Vampiros de Arrachera (Crispy Tortilla Steak and Cheese Tacos)
A tortilla toasted crisp on the griddle, covered in melted cheese and chopped steak, then topped with guacamole.
Made with Classic guacamole and Corn tortillas from masa harina and Carne asada marinade. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time30 min plus marinating
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £2.19 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
Marinate the steak in your ready made carne asada marinade (see the base recipe) in the fridge for 2 to 6 hours. Discard the used marinade.
- 2
Pat the steak dry and sear in a very hot pan for 3 minutes each side. Rest for 5 minutes and chop small.
10 min - 3
Toast the corn tortillas (see the base recipe) in a dry pan for 1 to 2 minutes each side until crisp and golden.
3 min - 4
Scatter cheese over each tortilla in the pan, cover with a lid and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until melted.
2 min - 5
Top with the steak, guacamole (see the base recipe) and coriander and serve with lime.
Tips
- Toast the tortilla until fully crisp so it cracks like a tostada.
- Use plenty of cheese. It forms the golden crust.
- Serve at once or the crisp tortilla softens.
Storing and freezing
Best eaten immediately. Keep leftover cooked steak in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat until steaming hot all the way through.
Questions
Why are they called vampiros?
The name is said to come from the way they were first sold, late at night to people leaving bars. Accounts differ, so it is best seen as a fun story.
Can I add beans?
Yes. Spread a thin layer of refried beans on the tortilla before the cheese for a heartier version.
More made with classic guacamole
Tostadas de Atun Sellado con Aguacate y Chipotle (Seared Tuna Tostadas)
GFDFEFJerk Portobello Mushroom Burgers with Guacamole
VGVDFTlayuda Oaxaqueña (Oaxacan Giant Crisp Tortilla)
EFNFHPHamburguesa Norteña con Queso y Rajas (Northern Style Queso Burger)
NFDouble 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.