Coffee-Ancho Sirloin Steak Tacos with Pepper Jack Sauce

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"Coffee-Ancho Sirloin Steak Tacos with Pepper Jack Sauce feature smoky, spice-rubbed sirloin and a creamy, spicy cheese sauce, all topped with fresh salsa for a flavorful twist on the classic taco."
-- @hecooksco

Recipe Description

Coffee-Ancho Sirloin Steak Tacos with Pepper Jack Sauce are a delicious and elevated take on traditional tacos, featuring bold flavors and textures that will excite your taste buds. At the heart of this dish is the sirloin steak, a cut known for its lean yet tender nature. This steak is the perfect canvas for the bold, rich rub it’s marinated in. The rub is a blend of finely ground coffee and ancho chili powder. It imparts a smoky and spicy flavor, enveloping the steak in an aromatic crust that sizzles perfectly when seared. Adding brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin to the rub complements the coffee’s and ancho chili’s intensities. It caramelizes upon cooking, creating a charred exterior that contrasts beautifully with the steak’s juicy interior. A sprinkle of salt and black pepper further enhances this dynamic interplay of flavors, elevating the steak’s natural savoriness. After being cooked and thinly sliced, the steak is placed in warm and pliable soft flour tortillas, creating the ideal container for the rich and meaty filling. The Pepper Jack Sauce is what sets these tacos apart from others. This creamy and delicious sauce is poured over the steak, giving it a complementary jolt of flavor. The sauce is made by mixing a roux of unsalted butter and flour with milk until it thickens and adding grated pepper jack cheese. The cheese melts into the sauce, and its spicy and tangy flavor complements the meat’s richness, creating a delightful and irresistible combination. The homemade tomato salsa is a much-needed component of the dish. It offers a refreshing contrast to the other ingredients and combines ripe tomatoes, crisp red onion, fiery jalapeno, and the bright acidity of lime juice. The salsa celebrates freshness with its vibrant flavors and colors that burst forth in every bite. To give it a final touch of green, herby freshness, a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro is added, which perfectly complements the overall richness of the dish. Coffee-Ancho Sirloin Steak Tacos with Pepper Jack Sauce offer more than just a delicious meal; they provide a unique culinary experience. Every component, including the smoky and savory steak, the spicy and creamy sauce, and the zesty salsa, blend together perfectly to create a harmonious and flavorful dish. The result is a deeply satisfying dish, with layers of flavor and texture that unfold with each bite. Whether served as a casual weeknight dinner or a festive weekend feast, these tacos promise to delight and surprise, offering a culinary adventure that is as unforgettable as it is delicious. Crafting this dish involves bold and subtle flavors, spicy and tangy tastes, and rich and fresh ingredients. This journey captures the essence of innovation in cooking and the happiness of sharing delicious food with loved ones. Coffee-Ancho Sirloin Steak Tacos with Pepper Jack Sauce is a testament to the power of combining quality ingredients with a creative touch. It results in a dish that’s a pleasure to eat and a joy to behold.
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  • Recipe Card
Prep time: 30mins
Cook time: 30mins
Serves or Makes: 4

Recipe Card

ingredients

For the Coffee-Ancho Sirloin Steak

  • 2 pound sirloin steak
  • 3 tablespoons finely ground coffee
  • 2 tablespoons ancho chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

ingredients

For the Pepper Jack Cheese Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • to taste salt and ground black pepper

ingredients

For the Tomato Salsa

  • 3 ripe diced tomatoes
  • 1 small diced red onion
  • 1 small seeded and minced jalapeno
  • 1 juiced lime
  • 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro
  • to taste salt and ground black pepper

ingredients

For the Tacos

  • 8-12 flour tortillas
  • for serving lime wedges
  • for garnish freshly chopped cilantro

Method

  • Step 1

    Marinate the Steak: Mix the coffee, ancho chili powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Rub this mixture all over the sirloin steak. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.

  • Step 2

    Cook the Steak: Heat the vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak and cook to your desired doneness, about 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare. Rest the steak for 10 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.

  • Step 3

    Prepare the Pepper Jack Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens. Add the grated pepper jack cheese, stirring until melted and smooth—season with salt and pepper.

  • Step 4

    Make the Tomato Salsa: Combine the diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeno, lime juice, and cilantro in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it sit to allow the flavors to meld.

  • Step 5

    Assemble the Tacos: Warm your tortillas on a skillet or directly over a gas flame. Place slices of steak on each tortilla, drizzle with the pepper jack cheese sauce, and top with a generous spoonful of tomato salsa. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.

  • Step 6

    Serve: Offer additional lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos. Enjoy your delicious Coffee-Ancho Sirloin Steak Tacos with Pepper Jack Sauce warm.

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