Thai-style Grilled Beef Tacos

Ingredients

While the original Mexican carne asada tacos feature traditional Mexican spices and seasonings, this Thai adaptation incorporates Thai flavors such as lemongrass, lime, and Thai chilies. The use of fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, and Thai basil adds a unique twist to the dish, giving it a refreshing and vibrant Thai flair. We alse have the original recipe for Carne asada tacos, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef steak, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) beef steak, thinly sliced
• 2 stalks lemongrass, white part only, finely minced 2 stalks lemongrass, white part only, finely minced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Thai chilies, finely chopped 2 Thai chilies, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
• 1/4 cup chopped Thai basil leaves 1/4 cup chopped Thai basil leaves
• 8 small corn tortillas 8 small corn tortillas
• Vegetable oil, for grilling Vegetable oil, for grilling

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the minced lemongrass, garlic, Thai chilies, fish sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, ground coriander, ground cumin, turmeric powder, and black pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
2. 2.
   Place the sliced beef in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Ensure the beef is evenly coated. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. 3.
   Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
4. 4.
   Remove the beef from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Grill the beef for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
5. 5.
   Warm the corn tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side.
6. 6.
   To assemble the tacos, place a few slices of grilled beef on each tortilla. Top with chopped cilantro, mint, and Thai basil. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — Remove the tough outer layers before mincing the white part for a more tender texture.
• Thai chilies — Adjust the amount according to your spice preference. Remove the seeds for a milder heat.
• Thai basil — If you can't find Thai basil, regular basil can be used as a substitute.
• Corn tortillas — To make them more pliable, heat them on a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side before grilling.
• Beef steak — Choose a tender cut like sirloin or ribeye for the best results.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze fresh lime juice over the assembled tacos before serving.
• If you prefer a smokier flavor, you can grill the beef over charcoal instead of using a grill pan.
• Add a dollop of Thai sweet chili sauce or Sriracha for an additional kick of heat.
• Serve the tacos with a side of pickled vegetables or a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the flavors.
• If you're not a fan of corn tortillas, you can use flour tortillas or lettuce wraps as an alternative.

Serving advice

Serve these Thai-style grilled beef tacos as a main course for a casual lunch or dinner. Accompany them with a side of steamed jasmine rice or Thai-style fried rice for a more substantial meal. Garnish with extra fresh herbs and lime wedges for a vibrant presentation.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled beef slices on the tortillas, allowing the vibrant green herbs to peek through. Sprinkle some additional chopped herbs on top for added freshness. Serve the tacos on a wooden platter or individual plates, garnished with lime wedges for an inviting presentation.