If you’re looking for bold Tex-Mex flavors with a gourmet touch, this Gordon Ramsay Texas Hanger Steak Tacos with Pico de Gallo Recipe is the ultimate taco experience. This dish brings together perfectly seared hanger steak, charred nopal (cactus), and fresh, zesty pico de gallo, all wrapped in toasted corn tortillas for an unforgettable bite.
Hanger steak is prized for its deep beefy flavor and tender texture, making it the perfect cut for tacos. A quick sear in a hot cast iron skillet ensures a juicy, flavorful bite with a beautifully caramelized crust. Meanwhile, the nopal is grilled until smoky and folded into the homemade pico de gallo, adding an earthy depth that takes this dish to another level.
Finished with creamy avocado, a drizzle of Mexican crema, and a squeeze of fresh lime, these tacos are a true explosion of flavors—smoky, tangy, spicy, and rich. Whether you’re making them for Taco Tuesday, a weekend cookout, or a special dinner, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in just a few simple steps.
Ready to impress? Let’s fire up the grill and start cooking! 🌮🔥
Texas Hanger Steak Tacos with Pico de Gallo Recipe by Chef Gordon Ramsay
Ingredients
- 1 hanger steak
- Kosher salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Olive oil
- 1 nopal (cactus pad), cleaned
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1 lime
- 1 fresno chile, diced
- 3 scallions, roots discarded, sliced thick
- 1 bunch cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- 1 avocado, sliced thick
- 4 blue corn tortillas
- Mexican crema or sour cream
Instructions
Fire Up the Grill & Prep the Steak
- Get your grill or grill pan scorching hot. At the same time, heat a cast iron skillet over high heat—you want everything ready to go so the steak cooks evenly and quickly.Now, grab that beautiful hanger steak and season it generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Whatever seasoning is left on the plate, roll the steak around in it—no flavor left behind!
Sear Like a Pro
- Once your pan is properly hot, add a couple of tablespoons of oil and carefully place the steak in. Here’s the trick: tilt the pan slightly so the steak is flush against the edge—this allows you to sear two sides at once, locking in that flavor fast. Give it about 2 minutes per side, ensuring a deep, golden crust forms.
Char the Nopal
- Meanwhile, grab the nopal (cactus paddle) and season it lightly with salt. Drizzle with olive oil, then place it directly on the grill. You want beautiful char marks, so let it cook for about 2 minutes per side until slightly softened and smoky.
Whip Up the Fresh Pico de Gallo
- In a bowl, add thinly sliced red onion and zest a lime over the top. Cut the lime in half and squeeze in the juice from one half. Now, throw in finely chopped Fresno chili, followed by a drizzle of olive oil.Next, mix in sliced scallions, about ⅔ of the cilantro, and a touch more olive oil for balance. Add diced tomatoes and freshly minced garlic, then season generously with salt and pepper. Give it a good mix with a spoon—boom, your fresh, zesty pico de gallo is ready to go!
Rest & Slice the Steak
Once the steak is cooked to rare (or your preferred doneness), remove it from the skillet and let it rest on a cooling rack. Don’t skip this step—it helps keep all the juices inside. Spoon the pan juices over the steak for extra flavor.
At the same time, remove the nopal from the grill and dice it up, then fold it into your pico de gallo for a delicious smoky touch.
Toast the Tortillas
A taco is only as good as its tortilla. Lightly toast your corn tortillas on the grill until slightly crisp and warm. If you want that restaurant-style taco shape, place them in taco holders while they cool slightly
Assemble & Serve
Now for the fun part—building the ultimate steak taco!
1️⃣ Spoon about ¼ cup of the pico de gallo onto each tortilla.
2️⃣ Slice the steak thick and juicy, then place it on top.
3️⃣ Add a few more spoonfuls of pico de gallo for extra freshness.
4️⃣ Lay down a few creamy avocado slices.
5️⃣ Drizzle with Mexican crema for richness.
6️⃣ Finish with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Final Words about Texas Hanger Steak Tacos with Pico de Gallo Recipe from Ramsay Around The World
That’s it—bold, smoky, and packed with flavor. These Texas-style Hanger Steak Tacos are all about simple ingredients elevated to gourmet perfection. The charred nopal, the juicy steak, the fresh pico—every bite is a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
So grab a plate, dig in, and enjoy taco perfection, Gordon Ramsay style! 🌮🔥