The ultimate tequila inspired recipe and cocktail pairing for summer

Ready for the ultimate tequila inspired recipe to enjoy with your cocktail?

Why just drink tequila when you can cook with it? This tequila inspired recipe and cocktail pairing could be the must have meal for summer. It is time to light up the grill, open a bottle and say salud.

Sometimes cooking with a favorite liquor can be quite delightful. If you like the flavor of a beverage in a glass, that same beverage can add flavor to a variety of recipes.

Just like a great cocktail offers layers of flavor in perfect balance, a recipe has the same consideration. While wine is often used in recipes, liquor can be quite tasty in a variety of dishes. The key is to ensure that you are tasting the flavor of the liquor, not having a shot of liquor in a dish.

Using tequila (or other liquors) in a marinade acts like a tenderizer. Just like some recipes use fruit juices to break down proteins, the liquor acts in the same manner.

Most importantly, do not let the marinade to sit too long. If it sits too long, the marinade will break down the meat too much. No one wants to have mushy meat.

Recently, Tres Agaves Tequila and Mr. Steak shared a tasty recipe. Using the Tres Agaves Tequila, this taco recipe shows how the tequila can add flavor to the marinade. The combination of citrus, spice and unami makes this tasty. It could become a favorite taco recipe.

Here’s how to make Grilled Tequila-Marinated Lime Steak Tacos, courtesy of Mr. Steak and Tres Agaves Tequila.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ Pound Mr. Steak Ribeye
• ½ cup of Tres Agaves Blanco Tequila
• ¾ cup of fresh lime juice
• 1 cup chopped garlic
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 1 bunch chopped cilantro
• 1 jalapeno pepper (seeded and diced)
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 tablespoon fresh cracked pepper
• 1 dozen corn or flour tortillas
• Salt for taste

Directions:

• Step One: Combine tequila, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, pepper, salt, cumin and black pepper in a sealed plastic bag. Add steak and let marinate in the refrigerator for around 2-3 hours. For additional flavor, marinate an extra 30 minutes at room temperature after removing from fridge.
• Step Two: Remove ribeye steak from the marinade. Put remaining marinade in small saucepot and bring to a boil. Then strain and save for later.
• Step Three: Cook steak on high heated grill or stovetop. Place steak on grill and cook on one side for about 4 minutes. Flip and finish cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes, depending on desired preference.
• Step Four: While steak is cooking, warm both sides of tortillas on the grill/or in pan on stovetop. When the steak is finished cooking, remove from heat and cover for 3-5minutes. Set tortillas to side, covered.
• Step Five: Slice steak and prepare to serve. Garnish tacos with leftover marinade, lime, and other preferred garnish and/or sauces.
• Step Six: Pair with your favorite tequila cocktail like a Paloma or Tequila Highball and enjoy!

Of course, a tequila cocktail is a great choice for a pairing cocktail. Instead of a margarita, consider a Paloma or even just a tequila and lime. The idea is to find a cocktail that plays off the flavors in the taco.

Here’s how to make a Tres Agaves Paloma

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces Tres Agaves Organic Blanco Tequila
• 1/2-ounce Cheeky lime juice
• 4 ounces grapefruit soda
• Salt for rim

Combine all ingredients and pour into a glass with a salted rim.

Why not yourself a paloma and make some steak tacos. Tacos aren’t just for Tuesdays.

What is your favorite tequila inspired recipe? Do you often cook with liquor?