If you're a taco lover, finding healthy options may seem challenging. However, these delicious 4 tacos (198 g) Street Tacos provide a satisfying meal that won't break the calorie bank, with just 340 calories per serving.
In addition to being a low-calorie option, these tacos also boast a great macronutrient breakdown. They have some carbs, moderate protein, and a good amount of healthy fats. Let's dive deeper into the nutrition facts of these tacos!
In this article, we'll explore the vitamins and minerals, carb content and fiber, protein content, fat content and cholesterol, sodium intake, and health benefits of enjoying a serving of street tacos, plus a list of the ingredients and the preparation method.
Serving Size and Calories
As previously stated, these street tacos have a low calorie count of 340 per serving. The serving size for this particular taco recipe is 4 tacos that weigh around 198 grams. Don't let the small size fool you, though, as they will definitely fill you up! The calorie count is not the only thing to consider when it comes to nutrition, so let's take a closer look at the macronutrient breakdown of these tacos.
Macronutrient Breakdown
The Street Tacos contain approximately 23 g of carbs, 14 g of protein, and 16 g of fat per serving. They also contain a small amount of cholesterol. These macros make for a well-balanced meal, ensuring you enjoy a range of food groups that will sustain energy levels while supporting weight loss goals. Let's take a look at the vitamins and minerals included in these street tacos.
Vitamins and Minerals
The street tacos pack a healthy punch of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. These nutrients are essential for supporting immune function, maintaining strong bones, and assisting in energy production. Not only do the street tacos contain a range of nutrients, but they also offer a good amount of fiber. Let's dive deeper into the carb content and fiber of these tacos.
Carb Content and Fiber
At 23 grams per serving, these street tacos provide a moderate amount of carbohydrates. This is balanced out by the 4 grams of dietary fiber, which helps to slow down digestion and promote feelings of fullness. Protein is also an essential macronutrient when it comes to satisfying hunger and building muscle. Let's see how much protein is in these street tacos.
Protein Content
Protein is a satiating macronutrient, meaning it helps people stay fuller for longer periods of time. These street tacos contain around 14 grams of protein per serving, making it an enjoyable, filling meal that you will want to come back for more. The fats found in these street tacos are also good for you, providing some important health benefits. Let's examine the fat content and cholesterol in these tacos.
Fat Content and Cholesterol
Contrary to popular belief, healthy fats are essential in our diets, and these street tacos provide them in a good amount, around 16 grams per serving, but also contain trace amounts of cholesterol. Consuming healthy fats like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats as found in these tacos can promote heart and brain health, enable healthy hormone production, and support overall well-being. Let's talk about sodium intake when it comes to enjoying these street tacos.
Sodium Intake
These tacos fall under the moderate category when it comes to sodium intake, clocking in at 420 milligrams per serving. While this amount is not excessive, you may want to keep an eye on it if you're sodium-sensitive, or have a history of high blood pressure, Also, you can consider reducing salt in the other parts of your day if you eat these tacos. Beyond the nutrition fact, street tacos offer some surprising health benefits. Let's check them out.
Health Benefits
The healthy nutrients and macronutrient combinations are not the only benefits of eating these street tacos. They also utilize well-rounded ingredients that make the meal more attractive to the body with fewer consumption of calories to help maintain a healthier weight balance. Also, the blend of ingredients makes the meal more satisfying than some other taco recipes while providing notable digestive benefits due to the combination of the fiber and healthy fats. Here are the ingredients you'll need to create these 4 tacos street tacos.
Ingredients List
Ingredients: 1-pound flank steak, juice of 1 lime, 1 tbsp. olive oil, 2 garlic cloves, 1 tbsp. chili powder, 1 tsp. paprika, 1 tsp. ground cumin, Salt and freshly ground black pepper, four 6-inch flour or corn tortillas, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup diced onions, 1/4 cup diced tomatoes, 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese or shredded Cheddar/Jack Cheese
Preparation Method
1. Rub the steak with the lime juice, olive oil, garlic, chili powder, paprika, cumin, 1/4 teaspoon salt and few grinds of black pepper; marinate 30 minutes. 2. Preheat an outdoor or stovetop grill over high heat. Grill the steak until medium-rare, 6 to 7 minutes per side. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain. 3. Serve the steak on the warm tortillas, topped with cilantro, onions, tomatoes, and cheese.
Street tacos are a healthier alternative to traditional Mexican cuisine, helping to reduce the risk of heart disease while also providing numerous specific health benefits.
5 Frequently Asked Questions about Street Tacos
1. What are street tacos?
Street tacos are a type of taco that is typically sold by vendors on the streets of Mexico and other Latin American countries. They are small in size and made with a variety of meat fillings, such as carne asada, al pastor, and barbacoa. They are often served with fresh cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime juice.
2. How many calories are in a street taco?
The number of calories in a street taco can vary depending on the type of filling and toppings. On average, one street taco has around 85 calories. Therefore, four street tacos would have around 340 calories, based on the information given in the question.
3. Are street tacos healthy?
Street tacos can be a healthy option if they are made with lean protein, such as grilled chicken or fish, and topped with fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. However, many street tacos are made with fatty cuts of meat and topped with Mexican cheese, sour cream, and other high-calorie toppings, which can make them less healthy.
4. Can street tacos be gluten-free?
Yes, street tacos can be made gluten-free by using corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. However, be sure to ask the vendor if their toppings, such as the meat and salsa, are also gluten-free.
5. How can I make street tacos at home?
To make street tacos at home, you will need small tortillas, your choice of meat, and toppings such as lettuce, cheese, salsa, and guacamole. Grill or sauté the meat until it is cooked through, and then warm the tortillas. Assemble the tacos by placing the meat on the tortilla and adding the toppings. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and enjoy!