A Grilled Steak & Chicken Taco Bar Will Score Big On Super Bowl Sunday

Super Bowl LV is just around the corner, kicking off on Sunday, February 7th, in sunny Tampa Bay, Florida. As families and friends gather to cheer on their favorite teams, the focus naturally turns to food. Quick snacks and perfectly grilled dishes will be the stars of your party's spread.

While classic grilled burgers and hot dogs are always crowd-pleasers, they might lack the element of surprise that matches the excitement of the game. Super Bowl Sunday calls for a bit of culinary creativity. If you're a proud owner of a PGS Grill, why not consider setting up a grilled steak and chicken taco bar? This setup offers endless possibilities and keeps guests engaged throughout the three-hour event.

Setting Up a Grilled Steak & Chicken Taco Bar for Super Bowl LV

No one wants to scramble on game day, so advance preparation is key. A standout taco bar deserves fresh, homemade guacamole. Store-bought options are convenient, but nothing beats the taste of freshly made guacamole.

Gather six ripe avocados, half a diced red onion, fresh cilantro, a diced tomato, lime juice, sea salt, ground cumin, and jalapeño peppers if you like a bit of heat. Cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a bowl. Add the Other ingredients and mash them gently with a wooden spoon until you achieve your desired consistency. Season with salt, cumin, and lime juice, adjusting to taste. Some people prefer chunky guacamole, while others like it smoother—so mash accordingly. Serve multiple bowls of guacamole alongside quality tortilla chips, and you’ve got a winning play that’ll keep guests satisfied all afternoon. For those who aren't guacamole fans, keep a medium salsa on hand as a backup option.

In terms of organizing your taco bar, use colorful or wooden bowls to create a buffet station near your outdoor grill. Here are some essential condiments and sides to include:

• Fresh lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Diced scallions
• White or brown rice
• Pico de Gallo
• Diced onions
• Salsa or sour cream
• Shredded cheese
• Warm refried or black beans
• Soft and hard taco shells

If you have time to shop ahead, some stores sell specialized taco serving plates that keep your tacos upright and prevent spills.

Preparing Carne Asada on an Outdoor Gas Grill

Carne Asada is a popular choice for taco bars, and skirt steak is often the go-to cut due to its thinness. However, this thin cut can pose a challenge unless you have a high-quality propane grill with excellent heat distribution and minimal flare-ups.

Marinating the skirt steak for at least two hours before grilling helps tenderize it. While marinating, decide whether you prefer the sear or slow-cook method. The sear method involves quickly cooking both sides to lock in flavor and juices, while the slow-cook method prevents overcooking by cooking at a lower temperature.

For the sear method, oil the grill grates and preheat the grill to medium-high heat with the lid closed. Once heated, place the steak on the grates for 30-60 seconds per side. Check for doneness by slicing into the meat. For the slow-cook method, follow the same oiling process but set the grill to medium-low heat. Place the steak on the grates and let it cook for about 1-2 minutes per side. Thin steaks (1.5 inches or less) usually take no more than 3 minutes total. After cooking, transfer the steak to a cutting board and slice it thinly across the grain for tacos.

Grilling Tip: To retain moisture and flavor, try to flip the steak only once during cooking.

Grilling Chicken for Flavorful Tacos

Most people opt for boneless chicken breasts when making tacos, as they absorb marinades well. But why not mix things up? Chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are known for being more tender, juicier, and flavorful than white meat, especially when grilled on a quality propane grill.

Start by gathering enough chicken thighs to meet your taco bar needs. Preheat the grill to medium heat and lightly brush the chicken with olive oil. This step is crucial, as the skinless side absorbs seasoning better. Next, season the chicken with Adobo seasoning and place it on the grill. Chicken thighs typically take about 8 minutes to cook—about 4 minutes per side. Once done, transfer them to a cutting board and slice them thinly for tacos.

Grilling Tip: To enhance seasoning, start with the skinless side facing down. This allows the boneless side to absorb more flavor. After flipping, you can add extra Adobo or a touch of garlic powder for added depth.

Super Bowl Sunday is not just about football—it's a celebration of community and great food. Whether your team wins or loses, you can look forward to hosting another amazing grill session next weekend to discuss free agency and the upcoming NFL draft.