Steak Tacos

Steak tacos are a delicious and satisfying meal, perfect for summer gatherings or casual weeknight dinners. With their juicy flank steak, fresh toppings like avocado, red onion, and cilantro, and a drizzle of chimichurri sauce, these tacos deliver vibrant flavors in every bite. Easy to prepare and fun to customize, steak tacos can suit any occasion, making them a go-to recipe for taco lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare – Steak tacos come together in just 50 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
• Bursting with Flavor – The marinade enhances the steak’s taste while the toppings add freshness and texture.
• Customizable Ingredients – You can easily swap out toppings to suit your preference or dietary needs.
• Perfect for Gatherings – Serve these tacos at parties or cookouts; they’re always a crowd-pleaser.
• Healthy Option – Packed with protein and fresh vegetables, steak tacos offer a nutritious choice without sacrificing flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To create the best steak tacos, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will ensure your cooking process is smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Tongs
• Mixing bowls
• 9×13 pan
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill – A grill gives the steak that perfect char and smoky flavor that makes it irresistible.
• Tongs – Using tongs allows you to handle hot foods safely without burning your hands.
• Mixing Bowls – These are essential for combining your marinade ingredients effectively.
• Knife – A sharp knife ensures clean cuts when slicing the steak into strips.

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
• Olive oil (for grill)

For Serving

• 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)

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 Mixture

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

Step 3: Rub the Steak

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

Step 4: Grill the Steak

Preheat grill to high heat. Lightly coat a paper towel with olive oil. Using long tongs, carefully rub the oiled towel over the grill rack. Place steak directly on grill and cook for 5 minutes on each side. Remove from grill and let the steak rest on a cutting board covered with foil for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Warm Tortillas

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

Step 6: Assemble Tacos

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

How to Serve Steak Tacos

Steak tacos are not just a meal; they are a delightful experience. To enhance your taco night, consider these serving suggestions that will elevate the flavors and provide a feast for the senses.

Garnish with Fresh Ingredients

• Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a fresh burst of flavor.
• Lime Wedges: Serve lime wedges on the side for an extra squeeze of zest.
• Sliced Jalapeños: Add sliced jalapeños for those who enjoy a spicy kick.

Accompany with Sauces

• Chimichurri Sauce: Drizzle chimichurri over the tacos for a herby, tangy addition.
• Salsa Verde: Offer salsa verde as a refreshing alternative to traditional salsa.
• Hot Sauce: Provide various hot sauces for guests to customize their heat level.

Pair with Sides

• Mexican Street Corn Salad: A creamy and spicy corn salad complements the savory flavors of the steak.
• Black Bean Salad: Include a black bean salad for added protein and fiber.

How to Perfect Steak Tacos

To achieve perfectly delicious steak tacos, follow these simple tips that guarantee great flavor and texture every time.

• Marinate Well: Allow the steak to marinate long enough so it absorbs all the flavors from the lime juice and spices.
• Use High Heat: Cooking on high heat sears the meat quickly, keeping it juicy and tender.
• Rest the Meat: Letting the steak rest after grilling keeps it moist and makes slicing easier.
• Slice Against the Grain: Always slice against the grain to ensure tenderness in each bite.
• Warm Tortillas Properly: Warm tortillas on the grill or stovetop before filling them for better pliability and flavor.
• Customize Your Toppings: Encourage creativity with toppings—everyone loves personalizing their tacos!

Best Side Dishes for Steak Tacos

Steak tacos pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes that can complement their bold flavors. Here are some excellent choices to round out your meal.

1. Mexican Rice: A flavorful side that adds substance; consider making it with tomatoes and spices for extra zest.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans offer richness that balances well with the spiced steak.
3. Grilled Vegetables: Charred vegetables such as bell peppers and zucchini bring a smoky flavor to your table.
4. Guacamole: Fresh guacamole adds creaminess and is always a crowd favorite. Serve with tortilla chips as an appetizer!
5. Pico de Gallo: This fresh salsa made from tomatoes, onions, and cilantro adds brightness to your meal.
6. Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brushed with lime butter provides an irresistible sweet crunch alongside your tacos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making steak tacos, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the marinade: Not marinating the steak can lead to a lack of flavor. Always allow your steak to soak in lime juice and spices for at least 30 minutes.
• Not resting the steak: Cutting into the steak right after grilling can cause juices to escape. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes covered with foil before slicing.
• Using cold tortillas: Serving cold tortillas can ruin the warm experience of your steak tacos. Warm them on the grill or over a gas flame before serving.
• Cutting against the grain: Slicing steak in the wrong direction can make it tough. Always cut against the grain for tender strips.
• Overloading toppings: While toppings are delicious, too many can overwhelm the taco. Aim for a balanced amount of red onion, avocado, and queso fresco.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover steak tacos in an airtight container.
• They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Steak Tacos

• For longer storage, wrap individual tacos tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Steak Tacos

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place tacos on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for about 30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm each taco for about 1-2 minutes per side until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of steak is best for steak tacos?

Flank steak is an excellent choice due to its flavor and tenderness when cooked properly. Skirt steak is also a great option if you prefer something more flavorful.

Can I make these steak tacos ahead of time?

Yes! You can grill the steak and prepare toppings ahead of time. Just assemble right before serving for fresh flavors.

How do I customize my steak tacos?

Feel free to add your favorite toppings like salsa, jalapeños, or shredded cheese. You can also experiment with different sauces for added flavor.

Are these steak tacos gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use corn tortillas, these steak tacos are naturally gluten-free!

Can I use other meats instead of steak?

Absolutely! Chicken, pork, or even tofu can be used as alternatives in your taco recipe while still keeping it delicious.

Final Thoughts

Steak tacos are not only appealing but also versatile enough to fit any occasion. The combination of marinated flank steak with fresh toppings creates an irresistible meal. Feel free to customize your tacos with different proteins or toppings according to your preferences. Enjoy making this tasty dish!

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Steak Tacos

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• Author: Alexia
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Steak tacos are a mouthwatering treat that brings together the vibrant flavors of marinated flank steak, fresh toppings, and zesty chimichurri sauce. Ideal for summer barbecues or casual weeknight dinners, these tacos are both satisfying and easy to prepare. The juicy steak is enhanced with a flavorful marinade and served in warm corn tortillas, crowned with creamy avocado, crunchy red onion, and crumbled queso fresco. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a family meal, steak tacos offer a delightful culinary experience that’s customizable to suit everyone’s taste. Dive into this recipe for a delicious and nutritious meal that promises to be a crowd favorite!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 pounds flank steak
• Juice and zest of 2 large limes
• Corn tortillas
• 1/2 small red onion (chopped)
• 1 large avocado (sliced)
• 1/3 cup queso fresco
• Chopped cilantro
• Chimichurri sauce

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Instructions

1. Marinate the flank steak in lime juice for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the spice mixture by combining lime zest, salt, sugar, pepper, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and cinnamon.
3. Rub the spice mixture onto both sides of the steak.
4. Preheat the grill to high heat; grill the steak for 5 minutes on each side until cooked.
5. Let the steak rest before slicing into strips against the grain.
6. Warm corn tortillas on the grill; assemble tacos with steak strips and toppings.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 tacos (approx. 250g)
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 75mg