Authentic Tacos de Matamoros: A Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

Tacos de Matamoros, hailing from the border city of Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, are a beloved street food staple. These tacos are characterized by their simple yet flavorful ingredients, featuring thinly sliced steak, often arrachera (skirt steak), cooked to perfection on a sizzling griddle and served on warm, soft corn tortillas. What truly sets them apart is the accompanying salsa – a fiery, smoky, and deeply satisfying blend of roasted tomatoes, chilies, and garlic. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of creating authentic Tacos de Matamoros in your own kitchen, allowing you to experience the vibrant flavors of Northern Mexico.

Understanding Tacos de Matamoros

Before diving into the recipe, let’s appreciate the essence of Tacos de Matamoros. Unlike some taco variations laden with toppings, these tacos emphasize the quality and flavor of the core ingredients: the steak, the tortillas, and, most importantly, the salsa. Simplicity is key. You won’t find mountains of lettuce, cheese, or sour cream here. The focus is on the interplay of the smoky steak, the tender tortillas, and the intensely flavored salsa.

Key Ingredients:

• Steak: Arrachera (skirt steak) is the traditional choice, prized for its rich flavor and tenderness when cooked properly. Flank steak can be a suitable substitute. Look for well-marbled steak for the best flavor.
• Corn Tortillas: Authentic corn tortillas are crucial. Seek out fresh, pliable tortillas, preferably from a local tortilleria. If using store-bought tortillas, warm them thoroughly before serving to enhance their texture and flavor.
• Tomatoes: Roma tomatoes are ideal for the salsa due to their fleshy texture and balanced sweetness.
• Chilies: The type of chili used in the salsa varies depending on personal preference and availability. Dried chiles de árbol are common for their intense heat, while guajillo chiles provide a milder, fruitier flavor. A combination of both can create a complex and well-rounded salsa.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential for adding pungent flavor to the salsa.
• Onion: White onion is typically used, adding a sharp bite that complements the other ingredients.
• Lime: Fresh lime juice brightens the flavors of both the steak and the salsa.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro provides a vibrant, herbaceous note to finish the tacos.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Recipe: Authentic Tacos de Matamoros

This recipe is divided into two main parts: preparing the steak and making the salsa. We’ll also cover how to warm the tortillas and assemble the tacos.

Part 1: Preparing the Steak

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs Arrachera (skirt steak) or Flank Steak
• 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
• 1 Lime, juiced
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Steak: Pat the steak dry with paper towels. This helps to achieve a good sear. Trim any excess fat, but leave a thin layer for flavor.
2. Marinate the Steak (Optional): While not strictly traditional, a quick marinade can enhance the flavor and tenderness of the steak. In a bowl, combine the lime juice, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, salt, and pepper. Rub the marinade all over the steak and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours in the refrigerator.
3. Season the Steak: If you’re skipping the marinade, generously season the steak with salt and pepper on both sides. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it’s crucial for flavor.
4. Heat the Griddle or Skillet: Heat a large cast iron griddle or skillet over high heat. The pan should be smoking hot before adding the steak. This is essential for achieving a good sear and preventing the steak from steaming.
5. Cook the Steak: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the hot griddle. Carefully place the steak on the griddle, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary). Sear the steak for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for your desired level of doneness. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steak and the heat of your griddle. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C). For medium, aim for 135-145°F (57-63°C). For medium-well, aim for 145-155°F (63-68°C). For well-done, aim for 155°F+ (68°C+).
6. Rest the Steak: Remove the steak from the griddle and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. Tent the steak loosely with foil to keep it warm.
7. Slice the Steak: Using a sharp knife, slice the steak thinly against the grain. This is crucial for tenderness, as it shortens the muscle fibers.

Part 2: Making the Salsa

Ingredients:

• 4 Roma Tomatoes
• 2-4 Dried Chiles de Árbol (or a combination of chiles de árbol and guajillo chiles, to taste)
• 2 Garlic Cloves, unpeeled
• 1/4 White Onion, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup Water (or as needed)
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Roast the Tomatoes and Chilies: Preheat your broiler. Place the tomatoes, chiles de árbol (or your chosen chiles), and unpeeled garlic cloves on a baking sheet lined with foil. Broil for 5-7 minutes, or until the tomatoes are softened and the skins are slightly charred. Be careful not to burn the chilies – they can become bitter if over-roasted. Rotate the vegetables halfway through to ensure even roasting. You can also roast the vegetables directly on a gas stovetop flame, using tongs to rotate them until charred. This method imparts a more intense smoky flavor.
2. Soak the Chilies: Remove the baking sheet from the broiler and let the vegetables cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, remove the stems and seeds from the chiles. For a milder salsa, remove the veins as well. Place the chiles in a bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for 15-20 minutes to soften. This rehydrates the chiles and makes them easier to blend.
3. Blend the Salsa: In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted tomatoes, peeled garlic cloves, softened chiles (with their soaking water), roughly chopped onion, and salt. Blend until smooth. Add more water if needed to achieve your desired consistency.
4. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salsa and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt if necessary, or a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the flavors. For a spicier salsa, add more chiles de árbol. For a smoother salsa, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve.

Part 3: Warming the Tortillas

Warming the tortillas is a crucial step in creating delicious Tacos de Matamoros. Warm tortillas are more pliable and flavorful, and they won’t break as easily when filled.

Methods for Warming Tortillas:

• Comal or Skillet: This is the traditional method. Heat a dry comal or skillet over medium heat. Warm each tortilla for 15-30 seconds per side, until softened and slightly puffed. Keep the warmed tortillas stacked and covered with a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm and pliable.
• Microwave: Place a stack of tortillas in a microwave-safe container lined with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through.
• Oven: Wrap a stack of tortillas in foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Part 4: Assembling the Tacos

Ingredients:

• Prepared Steak, thinly sliced
• Salsa
• Warmed Corn Tortillas
• Optional Toppings: Chopped cilantro, diced white onion, lime wedges

Instructions:

1. Fill the Tortillas: Place a generous amount of sliced steak in the center of each warmed tortilla.
2. Top with Salsa: Spoon a generous amount of the salsa over the steak.
3. Add Optional Toppings: Garnish with chopped cilantro and diced white onion, if desired.
4. Serve Immediately: Serve the tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side.

Tips for Perfect Tacos de Matamoros

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of your tacos. Choose fresh, high-quality steak, corn tortillas, and vegetables.
• Don’t Overcook the Steak: Overcooked steak will be tough and dry. Aim for medium-rare to medium for the best flavor and tenderness.
• Char the Tomatoes and Chilies: Roasting the tomatoes and chilies is essential for developing the smoky flavor of the salsa. Don’t be afraid to let them char slightly.
• Adjust the Spice Level: The amount of chili used in the salsa can be adjusted to suit your preference. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
• Warm the Tortillas Properly: Warm tortillas are more pliable and flavorful. Don’t skip this step.
• Serve Immediately: Tacos de Matamoros are best enjoyed immediately while the steak is still warm and the tortillas are soft.

Variations and Adaptations

• Different Cuts of Steak: While arrachera is the traditional choice, other cuts of steak, such as flank steak or sirloin, can also be used. Just be sure to slice the steak thinly against the grain for tenderness.
• Different Chilies: Experiment with different types of chilies in the salsa to create unique flavor profiles. Ancho chiles, pasilla chiles, or chipotle peppers can all be used.
• Add Cheese: While not traditional, some people like to add a sprinkle of queso fresco or Oaxaca cheese to their Tacos de Matamoros.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the steak with grilled mushrooms or other vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Serving Suggestions

Tacos de Matamoros are typically served as a main course. They can be accompanied by:

• Mexican Rice: A classic side dish that complements the flavors of the tacos.
• Refried Beans: Another traditional side dish that adds richness and flavor.
• Guacamole: A creamy avocado dip that provides a cool contrast to the spicy salsa.
• Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn on the cob, slathered in mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and chili powder.
• Agua Fresca: A refreshing fruit-flavored drink, such as horchata (rice milk), jamaica (hibiscus tea), or watermelon agua fresca.

Conclusion

Tacos de Matamoros are a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that captures the essence of Northern Mexican cuisine. By following this detailed recipe and tips, you can easily recreate this authentic street food experience in your own home. The combination of tender steak, warm tortillas, and fiery salsa is a truly unforgettable culinary delight. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your griddle, and prepare to indulge in the deliciousness of Tacos de Matamoros!

Enjoy!