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This easy steak tacos recipe is loaded with bold flavor and spices. Perfectly tender steak, street taco vibes, your new weekend favorite! Taco time!
This easy steak tacos recipe is loaded with bold flavor and spices. Perfectly tender steak, street taco vibes, your new weekend favorite! Taco time!
These steak tacos are bold, juicy, and easy to make, perfect for spice lovers! It’s a simple riff on my Carne Asada Tacos Recipe, with some of that Street Tacos vibe, but this version is extra customizable with spicy toppings galore. Perfect for the Chili Pepper Madness crowd!
Steak Tacos Ingredients & Swaps
- Steak: Skirt or flank are best ribeye or sirloin work too
- Oil: Use vegetable olive or avocado oil
- Spices: Chili powder cumin smoked paprika garlic powder onion powder cayenne optional
- Fresh: Minced jalapenos or serranos lime juice salt and pepper
- Tortillas: Corn is classic but flour works if you prefer
- Spicy Topping Ideas: Sliced jalapenos or serranos Pickled chilies like habanero or Scotch bonnet Spicy salsa or hot sauce chipotle or habanero-based
- Fresh Topping Ideas: Chopped cilantro Diced onion Lime wedges Avocado or guacamole Cotija feta or shredded jack cheese
How to Make Steak Tacos
- Step 1 Prep the Marinade:
- Start by mixing your marinade ingredients in a bowl or large zip-top bag oil spices jalapenos lime juice salt and pepper Add the steak and make sure it's fully coated Pop it in the fridge for at least 15 minutes or up to 1 hour while you prep your toppings
- Step 2 Cook the Steak:
- When you're ready to cook heat your grill or a heavy skillet like cast iron over high heat Remove the steak from the marinade and let any excess drip off Cook the steak for a few minutes per side just enough to get a good char and hit your desired doneness Medium-rare is usually 2-4 minutes per side depending on thickness
- Step 3 Rest & Slice:
- Once the steak is done transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 5 minutes This helps keep it juicy Then slice it thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness
- Step 4 Warm the Tortillas:
- While the steak rests warm up your tortillas You can do this on the grill in a dry skillet or even over a gas burner for a little char Keep them warm in a clean towel or tortilla warmer until ready to serve
- Step 5 Build Your Tacos:
- Layer the sliced steak into the warm tortillas Add your favorite toppings Load up the heat with chiles and hot sauce or keep it mellow with fresh herbs and guac Serve right away with extra lime wedges and salsa on the side
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Recipe Tips & Notes
Upgrade your marinade For extra smoky flavor add a spoonful of chipotle in adobo to your marinade For a hint of sweetness blend in a bit of honey or brown sugar Make it citrus-forward by swapping lime juice for orange juice and adding oregano Don’t skip the rest time after cooking It makes a huge difference in tenderness Want crunch Add thinly sliced radishes or shredded cabbage for crunchy texture
Serving Ideas
Serve up your steak tacos with a cold spicy margarita or michelada For side dishes you'll love my Mexican rice recipe Charro Beans Frijoles Charros or Esquites Mexican Street Corn Salad Try these amazing Chiles Toreados and also this creamy jalapeno sauce that everyone craves
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Pro Tips & FAQ
How do I know when the steak is done Use a meat thermometer 130°F for medium-rare 140°F for medium Can I make this ahead of time Yes Marinate the steak up to a day in advance Cooked steak can be stored in the fridge for 3 days How do I reheat leftovers Gently reheat sliced steak in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short bursts What’s the best way to keep tortillas warm Wrap in a towel or keep in a covered tortilla warmer
Storage & Reheating Leftovers
Let the steak cool completely then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days You can also store tortillas and toppings separately to keep everything fresh Reheating Reheat sliced steak in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist just a few minutes until warmed through Alternatively microwave in short bursts covered with a damp paper towel Avoid overcooking to keep the steak tender Freezing You can freeze cooked steak slices for up to 2 months Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating That's it my friends I hope you enjoy this easy steak tacos recipe Let me know if you make it I'd love to hear how it turned out for you
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I know when the steak is cooked perfectly?
Use a meat thermometer: 130°F signals medium-rare, and 140°F for medium doneness. Cooking a few minutes per side over high heat also helps achieve a good char and juicy interior.
- → Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Yes, marinate the steak for at least 15 minutes up to one hour or even a day ahead for deeper flavor.
- → What are good topping options for these tacos?
Try spicy options like sliced jalapenos or chipotle salsa, or fresh toppings such as cilantro, diced onions, lime wedges, and avocado or cheese.
- → How should I reheat leftover steak slices?
Gently warm sliced steak in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or microwave in short bursts covered with a damp towel to keep it moist.
- → What is the best way to keep tortillas warm?
Wrap tortillas in a clean towel or use a covered tortilla warmer to maintain softness and warmth until serving.