served.
We have all experienced the struggle of trying to rip apart a tough taco at some point in our lives, it’s not fun!
Most importantly you should take into consideration what other people enjoy when it comes to tacos.
Some people are more comfortable with certain meat options which is okay! Although I’m not a vegetarian, I know many vegetarians will choose to use steak or ground beef for their tacos.
Whether you’re cooking for the family or hosting a party, everyone should enjoy whatever filling they are eating.
The Best Cut Of Steak For Tacos
The best steak cut for tacos is usually either flank steak, skirt steak, or top round steak.
However, this is largely going to depend on your personal preference and if you’re a fan of either of these cuts.
The reason I find that they are the best is that they are easy to find in grocery stores, they are affordable, and have a good flavor.
These cuts of meat also have the most meat per pound which is important if you’re making tacos for an army or just feeding your family – either way, there is no point wasting expensive steak on tacos!
Flank steak is the perfect option for tacos because it has a rich flavor, is easy to cut into strips, and cooks up well when you’re making shredded beef tacos.
It’s also lean, which means it’s an easy cut of meat to cook since it doesn’t usually include much fat.
Other great choices include hanger steak (similar to flank steak), chuck steak (flavorful like top round steak), and sirloin steak (more expensive but flavorful).
If you’re cooking for your family, consider using ground beef. It’s easy to make and is usually everyone’s favorite option when it comes to tacos.
Flank and top round steaks are leaner cuts of meat so they tend to have a milder flavor. However, these steaks cook up well because they are easy to shred with your fingers.
I prefer to use flank steak because of the price, texture, and taste.
You can expect to pay around $10/lb for this cut of meat if it’s on sale.
However, feel free to use other cuts such as Fillet Mignon, Sirloin, and T-bone steak if you’re feeling flush!
These are all incredibly tender steaks that work well with tacos. However, they will be much more expensive than the cuts I mentioned above.
What Else Do You Need For Tacos
Besides your cust of steak, you’ll also need some tortillas, cilantro, onion, and salsa.
If you have some guacamole or cheese to sprinkle on top of your tacos – even better!
Everyone has their own specific preferences when it comes to tacos so don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients.
The best part about this dinner is being able to get creative with whatever you have in your fridge!
As far as cooking tools go, all you need is a pan and tongs.
The most popular choice for cooking tacos is the grill but sometimes it’s just more convenient to use an indoor grill or fry pan.
If you know what steak cut is best for tacos then you don’t need to stress yourself out when making dinner for your family.
To save time and money, we recommend using either ground beef or flank steak for tacos because they will turn out well even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen.
Tacos don’t require lots of utensils and are quick and easy to make, this makes them an affordable, tasty, and easy dinner that your guests will love!
Other Considerations
It’s worth keeping in mind that the meat you use for tacos can also be used in other recipes.
For example, if you buy flank steak it’s also known as London broil – which is great for fajitas or stir fry!
If you’re hosting a party, keep everyone’s preference in mind and use ground beef or flank steak for tacos.
You can also make some taco salad by adding the meat on top of a bed of lettuce with tomato, onion, salsa, cheese, avocado, and sour cream.
The sky is the limit when it comes to making tacos!
If you want to try something new then try using chicken or shrimp for tacos.
Personally, I enjoy beef tacos with lots of cheese so I can savor the taste of cheesy goodness in every bite.
However, experiment and find out what steak cut is best for tacos by trying different fillings until you find your personal favorite!
And before you know it, tacos will be a regular addition to your menu!
Conclusion
In conclusion, flank steak is the best cut of meat for tacos because it’s affordable, has a good flavor, and tastes great!
Not only that, but it’s also versatile and can be used to make other dishes such as fajitas or stir fry!
In Mexico where tacos originated from, people used whatever meat was accessible to them.
This meant that you could use steak, pork, chicken, beef tongue, or even cow intestines!
So don’t think that you can only ever use steak for tacos – experiment and see what works best!
If you follow these guidelines, then you will be able to cook up a taco party without any stress.
Thanks for taking the time to read this post and I hope I have answered your question of what steak is best for tacos?
Flank, sirloin, and fillet mignon are all great options!
