Tacos de Bistec a la Mexicana (Steak, Tomato and Chilli Tacos)
Thin strips of beef fried quickly with tomato, onion and jalapeno, the colours of the Mexican flag in a taco.
Made with Salsa taquera (roasted chile de arbol salsa) and Corn tortillas from masa harina. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time25 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £2.92 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Season the beef strips with the salt. Heat half the oil in a large frying pan over a high heat until very hot.
- 2
Fry the beef in 2 batches for 2 minutes a batch, stirring, until browned. Lift out and set aside.
4 min - 3
Add the rest of the oil to the pan, lower the heat to medium and cook the onion and jalapenos for 4 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5 min - 4
Add the tomatoes and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until they break down into a thick sauce.
4 min 30 s - 5
Return the beef and any juices to the pan and stir for 1 minute, until the beef is hot all the way through. Stir through half the coriander.
- 6
Warm your ready made corn tortillas (see the base recipe) in a dry pan for 20 to 30 seconds a side. Fill with the beef mixture, add a spoonful of salsa taquera and the rest of the coriander.
Tips
- Cut the steak across the grain into strips about 5 mm thick, and do not overcook, as it will keep cooking in the sauce.
- Fry the beef in batches so the pan stays hot and the meat browns rather than stews.
- Remove the jalapeno seeds for a milder dish.
- Salsa taquera is very hot, so add it at the table.
Storing and freezing
Keeps in the fridge for up to 2 days. Cool within 1 to 2 hours and reheat in a pan until steaming hot all the way through. Not ideal for freezing because the tomatoes go watery.
Questions
Why is it called a la mexicana?
Tomato, onion and green chilli make the red, white and green of the Mexican flag. The same combination is used with scrambled eggs as huevos a la mexicana.
Can I use a cheaper cut of beef?
Yes, but cut it very thinly across the grain. Skirt or flank steak is ideal. Stewing cuts need long cooking and will be tough if fried quickly.
Is this recipe gluten free and dairy free?
Yes. Beef, vegetables, salsa and masa harina tortillas contain no gluten, dairy, egg or nuts.
More made with salsa taquera (roasted chile de arbol salsa)
Pollo en Salsa de Chile de Árbol (Chicken in Arbol Chilli Sauce)
GFDFEFTacos de Carnitas (Crisp Pulled Pork Tacos)
DFEFNFAguachile Rojo de Camarón (Red Chilli Prawn Aguachile)
GFDFEFTacos al Pastor (Mexico City Pork Tacos with Pineapple)
DFEFNFSee every dish made with salsa taquera (roasted chile de arbol salsa)
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.