Copycat Taco Bell Street Tacos Recipe

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While Taco Bell doesn’t currently serve something officially called “Street Tacos,” their menu often features items inspired by the flavors of authentic street food, and I couldn’t resist the idea of recreating that Taco Bell Street Tacos vibe at home.

How to make Taco Bell Street Tacos

Taco Bell Street Tacos are a limited-time menu item inspired by traditional Mexican-style street food.

Ingredients

For the Taco Filling (Choose Your Protein):

• 1 lb steak (flank or skirt steak works best), chicken (breast or thighs), or ground beef
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Taco Bell seasoning (store-bought or homemade, recipe below)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

• 1 small onion, finely diced
• A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 cup shredded lettuce (optional, for added crunch)
• ½ cup shredded Mexican cheese blend or cotija cheese
• ¼ cup sour cream or Taco Bell-style creamy jalapeño sauce (optional)
• Lime wedges, for serving

For the Tortillas:

• 8 small corn or flour tortillas (street taco-sized)
• For Taco Bell-Inspired Creamy Jalapeño Sauce (Optional):
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (remove seeds for less heat)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp lime juice
• Salt to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Protein

1. If using steak or chicken, cut the meat into thin, bite-sized strips. For ground beef, skip this step.
2. In a bowl, combine olive oil, Taco Bell seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
3. Add your protein to the marinade. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20–30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).

Step 2: Cook the Protein

1. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat, adding a drizzle of olive oil.
2. Cook marinated steak, chicken, or ground beef until fully cooked through and slightly caramelized on the edges (4–5 minutes per side for steak/chicken, 6–8 minutes for ground beef).
3. Remove the steak or chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into smaller pieces, if necessary.

Step 3: Warm the Tortillas

1. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
2. Toast the tortillas for about 30 seconds per side, until they are warm and pliable. Wrap them in a clean kitchen towel or foil to keep warm while assembling.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

1. Lay a warm tortilla flat and add a small scoop of your cooked protein as the base.
2. Top with diced onions and fresh cilantro for that classic street taco flavor.
3. Add shredded lettuce and cheese if desired, as well as a dollop of sour cream or creamy jalapeño sauce.
4. Squeeze a wedge of lime over the taco for added zest.

Tips for the Best Taco Bell Street Tacos

• Control the Heat: Adjust the chili powder and jalapeño levels to make your tacos as mild or spicy as you prefer.
• Get a Good Sear: If using steak or chicken, make sure your pan is hot to create a slight char, mimicking the grilled flavor from taco stalls.
• Layer the Flavors: Balancing flavors is key—don’t skip the fresh lime, cilantro, and onions for brightness.
• Make It Your Own: Taco Bell is known for allowing customization. Add guacamole, pico de gallo, or hot sauce for even more flavor.
• Double Tortilla: If using small, delicate corn tortillas, consider doubling up to prevent tearing when loaded with toppings.

What to serve with

While the tacos themselves steal the show with bold flavors and satisfying textures, the right side dishes and beverages can elevate your dining experience to the next level.

1. Mexican Street Corn (Elote or Esquites)

Mexican street corn is a classic side dish that pairs beautifully with Taco Bell Street Tacos. You have two options:

• Elote: Grilled corn on the cob slathered with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime.
• Esquites: A cup version of street corn, mixing the kernels with the same toppings for an easy-to-eat side.

2. Chips and Guacamole

A no-fail side dish for tacos, tortilla chips paired with creamy guacamole are a must-have. For the freshest guac:

• Mash 2 ripe avocados with lime juice, salt, and black pepper.
• Mix in diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro.

3. Refried Beans or Black Beans

Beans provide a hearty and protein-packed addition to your taco spread. You can serve:

• Refried Beans: Creamy, seasoned beans, often cooked with a hint of garlic, onion, and lard (vegetarian options are also available).
• Black Beans: Simmered with garlic, cumin, and lime for a lighter, flavorful side.

4. Spanish or Mexican Rice

A side of seasoned rice adds texture and depth to your meal. Taco Bell-style Street Tacos pair well with:

• Spanish Rice: Made with tomato sauce, garlic, onion, and spices for a reddish, slightly tangy flavor.
• Cilantro Lime Rice: A subtle, citrusy option that features fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro—light and fragrant.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating Taco Bell Street Tacos at home is a rewarding culinary adventure, but sometimes you might need or want to substitute ingredients due to taste preferences, dietary restrictions, or simply because you don’t have certain items on hand.

Substitutes for Protein

Steak or Chicken Alternatives:

• Pork: Use pork shoulder or tenderloin marinated similarly for a savory alternative.
• Turkey: Ground turkey works well as a lower-fat substitute for beef or chicken.
• Seafood: Grilled shrimp or fish (like tilapia or cod) adds a coastal twist to your tacos.

Vegan and Vegetarian Options:

• Tofu or Tempeh: Marinate and grill tofu or tempeh for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Mushrooms: Portobello or cremini mushrooms, sliced and sautéed, offer a hearty texture.
• Jackfruit: Canned young jackfruit (in brine or water) makes an excellent meat substitute—shred and season it like pulled pork or chicken.

Substitutes for Seasonings and Marinades

Taco Bell Seasoning:

• Use any store-bought taco seasoning mix as a quick alternative.
• Homemade Seasoning Alternative: Combine chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and paprika for a DIY blend.

Lime Juice:

• Lemon Juice: Substitute equal amounts for a slightly different but still bright citrus flavor.
• Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can add a tangy note.

Spice Adjustments:

• Chili Powder/Oleo Replacement: For less heat, use smoked paprika instead of chili powder.
• Heat Boost: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for added spice.

Substitutes for Tortillas

Corn Tortillas:

• Flour Tortillas: Provide a softer, more pliable option, though they’re less traditional for street tacos.
• Lettuce Wraps or Cabbage Leaves: For a gluten-free, low-carb alternative, use large lettuce or cabbage leaves.
• Many brands offer gluten-free tortillas made from alternative flours like almond, cassava, or chickpea flour.

Substitutes for Toppings

Cheese:

• Vegan Cheese Shreds: Use a plant-based cheese alternative that melts well.
• Queso Fresco: For a milder cheese, this is a suitable substitute for cotija or shredded cheese.

Sour Cream:

• Greek Yogurt: Offers a tangy, creamy texture with added protein and less fat.
• Cashew Cream: Blend soaked cashews with water, lemon juice, and salt for a vegan alternative.

Substitutes for Sauces and Salsas

Guacamole:

• Avocado Chunks: Offer a similar flavor without the need to make guacamole.
• Avocado Sauce: Blend avocados with lime juice and a bit of yogurt or sour cream for a smoother alternative.

Creamy Jalapeño Sauce:

• Plain Hot Sauce: Adds heat without creaminess; use sparingly to taste.
• Chipotle Mayo or Aioli: Provides a nice balance of creaminess and spice.

Pico de Gallo:

• Salsa Verde: Provides a tangy, green salsa alternative.
• Tomato Salsa: Any jarred or homemade tomato salsa can be used as a substitute for fresh pico de gallo.

Final Thoughts

Congratulations—you’ve just made a batch of flavorful, restaurant-inspired tacos right in your kitchen! These Taco Bell Street Tacos are perfect for weeknight dinners, Taco Tuesday, or even parties. 

More Taco Bell Recipes:

• Copycat Taco Bell Stackers Recipe
• Copycat Taco Bell Dulce de Leche Recipe