Taco Bell’s New Steak Soft Taco: Recipes, Hacks, and Delicious Recreations
Taco Bell has always been a champion of innovation, constantly introducing new menu items and flavors to tantalize our taste buds. Their latest offering, the Steak Soft Taco, has quickly become a fan favorite, praised for its tender steak, flavorful marinade, and satisfying combination of ingredients. While nothing quite beats the convenience of grabbing one from your local Taco Bell, recreating this delicious taco at home is surprisingly easy and allows you to customize it to your exact preferences. This comprehensive guide will provide you with several recipes, hacks, and variations to enjoy a Taco Bell-inspired Steak Soft Taco anytime you crave it.
## Understanding the Taco Bell Steak Soft Taco
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s break down what makes the Taco Bell Steak Soft Taco so appealing. The key components are:
* **Steak:** Tender pieces of marinated steak, cooked to perfection.
* **Soft Tortilla:** A warm, soft flour tortilla that provides the perfect base.
* **Lettuce:** Shredded lettuce for a fresh, crisp element.
* **Tomatoes:** Diced tomatoes add a juicy, slightly acidic burst.
* **Cheddar Cheese:** Shredded cheddar cheese for a classic cheesy flavor.
* **Creamy Chipotle Sauce:** This is arguably the most important element. It adds a smoky, spicy, and creamy richness that ties everything together.
Knowing these components allows us to focus on replicating each element to achieve a similar taste profile at home.
## Recipe 1: The Classic Taco Bell Steak Soft Taco Recreation
This recipe aims to recreate the Taco Bell Steak Soft Taco as closely as possible. We’ll focus on using readily available ingredients and simple cooking techniques.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Steak Marinade:**
* 1 pound flank steak or skirt steak
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons lime juice
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 tablespoon chili powder
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* **For the Creamy Chipotle Sauce:**
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons sour cream
* 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (adjust to your spice preference)
* 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the can of chipotle peppers)
* 1 teaspoon lime juice
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* **For the Tacos:**
* 8 soft flour tortillas (6-inch size recommended)
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1 cup shredded lettuce
* 1 cup diced tomatoes
**Instructions:**
1. **Marinate the Steak:**
* Trim any excess fat from the steak. Place the steak in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
* In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
* Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
2. **Prepare the Creamy Chipotle Sauce:**
* In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
* Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more chipotle peppers for extra heat or more lime juice for tanginess. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
3. **Cook the Steak:**
* Remove the steak from the refrigerator about 15-20 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. This helps it cook more evenly.
* Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil if needed (the marinade already contains some oil).
* Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the marinade. Place the steak in the hot skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches your preferred level.
* Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain into thin strips. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
4. **Assemble the Tacos:**
* Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet, microwave, or oven until soft and pliable. This makes them easier to fold without tearing.
* Spread a generous amount of the creamy chipotle sauce on each tortilla.
* Top with a layer of shredded lettuce, followed by diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and the sliced steak.
* Fold the tortilla in half and serve immediately.
## Recipe 2: A Healthier Version with Grilled Chicken
For those looking for a lighter option, this recipe substitutes steak with grilled chicken breast. It’s still packed with flavor but offers a lower-fat alternative.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Chicken Marinade:**
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1/4 cup lime juice
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 tablespoon chili powder
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* **For the Creamy Avocado Sauce (Alternative to Chipotle):**
* 1 ripe avocado
* 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
* 2 tablespoons lime juice
* 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
* 1/2 jalapeno, seeded and minced (optional)
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* **For the Tacos:**
* 8 whole wheat soft tortillas (6-inch size recommended)
* 1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
* 1 cup shredded lettuce
* 1 cup diced tomatoes
* Optional: Diced red onion, salsa
**Instructions:**
1. **Marinate the Chicken:**
* Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch) to ensure even cooking. Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
* In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
* Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
2. **Prepare the Creamy Avocado Sauce:**
* In a food processor or blender, combine the avocado, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, cilantro, jalapeno (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
* Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
3. **Grill the Chicken:**
* Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
* Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
* Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
4. **Assemble the Tacos:**
* Warm the whole wheat tortillas in a dry skillet, microwave, or oven until soft and pliable.
* Spread a generous amount of the creamy avocado sauce on each tortilla.
* Top with a layer of shredded lettuce, followed by diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and the sliced chicken.
* Add diced red onion and salsa (optional). Fold the tortilla in half and serve immediately.
## Recipe 3: Spicy Shrimp Soft Tacos with Mango Salsa
For a completely different twist, try these spicy shrimp soft tacos. The sweet and tangy mango salsa complements the spicy shrimp beautifully.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Shrimp Marinade:**
* 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 tablespoons lime juice
* 1 tablespoon chili powder
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* **For the Mango Salsa:**
* 1 ripe mango, diced
* 1/2 red onion, finely diced
* 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
* 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
* 2 tablespoons lime juice
* Salt to taste
* **For the Tacos:**
* 8 corn tortillas (6-inch size recommended)
* Shredded cabbage or slaw mix
* Avocado slices
* Lime wedges
**Instructions:**
1. **Marinate the Shrimp:**
* In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
* Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes.
2. **Prepare the Mango Salsa:**
* In a bowl, combine the diced mango, red onion, cilantro, jalapeno, lime juice, and salt.
* Mix well and let it sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. **Cook the Shrimp:**
* Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.
4. **Assemble the Tacos:**
* Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
* Top each tortilla with shredded cabbage or slaw mix, followed by the cooked shrimp and mango salsa.
* Add avocado slices and serve with lime wedges.
## Hacks and Tips for the Perfect Taco Bell-Inspired Steak Soft Taco
* **Steak Selection:** Flank steak and skirt steak are the best choices for replicating the Taco Bell steak. They are relatively inexpensive, flavorful, and cook quickly. Sirloin can also be used, but may need a longer marinating time.
* **Marinating Time:** While 30 minutes is sufficient, marinating the steak for longer (up to 4 hours) will result in a more flavorful and tender steak. Don’t marinate longer than 4 hours, as the acid in the marinade can start to break down the steak too much, making it mushy.
* **Cooking the Steak:** Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the steak. Cook it in batches if necessary to ensure it sears properly and doesn’t steam. A good sear is crucial for flavor.
* **The Creamy Chipotle Sauce:** This sauce is essential. Don’t skip it! Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers to your spice preference. You can also add a touch of honey or maple syrup for a hint of sweetness. If you can’t find chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, you can substitute with chipotle powder, but the flavor will be slightly different. Start with 1/2 teaspoon of chipotle powder and adjust to taste.
* **Cheese Choice:** While cheddar cheese is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
* **Tortilla Choice:** Flour tortillas are traditional for this taco, but corn tortillas can be used for a gluten-free option. Warm the tortillas before assembling the tacos to prevent them from tearing. Heating them on a dry skillet is best, but a quick zap in the microwave also works. Avoid overheating the tortillas as this can make them tough.
* **Lettuce and Tomato Prep:** Make sure the lettuce is shredded finely and the tomatoes are diced small for easy eating. Pat the tomatoes dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which can make the tacos soggy.
* **Adding Heat:** If you like your tacos extra spicy, add some diced jalapenos, a dash of hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the steak marinade or the creamy chipotle sauce.
* **Make it a Bowl:** Skip the tortilla altogether and create a Taco Bell-inspired steak bowl. Layer the ingredients in a bowl over a bed of rice or quinoa.
* **Meal Prep Friendly:** Cook the steak and prepare the creamy chipotle sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the tacos when ready to eat. This is a great way to save time during the week.
* **Serving Suggestions:** Serve your homemade Steak Soft Tacos with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, chips and salsa, or guacamole. A cold Mexican beer or a refreshing margarita also makes a great accompaniment.
* **Experiment with Fillings:** Don’t be afraid to get creative with your taco fillings. Try adding grilled onions and peppers, black beans, corn, or pickled onions.
* **Vegan Option:** Substitute the steak with seasoned and crumbled tofu or tempeh. Use a vegan mayonnaise for the creamy chipotle sauce and vegan cheese.
## Variations and Additions
* **Spicy Avocado Crema:** Blend avocado with lime juice, cilantro, jalapeno, and a touch of sour cream for a cool and creamy sauce that complements the spicy steak.
* **Pico de Gallo:** A fresh and flavorful salsa made with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapenos, and lime juice.
* **Queso Fresco:** A crumbly Mexican cheese that adds a salty and tangy flavor.
* **Grilled Pineapple Salsa:** Adds a sweet and smoky flavor that pairs well with the steak.
* **Pickled Red Onions:** Adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
* **Refried Beans:** A classic taco filling that adds a creamy and savory element.
* **Mexican Rice:** A flavorful side dish that complements the tacos perfectly.
* **Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt:** A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a creamy and tangy touch.
## Troubleshooting
* **Steak is tough:** Ensure you are using the correct cut of steak (flank or skirt steak are recommended) and that you are slicing it against the grain. Marinating for the appropriate time is also crucial. Overcooking the steak will also result in a tough texture.
* **Tortillas are tearing:** Warm the tortillas before assembling the tacos. If they are still tearing, try using a different brand or type of tortilla. Overfilling the tacos can also cause them to tear.
* **Sauce is too spicy:** Reduce the amount of chipotle peppers in the creamy chipotle sauce. You can also add a dollop of sour cream to the sauce to mellow out the spice.
* **Tacos are soggy:** Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the tomatoes and lettuce. Avoid overfilling the tacos.
* **Steak lacks flavor:** Ensure you are marinating the steak for at least 30 minutes. Taste the marinade before adding the steak and adjust the seasonings as needed. A good sear on the steak is also important for developing flavor.
## Conclusion
Recreating the Taco Bell Steak Soft Taco at home is a fun and rewarding experience. By following these recipes and tips, you can enjoy a delicious and customized version of this popular menu item anytime you crave it. Experiment with different variations and additions to create your own signature steak tacos. Happy cooking!
Enjoy this culinary journey, experimenting with different flavors and ingredients to find your perfect homemade Steak Soft Taco recipe! Whether you stick to the classic recreation or venture into healthier or more adventurous variations, the possibilities are endless. The key is to have fun and enjoy the process. Bon appétit!