Citrus Beef Tacos with Mango Salsa
When it comes to tacos, it’s all about the layers of flavor and the perfect combination of textures. My citrus beef tacos hit all the right notes, slow-cooked to perfection with a blend of aromatic spices and topped with zesty orange and lime. Finished off with fresh mango salsa and guacamole, these tacos are the only thing I want to be eating for the rest of the year.
The Secret to Perfectly Cooked Beef
The magic starts with a chuck roast, my fail-proof cut for tender, flavorful meat. The key is in the slow cooking, allowing the beef to soak up all the wonderful spices and become melt-in-your-mouth delicious. I follow the 1 hour, per pound method then render the fat at the very end at a high temp for a few crispy pieces and added flavor.
Spice Blend and Slow Cooking
This dish marries the warm, earthy flavors of garlic, onion, oregano, cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric. As the beef slow cooks in the oven, these spices infuse the meat, creating a rich and aromatic base. The addition of fresh orange and lime zest and juice brightens the flavors, adding a citrusy punch that balances the deep, savory notes of the spices.
Assembling the Tacos
Once the beef is ready, it’s time to assemble the tacos. The juicy, tender beef is the star, but the toppings take it to the next level. Fresh mango salsa adds a sweet, tangy crunch, while guacamole brings a rich texture that complements the spiced beef beautifully. Feel free to top with your favorite toppings! Fresh jalapeños would be excellent.
Versatility at Its Best
One of the best things about this citrus beef is its versatility. While it shines in tacos, it’s equally delicious in other dishes. Try it on a salad with a creamy cilantro dressing, over rice for a hearty bowl, or on a roll with some tangy BBQ sauce and jalapeños for a spicy sandwich. The possibilities are endless, and the flavor is always fantastic.
A Flavor Explosion
These citrus beef tacos are more than just a meal; they’re an explosion of flavors and textures. The slow-cooked beef, infused with a complex blend of spices and brightened with citrus, pairs perfectly with the fresh mango salsa and creamy guacamole. Each bite is a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and tangy, making these tacos a sure hit for any occasion.
So next time you’re craving something bold and delicious, give these citrus beef tacos a try. They’re a little bit of effort, but the result is a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress.
Citrus Beef Tacos with Mango Salsa
Ingredients
Citrus Beef Tacos
- 3 lbs Chuck Roast
- 1 orange juice and zest
- 1 lime juice and zest
- 1 tbsp Salt Diamond Crystal Kosher
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 5 whole cloves
Mango Salsa
- 2 Mango diced
- 1/2 cup cilantro chopped
- 2 lime juiced
- salt to taste
- flour or corn tortillas
- guacamole for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit
- Make spice rub by combining all spices, except for the whole cloves
- Rub chuck roast with spice mixture and place in large baking dish with lid or Dutch oven. Top with orange and lime zest and juice. Add in cloves.
- Roast for approximately 3 hours or until meat fall of the bone (usually 1 hour/pound of meat). Once tender remove from oven and set oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit
- Shred beef in dish and return to oven (do not remove any juices) for 30 minutes or until edges being to get crispy
- Make the mango salsa while the beef is finishing roasting. Mix cubed mango with cilantro, lime and season with salt to taste. .
- Assemble the tacos with toasted tortillas, guacamole, beef, and mango salsa. Enjoy!
