Marinated Flank Steak Tacos Recipe
Introduction
These marinated flank steak tacos are a perfect blend of zesty citrus, smoky spices, and tender beef. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, they make an ideal meal for taco night or any casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ pound flank steak
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice from 2 limes
- Juice from 1 orange
- ½ cup cilantro, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeno, seeds removed and sliced
- Tortillas (flour or corn)
- Avocado or guacamole, for serving
- Pico de gallo, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the flank steak, olive oil, chili powder, salt, onion powder, cumin, oregano, black pepper, lime juice, orange juice, garlic, and jalapeno in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but no more than 8 hours, to marinate.
- Step 2: Remove the steak from the marinade and pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels. Sprinkle with a little salt and black pepper, then let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking.
- Step 3: Preheat your grill to 450°F (230°C). Grill the steak with the lid closed for about 6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) for medium well. Thicker cuts may require additional time.
- Step 4: Remove the steak from the grill and allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes to retain the juices.
- Step 5: Slice the steak thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Step 6: Warm the tortillas and assemble the tacos with steak slices, avocado or guacamole, pico de gallo, and chopped cilantro as desired.
Tips & Variations
- For an indoor cooking option, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and cook the steak 6 to 7 minutes per side until it reaches 140°F internally.
- If you prefer a spicier taco, include some of the jalapeno seeds or add a dash of hot sauce to your toppings.
- Marinating the steak overnight can deepen the flavors but avoid going beyond 8 hours to prevent the meat from becoming mushy.
Storage
Store any leftover cooked steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid overcooking. For best texture, slice and reheat steak separately from tortillas and toppings.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for these tacos?
Yes, skirt steak or sirloin can be good alternatives. Just adjust cooking times since flank steak is thinner and cooks faster.
How do I know when the steak is perfectly cooked?
Using a meat thermometer is the easiest method. Aim for an internal temperature of 140°F for medium well. Remember that the steak will continue to cook slightly while resting.
Print
Marinated Flank Steak Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
These Marinated Flank Steak Tacos are bursting with bold flavors from a vibrant marinade of lime, orange juice, garlic, and spices. Perfectly grilled to medium-well, the juicy, tender flank steak is sliced thin and served in warm tortillas with fresh toppings like avocado or guacamole and pico de gallo, making a delicious and satisfying meal ideal for tacos night or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Marinade & Steak
- 1 ¼ pound Flank Steak
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 teaspoons Chili Powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- Juice from 2 Limes
- Juice from 1 Orange
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 Jalapeno, seeds removed & sliced
- ½ Cup Cilantro, chopped
For Serving
- Tortillas, flour or corn
- Avocado or Guacamole
- Pico de Gallo
Instructions
- Marinate the Steak: Combine the flank steak, olive oil, chili powder, salt, onion powder, cumin, oregano, black pepper, lime juice, orange juice, garlic, jalapeno, and chopped cilantro in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Seal well and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but no more than 8 hours, to infuse the flavors.
- Prepare for Grilling: Remove the steak from the marinade and pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels. Lightly season both sides with salt and black pepper. Let the steak sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Grill the Steak: Preheat your grill to 450°F (230°C) with the lid closed. Place the flank steak on the grill and cook for approximately 6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature hits 140°F (60°C) for medium well. Thicker cuts may need additional time.
- Rest the Steak: Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and moist steak.
- Slice the Steak: Using a sharp knife, slice the steak thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness.
- Alternative Pan Cooking Method: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the flank steak and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) before removing from heat.
- Assemble the Tacos: Warm the tortillas, then fill them with sliced flank steak. Top with avocado or guacamole and pico de gallo as desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Marinating the steak for at least 2 hours improves flavor and tenderness, but do not exceed 8 hours to prevent the meat from becoming mushy.
- Letting the steak rest after cooking is crucial to retain its juices.
- For a spicier version, include the jalapeno seeds or add extra chili powder.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness for perfect medium well.
- Both corn and flour tortillas work well; warm them before serving for better texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: flank steak tacos, marinated steak, grilled steak tacos, Mexican tacos, easy taco recipe, summer grilling
