Why You’ll Love This grilled steak tacos
- Ease of preparation: This grilled steak tacos recipe is straightforward and quick, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous get-togethers. With a marinade that requires only 20-25 minutes prep and a short 15-minute cook time, you can enjoy flavorful tacos in under an hour.
- Health benefits: Packed with lean flank steak, grilled steak tacos provide a rich source of protein essential for muscle repair and satiety. Combined with fresh vegetables like cilantro, tomatoes, and lime, these tacos offer a balanced meal with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber to support overall wellness.
- Versatility: Easily adaptable to various dietary needs, this grilled steak tacos recipe can be made gluten-free by choosing corn tortillas, or vegan by substituting the steak with marinated grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu. The toppings and condiments can also be varied to suit preferences and restrictions.
- Distinctive flavor: The smoky char from grilling, combined with the bright acidity of fresh citrus juiced marinade and spicy smoky chipotle salsa, creates a bold flavor profile. The fresh cilantro and creamy avocado crema balance heat and smokiness, resulting in a uniquely satisfying taco experience.
Jump To
- 1. Why You’ll Love This grilled steak tacos
- 2. Essential Ingredients for grilled steak tacos
- 3. How to Prepare the Perfect grilled steak tacos: Step-by-Step Guide
- 4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your grilled steak tacos
- 5. Mastering grilled steak tacos: Advanced Tips and Variations
- 6. How to Store grilled steak tacos: Best Practices
- 7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About grilled steak tacos
- 8. grilled steak tacos
Essential Ingredients for grilled steak tacos
- 1 1/2 pounds flank steak (skirt steak can be used) – delivers flavorful, tender protein when properly marinated and grilled
- Peel and juice of 1 to 2 large oranges (about 1/2 cup juice) – adds citrus brightness and tenderizes the meat
- Peel and juice of 2 medium limes (about 1/4 cup juice) – imparts zesty acidity for flavor balance
- 4 cloves garlic, finely grated or minced – enhances savory depth
- 1 medium bunch fresh cilantro (stems chopped, leaves reserved) – adds fresh herbaceous aroma and garnishing
- 1 (7 to 8-ounce) jar or can chipotle salsa (about 1/2 cup for marinade and 1/2 cup for topping) or chipotle in adobo (1 to 3 teaspoons) – adds smoky heat and complexity
- 1 small red onion, sliced into thin rounds – for grilling alongside steak, adds sweetness and texture
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt – essential seasoning
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – balances flavors
- 4 tablespoons canola, vegetable, or olive oil, divided – for marinade and cooking
- 8 (5 or 6-inch) flour or corn tortillas – serve as gluten or non-gluten base
- 1/2 cup avocado crema or sour cream – creamy topping for contrast
- 1/2 cup salsa fresca or pico de gallo – bright, fresh topping
- 1/2 cup crumbled Cotija or queso fresco cheese – adds salty, crumbly texture
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves for garnish – herbaceous finish
- Optional: lime wedges, hot sauce, avocado slices – for added flavor customization
Special Dietary Options:
- Vegan: Substitute flank steak with marinated grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu for plant-based tacos.
- Gluten-free: Use corn tortillas exclusively to maintain gluten-free status.
- Low-calorie: Choose leaner cuts, limit oil use, and load up on fresh vegetable toppings.
How to Prepare the Perfect grilled steak tacos: Step-by-Step Guide
First Step: Prepare Marinade and Ingredients
Peel and juice 1 to 2 large oranges and 2 medium limes to yield approximately 3/4 cup combined citrus juice. Finely grate or mince 4 garlic cloves. Chop cilantro stems for marinade, reserve leaves for garnish. Slice the red onion thinly for grilling.
Second Step: Marinate the Steak and Onions
In a dish or resealable bag, combine orange juice, lime juice, garlic, chopped cilantro stems, 1/2 cup chipotle salsa or 1-3 teaspoons chipotle in adobo, sliced red onions, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 2 tablespoons oil. Add flank steak and coat thoroughly. Refrigerate for 1 to 4 hours, flipping halfway to ensure even marination. Avoid over-marinating to prevent meat from becoming mushy due to acidity.
Third Step: Preheat Grill and Prepare for Cooking
Heat a grill pan, outdoor grill, or skillet to medium-high heat (about 400ºF/204ºC). Remove steak and onions from marinade, discard marinade, and gently brush off excess pieces to prevent burning.
Fourth Step: Cook Grilled Steak and Onions
Season steak on both sides with salt and pepper. Cook onion slices for about 5 minutes until charred and tender, then push aside on the grill. Sear steak 4 minutes per side for medium-rare (internal temp 128ºF/53ºC) or 5 minutes per side for medium (135ºF/57ºC). Remove steak and let rest 10 minutes to retain juices.
Fifth Step: Warm the Tortillas
Warm tortillas by charring quickly over an open flame, heating them in a skillet, or microwaving wrapped in a damp towel until soft and pliable.
Final Step: Assemble and Serve
Slice rested steak thinly against the grain into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Spread avocado crema or sour cream on tortillas, top with sliced steak, grilled onions, salsa fresca or pico de gallo, crumbled Cotija or queso fresco cheese, and fresh cilantro leaves. Serve immediately with optional lime wedges and hot sauce for added flavor. For vegan or gluten-free adaptations, substitute steak and tortillas accordingly.
Tip: Bringing the steak to room temperature before grilling helps ensure even cooking and tenderness.
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your grilled steak tacos
Protein and Main Component Alternatives
- Marinate portobello mushrooms or tofu with the same chipotle marinade for vegan-friendly tacos.
- Use grilled chicken breast or turkey strips as leaner protein options suitable for low-fat diets.
- Skirt steak or tri-tip can replace flank steak for varied beef textures and flavors.
Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications
- Swap diced tomatoes in salsa fresca with roasted bell peppers during off-season for sweetness.
- Add avocado slices, guacamole, or chipotle mayonnaise for creamy richness.
- Experiment with additional herbs like oregano or smoked paprika to enhance seasoning blends.
- Use salsa verde or different hot sauces to customize the heat level and flavor complexity.
- Reduce salt or opt for low-sodium seasonings for heart-healthy catering.
Mastering grilled steak tacos: Advanced Tips and Variations
| Category | Tips and Variations |
|---|---|
| Pro cooking techniques | Allow steak to come to room temperature before grilling for even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to hit your preferred doneness perfectly. Let steak rest properly to retain juices. |
| Flavor variations | Try marinating steak in added lime juice, garlic, and chili powder for tangy heat. Top tacos with pickled onions, crumbled queso fresco, or chimichurri sauce for flair. |
| Presentation tips | Serve tacos on rustic wooden boards with vibrant garnishes like radishes, extra cilantro, and lime wedges to create an inviting display. |
| Make-ahead options | Marinate steak overnight and prepare toppings in advance. Assemble tacos just before serving to preserve freshness. Use foil to keep grilled ingredients warm during serving. |
How to Store grilled steak tacos: Best Practices
Refrigeration
Store leftover grilled steak and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing
Freeze grilled steak slices in sealed freezer bags for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing tortillas, as they may become tough and lose pliability.
Reheating
Reheat steak slices gently on a grill or skillet over medium heat to preserve juiciness. Warm tortillas briefly on a skillet or microwave wrapped in a damp towel to keep them soft.
Meal prep considerations
For batch cooking, prepare and store components separately, then assemble tacos fresh to prevent sogginess and maintain optimal flavor and texture.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About grilled steak tacos
What type of steak is best for making grilled steak tacos?
Flank steak is a popular choice for grilled steak tacos because it is flavorful, affordable, and cooks quickly. Skirt steak and tri-tip are also good alternatives that provide a tender texture when grilled properly. These cuts work well with marinades that include citrus juices, which help tenderize the meat and add bright flavor ideal for tacos.
How long should I marinate steak before grilling it for tacos?
For the best texture and flavor, marinate the steak for 1 to 4 hours. Marinating longer than four hours can overly break down the meat due to the acidity, causing it to become mushy. However, some recipes allow marinating up to 24 hours if using a less acidic marinade. Always discard excess marinade before grilling to prevent flare-ups.
What are some easy toppings to add to grilled steak tacos?
Classic toppings for steak tacos include grilled onions (which can be made from leftover marinade onions), fresh cilantro leaves, crumbled Cotija cheese, and a squeeze of lime. Adding crema or sour cream adds creaminess, while a chunky salsa or pico de gallo offers freshness and acidity. Soft corn or flour tortillas work best to hold the flavorful ingredients.
Can I substitute the steak with a vegetarian option for tacos?
Yes, grilled portobello mushrooms or Mexican spice-rubbed tofu are excellent vegetarian swaps that still bring texture and flavor similar to steak. Marinate them using the same citrus and chipotle-based marinade used for steak to keep the bold taco flavors intact. Simply grill until tender and serve with your preferred taco toppings.
Should I slice the steak before or after grilling for tacos?
To keep the steak tender, cook it whole on the grill and then let it rest for about 5 to 10 minutes. After resting, slice the steak thinly against the grain; this cuts through the muscle fibers and results in more tender bites. Slicing before grilling can cause the meat to dry out or cook unevenly.
grilled steak tacos
🌮 Savor the bold, smoky flavors of grilled steak combined with the vibrant zest of citrus in these delicious tacos.
🌮 Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun outdoor grill party, these tacos are sure to impress!
- Total Time: 3-5 hours (including marinating)
- Yield: 8 tacos, serves 4
Ingredients
– 1 1/2 pounds flank steak
– Peel and juice of 1 to 2 large oranges
– Peel and juice of 2 medium limes
– 4 cloves garlic
– 1 medium bunch fresh cilantro
– 1 (7 to 8-ounce) jar or can chipotle salsa or chipotle in adobo
– 1 small red onion
– 2 teaspoons kosher salt
– 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– 4 tablespoons canola, vegetable, or olive oil
– 8 (5 or 6-inch) flour or corn tortillas
– 1/2 cup avocado crema or sour cream
– 1/2 cup salsa fresca or pico de gallo
– 1/2 cup crumbled Cotija or queso fresco cheese
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
– Optional: lime wedges
– Optional: hot sauce
– Optional: avocado slices
Instructions
1-First Step: Prepare Marinade and Ingredients Peel and juice 1 to 2 large oranges and 2 medium limes to yield approximately 3/4 cup combined citrus juice. Finely grate or mince 4 garlic cloves. Chop cilantro stems for marinade, reserve leaves for garnish. Slice the red onion thinly for grilling.
2-Second Step: Marinate the Steak and Onions In a dish or resealable bag, combine orange juice, lime juice, garlic, chopped cilantro stems, 1/2 cup chipotle salsa or 1-3 teaspoons chipotle in adobo, sliced red onions, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 2 tablespoons oil. Add flank steak and coat thoroughly. Refrigerate for 1 to 4 hours, flipping halfway to ensure even marination. Avoid over-marinating to prevent meat from becoming mushy due to acidity.
3-Third Step: Preheat Grill and Prepare for Cooking Heat a grill pan, outdoor grill, or skillet to medium-high heat (about 400ºF/204ºC). Remove steak and onions from marinade, discard marinade, and gently brush off excess pieces to prevent burning.
4-Fourth Step: Cook Grilled Steak and Onions Season steak on both sides with salt and pepper. Cook onion slices for about 5 minutes until charred and tender, then push aside on the grill. Sear steak 4 minutes per side for medium-rare (internal temp 128ºF/53ºC) or 5 minutes per side for medium (135ºF/57ºC). Remove steak and let rest 10 minutes to retain juices.
5-Fifth Step: Warm the Tortillas Warm tortillas by charring quickly over an open flame, heating them in a skillet, or microwaving wrapped in a damp towel until soft and pliable.
6-Final Step: Assemble and Serve Slice rested steak thinly against the grain into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Spread avocado crema or sour cream on tortillas, top with sliced steak, grilled onions, salsa fresca or pico de gallo, crumbled Cotija or queso fresco cheese, and fresh cilantro leaves. Serve immediately with optional lime wedges and hot sauce for added flavor. For vegan or gluten-free adaptations, substitute steak and tortillas accordingly.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🔥 Bring steak to room temp for even cooking.
🥩 Use flank or skirt steak for optimal tenderness.
🌶️ Adjust chipotle for desired smokiness.
- Prep Time: 20-25 minutes
- Marinating Time: 1-4 hours
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 700
- Sugar: 13 grams
- Sodium: 1290 mg
- Fat: 40 grams
- Saturated Fat: 13 grams
- Carbohydrates: 44 grams
- Fiber: 7 grams
- Protein: 44 grams
These grilled steak tacos were a hit at our last family BBQ! 🥳 I added a bit of smoked paprika to the marinade for an extra kick and it turned out amazing. Thanks for the awesome recipe!