Carne Seca Tacos Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound of beef jerky (carne seca)
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges

Special Equipment Needed:
- Large skillet
- Tongs

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the ground cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.

4. Add the beef jerky to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally with tongs, until the jerky is heated through and slightly crispy.

5. Warm the corn tortillas in a separate skillet or on a griddle.

6. To assemble the tacos, place a spoonful of the beef jerky mixture onto each tortilla.

7. Top each taco with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

8. Serve immediately.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat
Serving size:
- Makes 12 tacos

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 130 per taco
- Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 11g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Beef jerky can be substituted with shredded beef or chicken.

Variations:
- Add diced tomatoes, avocado, or shredded cheese as additional toppings.

Tips and Tricks:
- Use tongs to easily flip and stir the beef jerky in the skillet.
- Warm the tortillas in a separate skillet or on a griddle to prevent them from getting soggy.

Storage Instructions:
- Store any leftover beef jerky mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
- Reheat the beef jerky mixture in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the tacos on a platter with lime wedges and a side of salsa.

Garnishes:
- Chopped cilantro and lime wedges.

Pairings:
- Serve with a side of black beans and rice.

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Black beans and rice, corn on the cob, or a side salad.

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the beef jerky is too tough, soak it in warm water for 10-15 minutes before cooking.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook the beef jerky to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food History:
- Carne seca is a traditional Mexican method of preserving meat by drying it in the sun.

Flavor Profiles:
- The carne seca has a smoky and salty flavor, which pairs well with the spices and herbs in the taco seasoning.

Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the tacos with a side of salsa and guacamole for dipping.

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Region: Mexican

Taste: Spicy, Tangy, Savory, Smoky, Salty