Steak Asada Tacos with Cilantro and Onion

I want to share with you a taco that is so fresh and authentic it will make your toes curl. I first learned about this type of taco on a taco tour here in Des Moines, Iowa with a guy from Austin, Texas. Typically these are called Street Tacos in the US and feature meat, cilantro, and onion on a soft white corn tortilla.

My taco version is a bit different because I want to make it my own.  I first start with about a pound of top round steak and will ground it up into a hamburger consistency. You can cube it if you do not have access to a meat grinder.  Season your ground steak with about a teaspoon of salt, pepper and a sprinkle of garlic powder. Pre-heat your skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of vegetable oil.    Fry your meat until the steak is cooked thru. Should only take a few minutes.  Then pre-heat your small skillet to medium heat and start warming up your corn tortillas.  Flip it after about 20 seconds and add your cheese.  Slide your tortilla out of the skillet and add a couple heaping tablespoons of your steak. Top with fresh chopped green onion and cilantro. Sprinkle with some fresh sweet corn.  You can top with a little sour cream and hot sauce. Now that is a taco!

Taco Tour Review

Some of my friends and I got together with Nelson from Show Me Your Taco from Austin TX and we hit the street to find who had the best taco's in Des Moines. Here is what we found out. Tasty Tacos was a favorite but got beat out by the authentic tacos joints like Taco Loco and Taco Mariana. My feeling is that you love authentic tacos or just hate them. I liked the authentic tacos but wish they had some cheese. Taco Loco serves a quesadilla that is very similar to the authentic taco but with gooey cheese in the middle- a Nelson favorite. The authentic tacos are served with a soft corn tortilla, choice of meat, onions, and cilantro. At $1.25-$1.50 each you can get 3-5 of them for a great meal.

Here is how I rated my visits.

1. Tasty Tacos - Original Taco - Local long-time favorite

2. Taco Loco - Asada (Steak) Taco - A favorite of the DSM PD

3. Taco Mariana - Al Pastor (Pork) Taco - Great Atmosphere!

4. Los Laureles - Lengua (Tongue) Taco

5. El Bait Shop - Fish Tacos

I am sure there are plenty of places to get a taco in Des Moines from Authentic to Americanized Tex Mex. Go where you like- but don't be afraid to try something new. There is lots of hispanic influences in Des Moines and you should give it a try.