Smoky Steak Tacos

It’s Taco Tuesday! I think this is by far my favorite taco! A hearty fried corn tortilla filled with sirloin steak that’s been marinated in a smoky sauce then flash-grilled and topped with homemade Mango Pico de Gallo and Smoky Chipotle Aïoli…so much flavor in such a little taco! WOW!!

Smoky Steak Tacos
1 lb boneless sirloin steak
canned diced green chiles
3 limes
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
3 garlic cloves, minced
chipotle chile powder
smoked paprika
chili powder
cumin
salt
3/4 cup mayonnaise
fresh cilantro
1 ripe mango
2 ripe tomatoes
1/4 cup diced red onion
1 cup shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
8 corn or flour tortillas
peanut oil

Cut the steak across the grain into thin slices. Place in a shallow dish. In a small bowl whisk together 2 heaping teaspoons of the canned diced green chiles, the zest & juice of one lime, ketchup, brown sugar, 2 of the minced garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon each of the chipotle chile powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin and salt. Spread mixture over the sliced steak and toss to combine. Allow to marinate while making the Mango Pico de Gallo and Smoky Chipotle Aïoli. In a medium bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, 1/4 teaspoon each of the chipotle chile powder, smoked paprika and chili powder. Squeeze in the juice of half of the second lime and the remaining minced garlic. Set aside. For the Mango Pico de Gallo: dice the mango and the tomatoes and place in a dish. Add the diced red onion, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (keep whole) and the juice of the second half of the second lime. Set aside. Cut the remaining lime into slices for serving. Heat a grill pan over high/medium high heat and also heat a second medium skillet on high heat with some peanut oil in it. To the grill pan, layer strips of marinated steak across the pan and flash-grill 1-2 minutes each side. Continuing to cook until all steak has been cooked. At the same time, cook the corn tortillas until lightly browned and puffy.

To serve: Slather some Smoky Chipotle Aïoli on each puffy tortilla then fill with Smoky Steak and top with Mango Pico de Gallo and shredded cheese. Squeeze a little lime on each taco…Delicious!