Steak tacos are the perfect summer dinner, bursting with flavor and easy to prepare. These delicious tacos feature juicy flank steak marinated in lime juice and spices, paired with fresh avocado, red onion, and queso fresco. Great for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to festive summer parties, these steak tacos will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 40 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of lime, spices, and fresh ingredients creates a vibrant taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve these steak tacos with a variety of toppings like salsa or guacamole to cater to your guests’ preferences.
- Grill-Friendly: Perfect for outdoor grilling, making them an ideal choice for summer cookouts and BBQs.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from the flank steak and healthy fats from avocado, these tacos make for a wholesome meal.
Tools and Preparation
Getting ready to make steak tacos is easy when you have the right tools. Here’s what you need to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Tongs
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill: A good grill ensures that the steak gets those beautiful char marks while locking in the juices.
- Mixing bowl: Useful for combining the marinade ingredients evenly before applying them to the steak.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the cooked steak into perfect strips.
Ingredients
Steak tacos with avocado, red onion, cilantro, and queso fresco make a great summer dinner!
For the Steak
- 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 Tacos
- 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
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine lime zest, salt, sugar, pepper, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and cinnamon.
Step 3: Season the Steak
Rub both sides of the steak with the spice mixture. Press it firmly with your fingers to help the rub adhere to the meat.
Step 4: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to high heat. Lightly coat a paper towel with olive oil. Using long tongs, carefully rub the oiled towel over the grill rack.
Step 5: Grill the Steak
Place the seasoned steak directly on the grill. Cook for 5 minutes on each side until desired doneness is reached. Remove from grill and let rest on a cutting board covered with foil for 10 minutes.
Step 6: Warm Tortillas
While resting, warm corn tortillas on the grill or use a gas flame to char them slightly.
Step 7: Assemble Tacos
Cut the rested steak into strips against the grain. Place strips in warm tortillas. Top each taco with chopped red onion, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, and crumbled queso fresco. Drizzle chimichurri sauce over if desired. Squeeze lime juice for extra flavor before serving warm.
How to Serve Steak Tacos
Steak tacos are versatile and perfect for any gathering or weeknight dinner. Here are some creative ways to serve them, allowing everyone to customize their own delicious taco experience.
Classic Toppings
- Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and brightness.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime enhances the flavors and balances the richness of the steak.
- Red Onion: Chopped red onion offers a crunchy texture and mild sweetness.
Gourmet Additions
- Chimichurri Sauce: This herby sauce elevates your steak tacos with its tangy and garlicky notes.
- Pickled Jalapeños: For those who enjoy a little heat, pickled jalapeños provide a spicy kick.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and coolness to each bite.
Unique Twists
- Pineapple Salsa: Sweet pineapple salsa brings a refreshing contrast that complements the savory steak.
- Feta Cheese: Swap queso fresco for feta for a salty, creamy alternative that pairs well with the spices in the meat.
How to Perfect Steak Tacos
To ensure your steak tacos are always a hit, follow these helpful tips.
- Bold Marinade: Use lime juice and spices to marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes. This intensifies flavor and tenderness.
- Grill at High Heat: Cooking on high heat gives a nice char while keeping the inside juicy. Aim for just 5 minutes on each side.
- Slice Against the Grain: Cutting steak against the grain ensures tender strips that are easy to chew and enjoy.
- Warm Tortillas: Warm corn tortillas enhance flavor and make them pliable for stuffing without tearing.
- Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to try various toppings and sauces to find your favorite combinations.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your steak tacos right after assembling them for the best taste and texture.
Best Side Dishes for Steak Tacos
Complement your steak tacos with these delicious side dishes. They will round out your meal perfectly.
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices makes an excellent base or side option.
- Black Beans: Creamy black beans offer protein and fiber, making them a hearty addition.
- Corn Salad: A fresh corn salad with lime dressing adds sweetness and crunch to your plate.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole pairs well with tacos, providing richness that balances flavors.
- Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies add color, nutrients, and a smoky flavor that enhances your meal.
- Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make for a fun appetizer before digging into the main event.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people make common mistakes when preparing steak tacos. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect dish.
Ignoring the marinade time: Not allowing the steak to marinate for at least 30 minutes can lead to bland flavors. Ensure you give it enough time to soak in the lime juice and spices.
Overcooking the steak: Cooking the steak for too long can make it tough and dry. Aim for a perfect medium-rare by grilling for about 5 minutes on each side.
Skipping resting time: Cutting into the steak immediately after grilling can result in juices running out. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
Not warming tortillas: Serving cold tortillas will diminish the overall experience of your steak tacos. Warm them on the grill or over a gas flame before filling them.
Using low-quality ingredients: The quality of your steak and toppings matters! Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients for richer flavors in your steak tacos.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover steak tacos in an airtight container.
- They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Steak Tacos
- Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they will last 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 about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate, covering with a damp paper towel. Heat for about 30 seconds, checking frequently.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add tacos and cover, cooking for about 2-3 minutes per side until warm and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best toppings for steak tacos?
Fresh toppings like avocado, cilantro, red onion, and queso fresco elevate your steak tacos. You can also add salsa or pickled onions for extra flavor.
How do I make chimichurri sauce?
Chimichurri sauce is made from parsley, garlic, vinegar, oil, and spices. Blend these ingredients together until smooth for a zesty topping on your steak tacos.
Can I use other cuts of meat for steak tacos?
Yes! While flank steak is great, you can also use skirt steak or sirloin. These cuts will provide similar flavors when properly seasoned and cooked.
Are these steak tacos spicy?
The spice level of these steak tacos is mild. If you prefer more heat, consider adding jalapeños or a spicy salsa as toppings.
Final Thoughts
Steak tacos are not just delicious; they are also versatile and customizable according to your taste preferences. With fresh ingredients and simple techniques, this recipe is perfect for summer dinners or any gathering. Don’t hesitate to try different toppings or sauces to make it uniquely yours!
Steak Tacos
Steak tacos are the ultimate summer treat, perfect for gatherings or satisfying weeknight dinners. Marinated flank steak grilled to juicy perfection is nestled in warm corn tortillas and topped with creamy avocado, crunchy red onions, fresh cilantro, and crumbled queso fresco. The vibrant flavors of lime and spices meld beautifully, making every bite a celebration of taste. With easy preparation and versatile serving options, these steak tacos promise to impress your guests while delighting your taste buds all summer long.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 (8 tacos total) 1x
Ingredients
- 1 ½ 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
- 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)
Instructions
- Marinate the flank steak in lime juice for 30 minutes.
- Mix lime zest and spices in a bowl; rub evenly onto the steak.
- Preheat the grill and oil the rack.
- Grill the steak for 5 minutes on each side until desired doneness; rest for 10 minutes.
- Warm tortillas on the grill or flame.
- Slice the steak against the grain and assemble tacos with toppings.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 85mg