Steak tacos are a delicious and versatile dish that can elevate any summer gathering. With their savory flavors and fresh toppings, these tacos are perfect for a family dinner or a backyard barbecue. The combination of flank steak, avocado, and zesty lime creates an unforgettable meal that everyone will love. Plus, they are quick to prepare, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe comes together in just 50 minutes, allowing you to enjoy delicious steak tacos without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor Packed: The blend of spices and fresh ingredients guarantees a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Customizable Toppings: You can easily adjust the toppings to suit your taste preferences. Add more heat with jalapeños or switch up the cheese!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive gathering, steak tacos fit perfectly into any setting.
• Healthy Option: Lean flank steak paired with fresh veggies makes for a nutritious meal packed with protein.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best steak tacos, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure smooth cooking. These tools will help you prepare your ingredients and cook the steak perfectly on the grill.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• 9×13 pan
• Tongs
• Small bowl
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: A grill provides high heat necessary for achieving those beautiful grill marks on your steak while locking in moisture.
• Tongs: Using tongs helps you safely handle hot food without piercing it, preserving juices and flavor.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board is essential for slicing the meat against the grain to ensure tenderness.

Ingredients

Steak tacos with avocado, red onion, cilantro, and queso fresco make a great summer dinner!

For the Steak Marinade

• 1 1/2 pounds flank steak
• Juice of 2 large limes
• Zest of 1 large lime
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Additional Ingredients

• Olive oil (for grill)
• Corn tortillas
• 1/2 small red onion (chopped)
• 1 large avocado (sliced)
• 1/3 cup queso fresco
• Chopped cilantro (for serving)
• Chimichurri sauce (for serving)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

this recipe

How to Make Steak Tacos

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

Place the flank steak in a 9×13 pan. Pour lime juice over the steak and let marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Spice Rub

In a small bowl, combine lime zest, salt, sugar, pepper, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and cinnamon.

Step 3: Rub the Spice Mixture

Rub both sides of the steak with the spice mixture. Press with your fingers to help the rub adhere to the meat.

Step 4: Preheat the Grill

Preheat grill to high heat. Lightly coat a paper towel with olive oil and hold it with long tongs. Carefully rub the oiled towel over the grill rack.

Step 5: Grill the Steak

Place steak directly on the grill and cook for about 5 minutes on each side. Remove from grill and let it rest on a cutting board covered with foil for 10 minutes.

Step 6: Warm Tortillas

While the steak is resting, warm corn tortillas on the grill or use a gas flame to char them slightly.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Cut the steak into strips against the grain. Place strips in corn tortillas and top with chopped red onion, sliced avocado, cilantro, and queso fresco. Drizzle with chimichurri sauce if desired. Squeeze lime juice over tacos just before serving warm.

How to Serve Steak Tacos

Steak tacos are a deliciously versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your steak tacos.

Fresh Toppings

• Chopped Cilantro: Adds a burst of freshness and enhances the flavor profile.
• Sliced Jalapeños: For those who enjoy heat, fresh jalapeños offer a spicy kick.
• Pickled Red Onions: These tangy onions provide a nice contrast to the richness of the steak.

Sides

• Chimichurri Sauce: Drizzling chimichurri over the tacos adds vibrant flavor and brightness.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice brightens up the flavors and adds acidity.
• Grilled Corn on the Cob: This sweet side complements the savory steak perfectly.

Dips

• Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip pairs wonderfully with steak tacos for added richness.
• Salsa Verde: A zesty green salsa can enhance the flavors of your meal with its tanginess.

How to Perfect Steak Tacos

Perfecting steak tacos is all about achieving the right balance of flavors and textures. Here are some tips to ensure your tacos shine.

• Bold Marinade: Marinate your flank steak for at least 30 minutes to infuse it with flavor.
• High Heat Cooking: Grill your steak over high heat for a nice sear, which keeps it juicy inside.
• Resting Time: Allow the steak to rest after grilling to let the juices redistribute for optimal tenderness.
• Cut Against the Grain: Slicing against the grain ensures each bite is tender and easy to chew.
• Tortilla Quality: Use fresh corn tortillas for an authentic taste; warm them just before serving for best results.

Best Side Dishes for Steak Tacos

When preparing steak tacos, pairing them with delicious sides can elevate your meal. Here are some great side dishes that complement steak tacos beautifully.

1. Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice—a must-try!
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add protein and richness that balances the meal.
3. Spanish Rice: Flavored rice cooked with tomatoes and spices makes for a hearty side.
4. Black Bean Salad: A refreshing mix of black beans, corn, bell peppers, and cilantro offers crunch and nutrition.
5. Guacamole and Chips: Classic avocado dip served with tortilla chips makes for a perfect starter.
6. Pico de Gallo: Fresh salsa made from tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime provides a bright contrast to rich tacos.
7. Cabbage Slaw: A crunchy slaw dressed in lime vinaigrette adds freshness and texture to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making steak tacos, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can lead to less than perfect results. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Overcooking the steak: Cooking the steak for too long can make it tough. Aim for medium-rare, cooking just until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C).

• Skipping the marinade: Not marinating the steak can result in bland tacos. Allowing the meat to soak in lime juice and spices enhances its flavor significantly.

• Using the wrong cut of meat: Choosing a tougher cut will yield chewy tacos. Flank steak or skirt steak is ideal due to their tenderness and flavor when grilled.

• Neglecting tortilla preparation: Serving cold tortillas can detract from your dish. Warm them on the grill or over a flame for a better texture and flavor.

• Forgetting about toppings: Skimping on toppings like avocado or cilantro can make your tacos less exciting. Load them up with fresh ingredients for added flavor and nutrition.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover steak tacos in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep toppings separate to maintain freshness.

Freezing Steak Tacos

• Wrap individual tacos tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped tacos in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Steak Tacos

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat wrapped tacos for about 10-15 minutes until warm.

• Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 30 seconds, then check and heat more if needed.

• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, then place tacos in the skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of meat is best for steak tacos?

Flank steak is highly recommended for its tenderness and flavor. Skirt steak is another great option if you prefer something different.

How do I make my steak tacos spicier?

To add more heat, include diced jalapeños or drizzle hot sauce over your finished tacos. You can also increase chili powder in the spice rub.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

Yes, flour tortillas can be used as an alternative. However, corn tortillas provide a more authentic taste and texture that complements steak well.

How should I serve steak tacos?

Serve beef strips topped with fresh avocado, red onion, cilantro, and queso fresco. A drizzle of chimichurri sauce adds extra flavor!

Can I customize my steak taco toppings?

Absolutely! Feel free to add items like salsa, guacamole, or pickled onions based on your personal preferences.

Final Thoughts

Steak tacos are not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize toppings according to your taste. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a casual dinner at home, these flavorful tacos are sure to impress everyone at your table. Give this recipe a try and discover how easy it is to create restaurant-quality steak tacos right in your kitchen!

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Steak Tacos

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4 (8 tacos) 1x

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Description

Steak tacos are a mouthwatering delight that perfectly blend juicy flank steak with fresh toppings for a memorable meal. Ideal for summer gatherings, family dinners, or casual weeknights, these tacos come together quickly, allowing you to savor the rich flavors of marinated steak complemented by creamy avocado, crunchy red onion, and zesty lime. With customizable options for toppings and sides, this dish is sure to please everyone at your table while keeping preparation simple and efficient.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 pounds flank steak
• Juice and zest of 2 large limes
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Olive oil (for grill)
• Corn tortillas
• 1/2 small red onion (chopped)
• 1 large avocado (sliced)
• 1/3 cup queso fresco
• Chopped cilantro (for serving)
• Chimichurri sauce (for serving)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Marinate flank steak in lime juice for 30 minutes.
2. Combine spices in a bowl and rub onto both sides of the steak.
3. Preheat the grill and prepare it with olive oil.
4. Grill steak for about 5 minutes on each side until medium-rare.
5. Rest the steak covered for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
6. Warm corn tortillas on the grill.
7. Assemble tacos with sliced steak and desired toppings.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 tacos (200g)
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: For extra flavor, let the steak marinate longer if time allows. Customize toppings with spicy jalapeños or tangy pickled onions to enhance your tacos.