Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Grilled steak tacos are a bold and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings. With juicy, marinated steak grilled to perfection and tucked into warm tortillas with your favorite toppings, they offer a smoky, satisfying bite every time. Easy to customize and quick to prepare, these tacos are a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

flank or skirt steakolive oillime juicegarliccluminchili powderpaprikaonion powdersaltblack peppercorn or flour tortillaschopped onionscilantroavocadosour cream or Mexican cremaqueso fresco or cotija cheese

directions

Prepare the marinade by whisking together olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

Place the steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, ideally up to 4 hours.

Preheat your grill to high heat.

Remove the steak from the marinade and grill for 3-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness.

Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.

Warm the tortillas on the grill or in a skillet until pliable and slightly charred.

Assemble the tacos by placing sliced steak in the tortillas and topping with chopped onions, cilantro, avocado slices, sour cream, and crumbled cheese.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 8 tacos.Preparation time: 10 minutesMarinating time: 30 minutes to 4 hoursGrilling time: 8-10 minutesAssembly time: 10 minutesTotal time: 50 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes (depending on marinating)

Variations

Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.

Swap steak for grilled chicken or shrimp.

Add pickled red onions or jalapeños for extra zing.

Top with a homemade salsa verde or chipotle mayo for added flavor.

Include grilled bell peppers or onions for a fajita-style taco.

storage/reheating

Store leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short bursts until warm.Tortillas can be wrapped in foil and warmed in the oven or on the stovetop before serving.

FAQs

What cut of steak is best for tacos?

Flank or skirt steak is ideal due to its tenderness and flavor when grilled and sliced thinly.

Can I cook the steak without a grill?

Yes, use a stovetop grill pan or cast-iron skillet for similar results.

How thin should I slice the steak?

Slice it thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness in every bite.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely, the marinade can be prepared up to 2 days in advance.

Are grilled steak tacos spicy?

They can be mildly spicy depending on the seasoning—adjust chili powder to taste.

Can I freeze the cooked steak?

Yes, freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as needed.

Can I use store-bought taco seasoning?

Yes, but homemade seasoning provides fresher, customizable flavor.

How do I keep tortillas from breaking?

Warm them before filling to make them more pliable and less likely to tear.

What toppings go best with steak tacos?

Classic options include onions, cilantro, avocado, crema, and queso fresco.

Can I add a squeeze of lime?

Definitely—lime adds brightness and complements the grilled steak beautifully.

Conclusion

Grilled steak tacos are a delicious and versatile dish that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for any taco night, they offer the ideal balance of smoky steak, fresh toppings, and warm tortillas. Once you try them, you’ll want to make them part of your regular recipe rotation.