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Serena Williams-Style Beef Tacos

These quick and bold beef tacos feature seasoned ground beef seared to a flavorful crust, nestled in warm tortillas. Topped with fresh cilantro, lime, and hot sauce, they deliver a satisfying combination of smoky, tangy, and herbaceous flavors with a tender yet crispy texture.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef preferably 80/20 for flavor
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas warmed before serving
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 lime lime quartered for squeezing
  • 2 dash hot sauce chipotle or sriracha for heat
  • to taste salt & pepper for seasoning
  • 1/2 cup onions, diced optional
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced optional

Equipment

  • Cast-iron skillet
  • Sharp knife
  • Tongs
  • Microwave or dry skillet
  • Serving plates

Method
 

  1. Gather all your ingredients and tools to keep everything at your fingertips for a smooth cooking process.
  2. Heat your cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering and hot, about 2 minutes, filling your kitchen with a toasty aroma.
  3. Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
  4. Break the ground beef into rough chunks and add it to the skillet, using tongs to spread it out evenly. Let it sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until it develops a brown crust.
  5. Use the tongs to flip and break up the beef, cooking for another 5-7 minutes until fully browned and cooked through, with a slight crisp on the edges.
  6. Season the beef generously with salt and pepper, stirring to coat evenly, and cook for another minute to meld flavors.
  7. While the beef finishes cooking, warm your tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable, about 20 seconds.
  8. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the cooked beef, stirring to incorporate the bright, tangy flavor.
  9. Assemble each taco by spooning a generous amount of beef onto a warm tortilla, then topping with chopped cilantro and a few dashes of hot sauce.
  10. Serve the tacos immediately while warm, garnished with extra lime wedges for squeezing and enjoy the bold flavors and satisfying textures.

Notes

For extra crunch, add some chopped radishes or shredded lettuce. Adjust hot sauce to your heat preference.