Cooking tacos on a Blackstone Griddle can transform your taco night into an unforgettable feast. The key to perfect tacos on a Blackstone is a high-temperature sear on the meat, ensuring it’s juicy and flavorful. This recipe guide will show you how to make both ground beef tacos and steak street tacos with ease.
Start by preheating your Blackstone Griddle to the right temperature—usually around 350-450 degrees. Whether you’re making ground beef or steak tacos, having that ideal heat is crucial. You’ll also learn which oils work best and get tips for seasoning your meat.
Once your griddle is hot, you can swiftly cook the protein and warm your tortillas. Simple steps like thinly slicing the steak or chopping the ground beef as it cooks make all the difference. Your guests will surely come back for seconds when you follow this easy yet flavorful recipe.
Preparing Your Ingredients and Equipment
This section will guide you through gathering essential utensils, prepping the protein, mixing the taco seasoning, and organizing fresh toppings and sides.
Gathering Necessary Utensils and Cookware
To get started, make sure you have all the necessary utensils and cookware. You will need a Blackstone griddle, a large spatula, and a heat-resistant griddle scraper.
For mixing and prep, have a large mixing bowl and a few smaller bowls for holding chopped ingredients. Measuring spoons and measuring cups will be important for getting your seasoning just right. Additionally, keep some paper towels handy for quick clean-ups.
Selecting and Preparing the Protein
Choosing the right protein is key. Common choices are beef, chicken, pork, shrimp, or fish. If using chicken, opt for chicken breasts. For beef, ground beef or steak works well.
Begin by thawing any frozen protein. For steaks and chicken, thinly slice them to ensure they cook quickly and evenly. Ground beef should be crumbled and evenly spread out on the hot griddle. Season the protein with salt, pepper, and garlic powder before cooking.
Mixing the Taco Seasoning
A homemade taco seasoning can elevate your tacos. You will need cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. In a small bowl, mix about one teaspoon of each spice.
If you like some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. This mix can be adjusted to your tastes. Ensure the seasoning is well-combined before sprinkling it over your protein on the griddle.
Preparing Fresh Toppings and Sides
Fresh toppings make your tacos special. Chop tomatoes, onions, and lettuce. Slice avocados and dice jalapenos if you want some extra heat. Prepare cilantro and lime wedges for added freshness.
Other options include cheese, sour cream, salsa verde, and pico de gallo. For sides, consider making rice or serving with chips and salsa.
Lightly warm corn or flour tortillas on the griddle to make them pliable for filling. By prepping everything ahead, assembling your tacos will be quick and efficient.
Cooking and Serving Tacos on the Blackstone Griddle
Making tacos on a Blackstone Griddle involves several key steps. Proper preheating, assembling ingredients, and layering flavors are essential for a tasty meal. Finally, how you serve them can enhance the experience.
Preheating the Blackstone Griddle
Start by preheating your Blackstone Griddle. Set the temperature to medium-high heat, around 350 – 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This helps in achieving a good sear on both ground beef and steak.
Spread a thin layer of avocado oil or vegetable oil evenly on the griddle surface. Let the grill heat for about 10-15 minutes to reach the desired temperature. This step is important to ensure even cooking.
Assembling and Cooking Tacos
For the filling, you can use either ground beef or flank steak. If using steak, slice it thinly and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Add the meat to the heated griddle.
Use a spatula to break apart the ground beef or stir the steak pieces. Cook until the meat is browned, which usually takes around 10-12 minutes. For added flavor, sprinkle taco seasoning while the meat cooks.
Layering and Customizing Flavors
Once the meat is cooked, focus on layering flavors. Spread the cooked meat on one side of the griddle. On the other side, warm up corn or flour tortillas.
For a fresh touch, add toppings like fresh cilantro, diced onions, and chopped tomatoes. You can also include sliced avocados, cheese, and a squeeze of lime. Adjust according to your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions and Presentation
Presentation matters when serving your tacos. Arrange the warmed tortillas on a platter and place the fillings in individual bowls. This allows everyone to customize their tacos.
For a street taco experience, keep the toppings simple and fresh. For leftovers, store them in an airtight container and reheat them on the griddle to maintain their flavors.
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