Steak Tacos & Pico de Gallo

One of my favorite things about eating out is getting to experience new foods and new twists on foods.  I sometimes fall in a cooking rut where I cook the same things over and over again.  So I often find new inspiration when eating out.  Recently I went to a Mexican restaurant named Barrios.  It was definitely some of the best Mexican food I have had in a while (and I loooovvveee Mexican food).  The pico de gallo was amazing- not only were the ingredients super fresh but they used cherry tomatoes giving the salsa a sweeter than normal taste.  I order the skirt steak tacos which were tender and full of great flavor.  So of course I had to make this for myself:)  

First I off I must admit that I rarely use recipes (yes when baking, but barely when cooking).  I come from a family where a recipe consists of an ingredient list with terms like "some", "you'll know",  and "when you have good flavor". It used to drive me nuts but unfortunately I now do the same thing!  So bare with me:)  

For the steak I first marinated it in olive oil and baking soda (enough to make a paste consistency).  I once read that baking soda is great for making meat tender.  I marinate for 10-15 minute minutes and then rinse the meat really well.  Next I heat up some olive oil, add chopped green onions, sweet onions, jalapenos, parsley (I forgot cilantro), and basil (I love basil).  I let that cook for a few minutes, then add the steak and season with kosher salt and pepper.  Once the meat is done add tortillas and your favorite toppings and voila. 

For the pico de gallo I used halved cherry tomatoes, jalapenos, onions, green onion, parsley (again no cilantro), kosher salt, and pepper. The ratio of the ingredients should mostly be tomatoes (maybe 70-80% ish) to the rest of the ingredients. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes in the fridge. 

Notice the cut limes in the photos from Barrios?  I thought they made a mistakes in giving me these tiny pieces of limes.  But once I tried it, I realized that it contained enough lime juice to squeeze over one taco.  So of course I had to copy this!



Any questions email me at theredsee@gmail.com and I will try to explain better:)