Flank steak is dry rubbed, seared and then slow-cooked all day long in a crock-pot with taco spices, beef broth, lime and tomato paste until it’s fall-apart tender. I cooked this for my Mexican Inspired Dinner Party – the day before – so that all I would need to do was heat it up before the party. My crockpot kept it warm for me until we were ready to eat, without drying it out. I ♥ my crock pot.
In Mexico this steak is called “ropa vieja” meaning old clothes or rags, because of its stringy appearance. But don’t let the name throw you off, that’s as far as the resemblance goes. As it slow-cooks it soaks up all those incredible seasonings and the broth itself to render the most incredibly juicy, moist and melt-in-your mouth delicious steak that I have ever tasted. In my entire life.
Puffy tacos are made my deep frying corn tortillas until puffy pockets of air form. Light and crispy, they are a cross between a soft taco and a crunchy taco shell, yet un-like either. They are indescribably delicious and shed a whole new light on what I’ve come to know as a taco. Everyone at the dinner party loved them.
I like my shredded steak tacos unadulterated. Truly all that is needed is a dollop of fresh, crisp, clean-tasting crema to fully enjoy these. And maybe a bit of cool, crunchy lettuce. The steak can be used for puffy tacos, soft tacos, enchiladas, burritos, quesadillas, tostadas, to make chili, nachos or even sandwiches.
Link to Puffy Tacos Made from Scratch Recipe
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I made this meat for my son's birthday party on 9th Oct. 2010. It went over very well with everyone from ages 2 to 93! I had slightly more steak than the recipe so the spices weren't as strong as the original. It should be noted that I went a little milder on purpose to try to please the most people. Most agreed it was like a spicier version of a fantastic beef roast — delicious! Those who wanted a little extra spice had salsas & sauces to choose from and those who didn't want something as spicy weren't overwhelmed. It really is a great recipe! Thanks!Tanya in WI
Awesome! How scrumptious looking. On a fresh tortilla it would be heaven.
OMG, Reeni!This meat is amazing! My husband made it yesterday & we had my brother & sister-in-law over. None of us could get enough of it! We sent them home, happily, with left-overs.http://createamazingmeals.blogspot.com/2010/10/shredded-beef-burritos-this-recipe.htmlThanks for another great recipe!<3 Susan
OhMy Lord….You are kidding me! This is one of the dishes I am making tomorrow when my parents are here except I'm using a chuck roast for the shredded beef. Not the exact recipe but you hit on all the points I was going to do. Now, I'll just follow yours.Great post, Reeni. I love this and look forward to trying it. Also, I love the notebook paper graphic, fun look.
These puffy tacos look just amazing. I am in awe, I'd love to make these soon. You have me inspired