If you love simple and delicious meals, you’ll enjoy grilled steak tacos. This recipe is easy and packed with flavor. You only need a few ingredients and some basic steps. I’ll show you how to marinate the steak, grill it right, and assemble tacos that will impress anyone. So, grab your apron, and let’s make a tasty meal that’s perfect for any night!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 lb flank steak, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
– 8 small corn tortillas
– 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
– 1 cup diced onions (use white or red based on preference)
– 1 ripe avocado, sliced
– 1 cup pico de gallo or your favorite salsa for serving
To make great grilled steak tacos, you need a few key ingredients. Start with the flank steak. It is a lean cut that cooks well on the grill. For the marinade, you will mix olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. This mix adds a lot of flavor. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste.
You will also need corn tortillas to hold your tasty filling. Fresh cilantro and diced onions make great toppings. Avocado adds creaminess, while pico de gallo or your favorite salsa gives a fresh kick.
Using fresh and high-quality ingredients makes a big difference in your tacos. You can find many of these at your local market. If you want the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
Marinating the steak
Start by making a flavorful marinade. In a bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and your spices: 1 teaspoon each of cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Add salt and pepper to taste. This mixture adds great taste to the steak.
Next, place the flank steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure it’s well coated. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, let it marinate for up to 2 hours for even better flavor.
Preheating the grill
Once your steak is ready, it’s time to heat your grill. Turn it on to medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to sear the steak well. A good sear locks in juices and gives a nice crust.
Grilling techniques
Remove the steak from the marinade and throw away the marinade. Place the steak on the hot grill. Grill it for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Check for your preferred doneness. I suggest aiming for medium-rare for the best texture.
After grilling, take the steak off the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This step is key. It keeps the juices inside the meat.
Assembling the tacos
While the steak rests, warm your corn tortillas on the grill. Heat them for about 30 seconds on each side until they are soft and pliable.
Slice the rested steak thinly against the grain. This way, each bite is tender and easy to chew.
Now, grab a warm tortilla and add a few slices of steak to the center. Top with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and slices of avocado. Add a spoonful of pico de gallo or your favorite salsa to finish.
Serve these tacos warm and enjoy the burst of flavors! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Steak
Choosing the right steak cut
For steak tacos, flank steak is my top choice. It’s tender and packed with flavor. You can also use skirt steak or ribeye. These cuts work well because they grill nicely and slice easily.
Tips for marinating
Marinating adds great taste. I recommend a mix of olive oil, lime juice, garlic, and spices. Let the steak marinate for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, try to marinate it for up to 2 hours. This will soak in the flavors and keep the meat juicy.
Achieving the desired doneness
Cooking steak just right is key. I aim for medium-rare, around 130°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Grill the steak for 5-7 minutes on each side. After grilling, let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside.
Following these tips will help you create tasty grilled steak tacos. Check the Full Recipe for more details!
Variations
Alternative Ingredients
You can change up your grilled steak tacos with different ingredients. Here are some ideas:
– Different cuts of steak: You don’t have to stick with flank steak. Try skirt steak, sirloin, or ribeye. Each cut gives a different taste and texture. Skirt steak is more beefy, while ribeye has more fat and flavor.
– Vegetarian options: If you want a meat-free taco, use grilled zucchini, portobello mushrooms, or marinated tempeh. These options soak up flavor well. They make a tasty and filling meal.
– Unique marinades or sauces: Spice things up with different marinades. Try adding soy sauce, honey, or chipotle for a twist. You can also make sauces like chimichurri or garlic aioli to drizzle on top. These sauces will elevate your tacos to a new level.
For the full recipe, check out the instructions provided earlier. Enjoy experimenting with these variations!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your grilled steak tacos fresh, follow these steps:
– Proper storage methods: Place leftover tacos in an airtight container. If you have extra steak, store it separately. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
– Reheating instructions: You can reheat steak in a skillet over medium heat. Heat it for about 3-5 minutes. You may add a splash of water to keep it moist. For the tortillas, warm them briefly on the grill or in a dry pan.
– Recommended shelf life: Leftover grilled steak can last in the fridge for up to 3 days. Tacos with toppings should be eaten within 1-2 days for the best taste. If you freeze the steak, it can last up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
Making the most of your grilled steak tacos means less waste and more delicious meals later! For the full recipe, check out the complete steps and ingredients list.
FAQs
How can I make steak tacos spicier?
To spice up your steak tacos, add fresh chopped jalapeños or hot sauce. You can also use spicy salsa instead of pico de gallo. Another great tip is to mix in some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes into your marinade.
What toppings are best for grilled steak tacos?
The best toppings for grilled steak tacos include:
– Chopped cilantro
– Diced onions (white or red)
– Sliced avocado
– Pico de gallo or your favorite salsa
– Crumbled queso fresco
These toppings add fresh flavors and textures.
Can I use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?
Yes, a grill pan works great! Just heat it over medium-high heat. Make sure to oil the pan lightly to prevent sticking. Your steak will still get those lovely grill marks and taste fantastic.
What is the best way to slice steak for tacos?
Always slice the steak against the grain. This means cutting across the fibers of the meat. This method keeps each bite tender and easy to chew.
How do I know when my steak is done?
Use a meat thermometer for the best results. Aim for:
– 130°F for medium-rare
– 140°F for medium
– 150°F for medium-well
If you don’t have a thermometer, press the steak with your finger. A firm feel means it’s likely well done, while a soft feel indicates it’s rare. For a perfect grilled steak, check the Full Recipe for more tips!
To make tasty steak tacos, you need the right ingredients, techniques, and tips. We explored key ingredients like flank steak, flavors from marinades, and tasty toppings. I shared quick steps for marinating, grilling, and assembling. You can use alternative cuts or even go vegetarian. Remember proper storage for leftovers to keep them fresh. With answers to your FAQs, you’re ready to impress! Enjoy the process and make tasty meals you love.
